Luther
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Movie Reviews of Luther
Movie Review: Let a ray of light shine in .....
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a cheap shot for me as a Catholic, I guess, to be critical of other religions not allowing their followers to translate or even to discuss their holy books, but this movie brings home the point that it wasn't so long ago that the Holy Church had to endure a revolution in Germany to get the Bible translated by Luther.
Appart from never having been encouraged to read the bible, any exploration into the life and history of Luther was even more frowned upon. This movie gives the armchair Catholic a glimpse at unknown territory as we watch the poor getting fleeced by the rich princes of the church. No the film itself is certainly not what I would consider anti-Catholic, unless you consider that discussing or questioning the history of the Church is anti-Catholic .... So you either have FAITH or you don't ....
Scholars of Luther will probably fall over themselves discussing the accuracy or merits of this film and historical truth. Welcome to reality if it's a film about religion of any worth it will make you think and it will make you year for further knowledge, and, after all, knowledge is power.
Both video and audio tracks are great and the acting is superb with taking us back to Germany in the 16th century. This is the last film made by Peter Ustinov and the art of film is much poorer now without a giant like him ....
Great DVD ... make it part of you collection
Movie Review: Far from comprehensive, yet still strongly recommended!
Summary: 5 Stars
This review is for the 2003 MGM DVD.
The 113 minute presentation on this DVD covers a lot of ground, and to the best of my knowledge, the major thrust of the stories appear to be historically accurate. This really could have been made into a mini-series since there's a lot that wasn't covered - some of it his positive contributions such as his recognition that salvation is attained by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works. He also wrote some of Christianity's best hymns. But he also wasn't a person without faults and I'm glad the film didn't go deeply in that direction either.
I've read a lot about Luther the past 30 years and this film is just wonderful in that shows the key events in these ancient German cathedrals with meticulous detail to costumes and props. Peter Ustinov gives a stirring performance as Frederick the Wise and likewise, Joseph Fiennes convincingly pulls of the challenging role of Martin Luther. Even if you have no interest in Christianity or the Protestant movement, there is no denying that Martin Luther was a man of deep convictions and courage - even in the face of death.
The DVD is must-see for any Christian and can be used as springboard to open up discussion with non-Christians. I just watched it for the first time and lent it to my neighbors and I can't wait to watch it again!
Movie Review: Passion, conviction and realistic zeal - a riveting film.
Summary: 5 Stars
The choice of Joseph Fiennes to play Luther was inspired - the actor has an intense and focused face of ascetic beauty, with remarkable eyes that convey exactly the sort of intellectual, doubt-ridden, zealous quality that one can't help thinking OUGHT to have defined the Luther of real history. In fact, the casting is well-nigh perfect in this superbly shot and scripted film. One sees the characters not as one-dimensional, but as real - they are extremely well acted, and well scripted.
The character of Luther is finely drawn - and the story is made highly watchable through its intelligently-written script. In the main, the story sticks to historical fact, although there's some "film-tweaking" as well. One is drawn into the events of the Reformation with breathless excitement - the story is one of the personal quest every man must undertake, as well as the folly of quelling doubts by refusing to countenance them. The character of Luther undergoes enormous self-questioning and plenty of torment - he had no idea that his words would be used to spark off the horrors of the Peasants' War.
The fine acting, the well-written script, the beautifully shot film make this DVD a treat for all, regardless of religious convictions. Watch it as a history, or just for the portrayal of Luther by Fiennes - it's a portrayal not to be missed.
Movie Review: Excellent......
Summary: 5 Stars
Had bought this DVD last year and had intended to watch it then, but didn't. Today while working on some things I opted to watch it and what an excellent movie and one I think every Christian should watch.
First off its historically accurate and I appreciate being reminded of how one church in Christendom, was based on money for favours, man made unbiblical 'laws' that for centuries, wreaked havoc on people.
The cardinal noting in the movie that the Bible couldn't be understood by lay people, nor most Priests, because it could only be understood by the Pope himself, shows how misguided and alas corrupt these church leaders were. To suggest Luther was a heretic simply because he challenged his flawed human leaders and the lies they told and taught says alot. Wonder how many Catholics or former ones, or lapsed one like myself, know that until Vatican 2 most Catholics were discouraged from reading the Bible for the same reason as what the Cardinal said.
Was good to be reminded as we need to be, that some churches concoct laws that have no biblical basis whatsoever. And that we as believers need only read the Bible ourselves, have a strong prayer life and trust God to show us the way he would have us go. Wish more people knew of the Lutheran and the Presbyterian church and what wonderful churches they are.
Movie Review: Well-crafted, compelling drama!
Summary: 5 Stars
This biography of Martin Luther is a must-see as much for its outstanding cast performances as well as historical value. The viewer is given a glimpse into a very human man with doubts, fears, and failings to which we can all relate rather than attempting to elevate him to saintly status (which Luther himself would have deplored anyway).
Luther's early beginnings are explored only briefly but sufficiently to show his entry into the priesthood, his strained relationship with his family over his choice of a clerical career, and the influences of his mentors. He begins to question the practices of his church and his internal struggles over both his own faith in God and the wisdom in even daring to question, not to mention speak out against, the decrees of the pope and church hierarchy. Despite his convictions this self-debate continues when he's threatened with death. How refreshing to see this presentation of a real man rather than a larger-than-life historical hero!
Peter Ustinov gives a simultaneously charming, witty, and sensitive portrayal of Prince Frederick, but it's Joseph Fiennes who really delivers with the title role, giving Christians a magnificent docudrama of our faith as well as the valuable reminder that one man can, in fact, change the world. Five stars!