Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love) stars as Martin Luther, the brilliant man of God whose defiant actions changed the world, in this epic, ravishingly beautiful (The New York Times)film that traces Luther's extraordinary and exhilarating quest for the people's liberation. Regional princes and the powerful Church wield a fast, firm and merciless grip on 16th-century Germany. But when Martin Luther issues a shocking challenge to their authority, the people declare him their new leaderand hero. Even when threatened with violent death, Luther refuses to back down, sparkinga bloody revolution that shakes the entire continent to its core.
Like The Passion of the Christ, Luther is the story of a spiritual leader, German monk Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes), in opposition to the religious orthodoxy of the time (in his case, the 1500s). His goal--to bring God to the people and to take money, fear, and shame out of the equation--made him a reformer to some, a heretic to others. Released around the same time as Mel Gibson's blockbuster, it failed to attract the same degree of attention--or controversy. Granted, it's a different film, but not radically so. Directed by Eric Till (Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace), Luther isn't always easy to follow or as emotionally involving as it could be. That said, it's a fascinating story and Fiennes receives solid support from Alfred Molina (Frida), Bruno Ganz (Wings of Desire), and the late Sir Peter Ustinov (Spartacus), in his final film role, as Frederick the Wise. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
reasoned faith:
Well acted and entertaining, this movie would be a good watch if it were total fiction. However very much of it is fact. A great look at a man who refused to follow the status quo of the established church and turned to the teachings of Christ and the bible to base his faith and life on. Both entertaining and thought provoking.
Excellent Historically:
A well presented (and acted) view of the issues at hand at the time of Luther with his discovery and stand for faith for justification versus indulgences and works of the law
Great teaching tool:
This is a great movie. As a World History teacher I use parts of this movie on our study of the Protestant Reformation. I recommend this movie to students of religion, and World History teachers, and anyone interested in religious studies. Martin Luther was a giant in the history of mankind. You might want to do a little background study before viewing the movie so as not to be confused by the sequence of events. Few movies made about historical figures are as accurate as this. The acting by Fiennes as... more info
Pretty accurate; for mature audiences:
A friend loaned us this DVD and my husband I watched it last night. We both enjoyed this portrait of a sensitive man who made a huge impact on the world. The accuracy was remarkable to me, as I have read a lot on Luther, and have been disappointed with the accuracy of movies in general. I recognized much as verbatim Luther or Tetzel. Also the movie seemed to capture the fear, sensitivity, wit, boldness and faith that characterized Luther. I did feel let down over the way Katherina was portrayed. Although it... more info
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