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Luther More at IMDbPro »
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| Index | 99 reviews in total |
52 out of 76 people found the following review useful:
Incredible experience, 2 October 2003
Author:
KatharineFanatic from United States
Possibly one of the most insightful, fascinating, and profound movies to
come out in twenty years, "Luther" follows the turbulent struggle between
the Catholic church and the country of Germany in the 1500's, revolving
around the greatest religious liberator of the middle ages, Martin Luther.
Both historically correct in many respects, as well as a fantastically
well-written epic with an excessively well-rounded cast (all of which
deserve Oscar nominations), the film has many insightful glimpses into one
man's journey toward his greatest triumph... the translation of the
scriptures into "common" German. If you have any opportunity to view this
big-budget Independent film, take it.
From a purely historical standpoint, the film offers a shocking glimpse into
power and politics, as Cardinals attempt to bend and wrestle princes and
monarchs to their side. It's a shame, but this film will probably not be
recognized at the Oscars due to its strong religious tone. Therefore allow
it to be said that the center core of actors all deserve Oscars for their
performances, particularly Fiennes, Firth, and Ustinov. It was a pleasure to
see Fiennes conform to an astonishingly strong, charismatic man who is not
faultless, but instead human. The costuming, visual effects, and writing are
all fantastic. The dialogue is unusually rich, spattered with direct quotes
from Luther's literary works.
The best thing about "Luther" is the quality of the filmmaking. A lot of
money was poured into this production, leaving Christian films like Megiddo
and Left Behind in the dust. Not only will this receive greater recognition
as a "serious" movie, it will also attract larger audiences due to the
quality, budget, massive locations, and cast list. Secular audiences will
get an open story of salvation. Christian audiences will have the pleasure
of finally having a hero to root for in the cinema, a man who stands up for
his faith against all odds.
43 out of 65 people found the following review useful:
Can't stop this thing we started, 24 October 2004
Author:
livewire-6 from Ottawa, Canada
The title of Bryan Adams' song "Can't Stop This Thing We Started" aptly describes this 2003 retelling of the story of Martin Luther. The film basically depicts Luther as a good Catholic, loyal to the Pope but horrified by the scandals and corruption that plagued the 16th century Church. He is even more horrified when his effort to reform the Church gets out of control, is co-opted for political purposes, and becomes a popular revolution with the attendant carnage and bloodshed. I suspect Luther has been highly romanticized here. For one thing, the film follows him from age 34 to 50, yet (as embodied by the angelically handsome Joseph Fiennes) he never ages a day. His relationship with Katharina von Bora seems astonishingly chaste -- no struggle with the lusts of the flesh for this pious monk! His demons are of a different kind. We see scenes where Luther seems plagued by demons, thrashing about in his cell, hearing unseen voices. (I know Luther was manic-depressive, but I hardly think he was a madman.) The film provides a good summary or outline of the major events of Luther's life and times: the selling of indulgences, the Ninety-Five Theses nailed to the door of Wittenberg Church, the Diet of Worms (a council presided over by Emperor Charles V), the Confession of Augsburg. The costumes accurately reflect historical reality. If I have any quarrel with the film in this regard, it is that it does not adequately mirror a key factor in the struggle between Germany and Rome: the principle of "cuius regio, eius religio". In other words, local princes and kings imposed their own religious beliefs on the peoples they governed. The cast is a constellation of stars, veritable luminaries, including Sir Peter Ustinov in one of his last roles as Frederick of Saxony. The actors are uniformly excellent in their roles, and the dialogue is well written. The photography is somewhat static, leading me to believe this film was made with television in mind -- albeit of the highbrow kind, in the Masterpiece Theatre tradition. Still, if anyone asked me if I recommended "Luther", I would reply as he did at the Diet of Worms: "Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me."
40 out of 61 people found the following review useful:
Great Emotional Film - One of This Year's Best!, 30 October 2003
Author:
mr_polarbear100 from ST. Louis, MO USA
Martin Luther is without a doubt one of the most important figures in
Western Civilization. His actions not only reformed Christianity, but also
shaped the direction in which Europe developed and opened the door for
additional reform and individual freedoms. "Luther" the movie does a fine
job at highlighting Luther's actions prior to and during the
Reformation.
"Luther" is a very rich movie to say the least. The costumes, scenery,
music, acting, and characters all compliment the film nicely. Joseph
Fiennes turns in a fine performance portraying Luther and making the
audience both admire and feel pity for him throughout the film (the
sticklers to realism just have to forgive the fact that Fiennes and Luther
do not look very much alike). All the supporting roles were well done as
well, especially Peter Ustinov as Prince Friedrich and Uwe Ochsenknecht
(say that name three times fast!) as Pope Leo.
Personally as a Lutheran, I was very pleased to see the movie focus mainly
on Luther's scriptural interpretations and 95 Theses rather than solely on
the secular politics of the time. Thankfully, the creators of "Luther" do
not tip-toe around including and expressing Christian messages as to "not
offend" non-Christian viewers. If anything, all the direct references to
the Bible and doctrine may win people over by showing just how much Martin
Luther was a model of Christianity through his love of God and strict belief
in only the scriptures (and not unjust rules of men). All that he used to
battle the ridiculous man made ordinances and general corruption of the 16th
century Catholic Church.
The only things I can really pick apart in "Luther" is the ending - I just
wish the ending was slightly more rounded than it is, it seemed that things
were sped up in the last 1/4 of the film and then it kind of ended abruptly.
Nonetheless, the ending was still very emotional and made me want to stand
up and applaud. I highly recommend this film to those wishing to learn more
about Luther, the Reformation, or even just basic Christianity. But keep in
mind, at times this film is violent. But the violence is used sparingly and
only to drive home some important points in the film (such as Luther's
despair over feeling responsible for so many gruesome deaths). All in all,
this is a very emotional film which works on so many levels and it was a
great pleasure to watch.
31 out of 45 people found the following review useful:
An Oscar for Sir Ustinov (Feinnes too), 23 September 2003
Author:
pts2000 from St. Louis, MO
I just came from the St. Louis premier (in conjunction with the 14th
annual
Theological Symposium at Concordia Seminary) and am very impressed with
the
film. Not only is it entertaining, but it follows the history of Luther's
early years of ministry quite faithfully. Sure, some things were
fictionalized to get us from one scene to another, but the facts of the
reformation movement, and the realities of life in the 16th century are
brought to great realism on the screen.
The performances of Fiennes, and Ustinov were particularly strong, but I
think viewers will fall in love with Ustinov's portrayal of Prince
Friedrich, the Wise. He's like the cuddly grandpa you always wished you
had
(or maybe you did have) who didn't care what people thought of them, said
and did what they pleased, and no one gave them any crap for it. I truly
think it is Oscar calibre work. I think you will too.
Firth as Aleandro was convincing as the Roman Bureaucrat determined to get
ahead by keeping the peace between Leo and Charles. Ganz plays a great
pastor to Luther - throughout his life - one that we should all be so
lucky
to have looking after our spiritual well being.
Hofschneider, as the eager to learn and willing to "suffer all for the
Gospel" assistant (Ulrick) to Luther made it very easy for the viewer to
feel a connection to him. His loyalty was genuine, and not self serving.
A
true man of the cloth.
Although not on screen long, Clair Cox does a nice job showing just how
strong a woman Katie was. Is it any wonder that she went on to run a
rather
successful business apart from Martin's influence?
For sure this is a courageous movie about a stalwart leader of Church,
state, and society to whom western civilization owes a great debt. While
the 1950's version of Luther may be more complete in some respects, it is
not nearly as accesable to today's viewers who are used to big budget,
visually stimulating, and fast paced movies
29 out of 45 people found the following review useful:
Surprisingly Faithful Account, 13 January 2006
Author:
ccthemovieman-1 from United States
Wow, here's an oddity: a modern-day film faithful to theological
history, an uncompromising biography of Martin Luther.
Knowing the film world, I doubt this film was made to glorify God. It
probably was made more to make the Roman Catholic church look bad, or
to glorify a rebel and a man of the people: "the peoples' liberation"
as the back cover of the DVD states.
Whatever the motive, it stays true to history and it's nice to see that
for a change. To those unfamiliar with Luther, he was the founder of
the Protestant denomination. Luther was monk who saw and heard things
he thought were unscriptural and broke off from the Catholic Church in
"protest." Hence, the "Protestant" church was formed.
Anyway, not only was the story done well, so was the cinematography.
This is one gorgeous movie to ogle, well-filmed with high production
values. The scenery, sets and costumes are all first-rate.
Joseph Fiennes (Luther) is a bit wimpy-looking but his character
certainly isn't. As the subject of indulgences and other practices
begin to transform Luther's ideas of what Jesus' church should be, the
story grows in intensity as Luther gets pressured by the Catholic
hierarchy as his protest issues become public.
What happens to him and to the masses because of his actions are
revealed in pretty dramatic form. Obviously the story is far more
complex than two hours can give it but the filmmakers did a pretty good
job condensing it to make the time constriction.
Notes: This was Peter Ustinov's last movie. On the DVD, being that is
was a fairly expensive one, I am surprised there were no "extras." In
all, however, a solid film but it will definitely offend Roman
Catholics.
19 out of 26 people found the following review useful:
The passion account of a theologian who stood against The Vatican and the Inquisition 450 years ago…, 29 December 2007
Author:
ironside (robertfrangie@hotmail.com) from Mexico
The life of the 16th-century German monk Martin Luther (1483-1546) was
filled with inner compulsions, focusing on his crucial years of his
crusade against the Catholic Church, leading to his break with the
Roman Catholic Church…
Director Eric Till presents Rome as a shattered city where depravity
was everywhere… This infuriated Luther who could not believe that Rome
is a circus describing it as 'a running sewer, where you can bye
anything, sex, and salvation, and where they also have brothels for
clerics.'
He also witnesses the church collecting coins from the people
supposedly to free their sins to build Saint Peter's Church and would
be therefore released from Purgatory and enter the Heaven…
Luther was eventually branded a heretic, his books examined and burned,
and anyone who presumes to infringe Pope Leo's excommunication will
stand under the wrath of Almighty God and the Apostles Peter and Paul…
The reaction of the peasants in Germany was against the reaction of the
Inquisition who was burning his writings…For the German people "you
can't burn his ideas." For the Church, his works shall be erased from
the memory of man!
Luther's criticism was not against his Holiness, Pope Leo X, but of
those rogues who claim to represent him… His goal was not to quarrel
with the Pope or the Church but to defend them than mere opinion! The
Gospel, as he affirmed, cannot be denied for the word of man!
As a loyal son of the Church, Luther finds sanctuary with Prince
Frederick, who finds him too daring for him but decides not to
surrender him to Rome… Luther goes on to produce his first translation
of the New Testament Bible into German language… He marries the ex-nun,
Katerina Von Borg, becomes a hero to the people and in spite of his
outlaw status with the Church authorities, his followers ultimately
break with Rome…
Joseph Fiennes played intensely the intriguing story of a brilliant
Augustinian monk with an independent mind who is not interested in
comfort but in the truth!
Sir Peter Ustinov—in his final role—realizes the danger Luther poses to
the Catholic Church…
Alfred Molina as Brother John Tetzel, is the showman terrorizing the
good people of Jüterbog into purchasing special indulgences letting
everyone know the fires of hell awaiting those who did not contribute…
Johann Von Staupitz is the spiritual counselor who knows that Martin
has aptitude for law, and could be send to Rome for a legal brief…
Claire Cox is Luther's beautiful wife who stood behind her young 16th
century monk driven by courage and outrage against a powerful Medieval
Church…
23 out of 35 people found the following review useful:
Beautifully done, yet still a bit sparse, 30 September 2003
Author:
jennkepka from Kansas, U.S.
The beauty of Luther is its drama and its casting. Joseph Fiennes did
what
he does best as the angst-riddled Luther, playing a complex and haunted
character that filled the screen even in his quietest moments. The
supporting cast was also fabulous, particularly the
merry-in-the-face-of-danger
performances by Bruno Ganz and Peter Ustinov.
What's troubling, then, about Luther is that the movie just isn't long
enough to portray the story accurately, and therefore it feels not only
unfinished but full of gaps. Things happen one against another, people
come
and go with little explanation, and yet the story marches on. Luther's
mission is clear, but his purposes are so boiled down that only a few of
his
famous Theses are actually voiced in the movie. Shortening the story was
obviously necessary for a movie, but in all, I think it acts against the
dramatic effect of the film as a whole because things end up with a
certain
disjointed feel.
Still, the cinematography is brilliant and the acting nearly perfect. The
film is worth seeing for its visual splendor (in both performance and
sets)
alone, and certainly as an introduction to a complex historical
topic.
16 out of 23 people found the following review useful:
Luther biography based on true events about the reformer monk, 21 November 2006
Author:
ma-cortes
The film is a biopic concerning the Agustinian monk (1483-1546) Martin
Luther (Joseph Fiennes) . His life and the famous deeds from how was
orchestrated the Protestant Reform are the following : He becomes a
good priest and is going to Rome . There he buys indulgences for his
grandfather , but he sees the reality , a corrupt Rome with the selling
the indulgences to finance the basilica of San Pedro built by Leo X and
previously begun by Clemente VII and Julio II . He returns to Germany
where his preceptor (Bruno Ganz) sends him to Wittemberg to doctorate
himself in theology studies . There preaches John Tetzel (Alfred
Molina), a dreadful inquisitor . But his point of view about the
Catholic church has changed and he rebels and nails himself the 95
Thesis on the door of the church . The Castle Church in Wittenberg,
Germany, in the Holy Roman Empire, where the Ninety-Five Theses
famously appeared . Luther's Theses argued that the sale of indulgences
was a gross violation of the original intention of confession and
penance, and that Christians were being falsely told that they could
find absolution through the purchase of indulgences . He rejected the
Pope authority , the Saints cult , the celibacy and to practice mass .
Luther along with Melanchton (Rudolph) starts the Protestant Reform .
The printing press has been recently invented by Guttemberg and the
Luther's ideas are quickly printed and spread everywhere as the written
books titled ¨The captivity of Babilony¨, ¨The freedom of Christians¨
and ¨ The confession of Ausburg (1530)¨. Pope Leo X (Uwe Ochsenknecht)
threats to Luther on ex-communion but he refuses to recant . He finally
gets the ex-communion by Bulla ¨Exsurge Domine¨ but he burns it in the
public square of Wittemberg . He is appointed in Worms (1521) with the
presence of the emperor Charles V (Liebrech) but he doesn't regret .
Prince Frederick of Xaxony (Peter Ustinov) keeps him in his castle of
Wartburgo . There Martin translates the Bible into German language for
ordinary people understand the New Testament . The common people
follows the Martin's lectures and accuse to Catholic Church of their
penury , burning churches and palaces . Meanwhile , Luther meets an
ex-nun named Katherina Von Bora (Claire Cox) and marries her . The
emperor summons all the German princes for confronting the Luthero's
doctrine . The princes encourage and facing off emperor , they stand up
against Charles V . The Luther's thesis have won in spite of the
princes were defeated in Mulberg (1547) and they signed the treatise of
Ausburg .
In the film appears famous historic characters who are well performed
by a sensational plethora of British and German actors as Ralph Fiennes
(Shakespeare in love) , Bruno Ganz (Hitler in The Downfall), Alfred
Molina (Diego Rivera in Frida) and in his last film , Peter Ustinov
(recently deceased , he was the immortal Nero in Quo Vadis) . The
motion picture gets a colorful cinematography by Robert Frasse , an
atmospheric , evocative musical score by Richad Harvey and is rightly
directed by Eric Till . Devotees of the history will love this movie
which is a fine tribute to Martin Luther .
11 out of 16 people found the following review useful:
Wonderful film, 11 April 2004
Author:
Shannon from So*Cal
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
I'm surprised that this did not get an Oscar nomination, much less an Oscar
nod. It's an incredible film about a man who stands up for what is right
against authority. Peter Ustinov gives a stunning performance in what may
be his last film (may his soul rest in peace). The "Here I stand" scene is
priceless as well as the ending scene with Luther talking to a group of
children about the story of the Prodigal Son.
Critics didn't give this movie any really good reviews and I am truly
surprised. It's brilliant and Joseph Fiennes deserved a nomination by the
Academy as his performance as the (possibly) greatest religious reformer of
all time, Martin Luther.
However, the film does not address the fact that Luther was hostile to Jews
in his day. Still it's great film making and great acting.
22 out of 38 people found the following review useful:
A Masterpiece of Historical Presentation, 28 September 2003
Author:
Doodles23 from Miami, Fl
It is unfortunate that this film has such limited distribution as it to become one of the shining stars of historical dramas. Here in Miami it is only showing in 3 theaters. On opening day at 4:10 in the afternoon there were less than 10 people in the theater! Its attention to historical accuracy is commendable. The acting by Fiennes and Ustinov could not be improved in my view. I was swept away with drama and emotion of the portrayal of Luther at this time of crisis in Christianity. Interestingly the pivotal moment of the nailing of the 95 thesis to the door of the church in Wittenburg is regarded as fictional by most careful scholars of Luther! But the legend is so ingrained that I am glad it was presented. If you have any interest in the foundations of the schism with Catholicism you must see this film.
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