It is strange that perhaps the most influential figure of the last thousand years (certainly THE most influential of his era) has only seldom been discussed on television and in films. Yet, somehow apart from a few movies on the life of Martin Luther, he's rarely talked about in the media. I don't think this is any conspiracy...far from it. It's probably a case of omission due to our tendency to focus on recent history. Fortunately, this documentary has come along to help cast a new look at this incredibly influential man.
Originally, this film was shown in private showings across the country--in churches and movie theaters here and there. Somehow it made it to PBS and it surprised me a bit as the film certainly is very religious in nature. I applaud their decision to air it, as you cannot separate the strong religious message from the historical figure...and the film does an excellent job in discussing his impact, the man's deficiencies and his strengths...all with great balance and respect. Rarely do you see any documentary that takes on the entirety of a historical figure. Often they either laud the person excessively or attack them...but here you see Luther, warts and all...and in a way that conveys who he is, shows respect to his followers and puts it all into wonderful context. I also appreciate how in addition to the many, many experts who discuss the man, they also recreate Luther and his life--using an excellent actor, wonderful costumes and on location shooting throughout Europe. A quality production all around and I really wish all historical documentaries were made with this much care.
Originally, this film was shown in private showings across the country--in churches and movie theaters here and there. Somehow it made it to PBS and it surprised me a bit as the film certainly is very religious in nature. I applaud their decision to air it, as you cannot separate the strong religious message from the historical figure...and the film does an excellent job in discussing his impact, the man's deficiencies and his strengths...all with great balance and respect. Rarely do you see any documentary that takes on the entirety of a historical figure. Often they either laud the person excessively or attack them...but here you see Luther, warts and all...and in a way that conveys who he is, shows respect to his followers and puts it all into wonderful context. I also appreciate how in addition to the many, many experts who discuss the man, they also recreate Luther and his life--using an excellent actor, wonderful costumes and on location shooting throughout Europe. A quality production all around and I really wish all historical documentaries were made with this much care.