23rd August, 2005

DAVID ADAMS

Luther (M) DVD release

His ideas changed the world yet few of us know many of the details of the life of German church reformer Martin Luther. Eric Till’s film Luther fills in some of the gaps. A powerful and evocative retelling of the priest’s life journey and in particular his revolutionary stance against the corrupt practices of the established church, Luther deftly handles the inner struggles of its protagonist and the general social upheaval he helps to unleash across the land. His was not an easy path and while one can read endless accounts of his nailing the 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Cathedral, it’s only when confronted with images of this event that one begins to understand the conviction - and, yes, the courage - it took to do so. Yet this is essentially a very human story and while it concerns issues which shook the world, its focus remains very much on Luther the man, a man capable of greatness yet, as one is reminded in the film, a man who also comes complete with human frailties. Joseph Fiennes puts in a strong performance as Luther with a stellar supporting cast including Sir Peter Ustinov (Frederick the Wise), Alfred Molina (indulgence seller Johann Tetzel) and Bruno Ganz (as Luther’s spiritual mentor). There are some small editing jumps but these hardly detract from the rich sets as both the splendour and appalling poverty of the sixteenth century are exquisitely detailed (aptly described in one review as looking like you’re watching a Rembrandt painting come to life) and magnificent locations used in the movie’s production. In short, this is a beautifully produced film about one of world history’s most influential and yet at the same time perhaps still rather enigmatic figures. It should not only illuminate but inspire any Christian that they too can help to change the world!