I feel as though I should begin this review with the following disclaimer so that you cannot accuse me of being partial toward Martin Luther: I am not a Lutheran and I do not believe I have ever attended a Lutheran church service (except for a couple of weddings).  With that out of the way, I can move on to let you know what I thought of this movie, which starred Joseph Fiennes, Alfred Molina, Claire Cox, Jonathan Firth, and the late Sir Peter Ustinov.

     Luther is probably the best movie that I have ever seen because of its incredible storyline.  I am not an expert on Martin Luther’s life but this movie has caused me to study this man in some detail.  The more I learn about him, the more I admire him for what he did.  I do not necessarily agree with all of his doctrinal positions but I am so thankful that he was willing to take a stand for the truth of God’s Word.

     Ultimately, that’s what is so important about Luther’s life.  He lived in a time ruled by the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and their tradition.  As a monk and scholar, Luther began to realize that the church often contradicted itself and, more importantly, the Bible.  He set out to reform the church and call it back to the authority of the Word of God.  However, since the RCC would not accept correction a split was inevitable. 

     Sadly, very few Christians understand the importance of Luther’s actions.  If this man did not spark the Reformation, we would not enjoy the freedoms we have in this country and in many places around the world.  It is highly probable that the RCC would still be the dominant force in the world.  While he is often remembered for nailing the 95 Theses to the cathedral door in Wittenberg, perhaps his greatest achievement was the translation of the Bible into German.  For the first time since the early church, God’s Word was written in the vernacular for all to read.  As Luther's friend Spalatin succinctly put it, “this is what Rome fears most.”  Martin Luther responded with a line all Christians should remember, “well, you must blame the Author for that.” 

     This is what it really comes down to.  Throughout history, Satan has attempted to undermine the authority of God’s Word.  He did it in the Garden when he asked Eve, “Did God really say…?”  We see the same thing today with the many compromises with the evolutionary theory.  Christian professors and pastors are teaching people to ask, "Did God really say..." that He created in six literal days?  During Luther’s time, the RCC did not allow the Bible to be read by the common people.  In fact, the RCC placed the Bible on its Index Librorum Prohibitorum (index of prohibited books).  Martin Luther was able to take a stand against this oppression and give God’s Word to the people. 

     It is difficult for those of us who grew up enjoying freedom to comprehend what this man did.  I have been in high pressure situations before but nothing that could even remotely resemble what this man endured.  He must have felt like Elijah who complained about being the only loyal believer (1 Kings 19: 10).  In the face of almost certain execution, Luther uttered the following words:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture or by clear reason (for I trust neither pope nor council alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have cited, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since to act against one’s conscience is neither safe nor right. I cannot do otherwise. Here I stand, may God help me.” ^[1]

If the church in America had just a little bit of the conviction this man had, we would see God do some amazing things.  In a place where we face little persecution, if any, the church often cowers and backpedals when it should be boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.  All Christians would benefit from watching this movie and learning from Martin Luther’s example.

     Speaking strictly of Luther’s quality as a film, I would say that it was very good.  The acting was excellent, especially by Sir Peter Ustinov (Prince Frederick) who seemed to have saved his best for last (this was Ustinov’s last film before he passed away).  Fiennes does a wonderful job of playing Luther and Firth is perfectly menacing as Aleander.  The sets and costumes were outstanding.  The drama was intensified by a wonderful score (music).  I would have liked to have seen a little more build up to the 95 theses scene and, from a history buff's standpoint, I wished it would have included the Disputation at Leipzig with Johan Maier Eck.  The movie's history is quite accurate.  The film took a little bit of artistic license and added two subplots that probably were not real - the crippled child and the boy who committed suicide.  These were used to summarize Luther's connection with the people.  Nevertheless, I give Luther 10 out of 10 and cannot think of any movie I would recommend more than this one.

(7/13/05)

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