Product: Luther [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Germany ]
Rating: 4.0
Excellent Film about an Important Person
This cinematic version of Martin Luther's life is excellent as both an intro to one of the most important periods of religious history and as a drama. John Osborne's play "Luther" had some delightful dialogue and a wonderful build in the speeches. This production directed by Eric Till also is powerful. Since his cinematic breakthrough year in 1998 when Joseph Fiennes was in both "Shakespeare In Love" & "Elizabeth," he has continued to do good work with a bit lower profile. His portrayal of Luther shows him to be earnest and honest to a fault, taking his faith struggles as a priest seriously while asking the profound questions that put him on a collision course with Rome. As Luther's mentor, Peter Ustinov delivers a compassionate and delightful performance as King Frederick the Wise. It has been a long while since Ustinov's 2 Oscar wins for supporting actor in Spartacus (1960) & Topkapi (1964). His long career is well reflected in the depth of performance given here. Bruno Ganz does a great job as Luther's father/confessor, Father Johann von Staupitz. Alfred Molina who recently battled Spiderman in the second movie about that cartoon hero and also played as the anti-chocolate authority in "Chocolat" does a good job here as John Tetzel who sells indulgences so people can buy their way to forgiveness. After Luther's ex-communication from the Catholic church, he marries Katharina von Bora who is ably played by a knowing Claire Cox. This is an excellent film that stimulated some very thought-provoking conversation with the teenage segment of my household! (We had to define what a diet of worms might be. :) As a film, it is well paced and brings us tightly to the climax of the drama. Enjoy!