Product: Luther [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Germany ]
Rating: 2.0
This is no Luther I know
One thing you have to admit about Michael Moore is that he understands that even if you are preaching to the converted you have to at least have something to bring to the table. "Luther" has nothing, other than the expectation that you will only watch this film if you are a Lutheran, and thus are willing to sit through a whitewashing. While I was originally anxious to watch this film because of my interest in history, I quickly came to realize that the Lutherans see their leader as one who changed history with a warm heart. However, the Luther I know from my readings was one who had heated disputes with the spirits and who had a great disdain for all things female. None of that is seen here, and so the movie becomes yet another failed religious movie. I did, however, find some good in the film. The costumes and set designs are first rate. I also enjoyed watching Luther use the Catholic Church's own policies against them. Forbidding people to read the Bible in different languages was bound to catch up with them eventually. I also will always respect Luther for starting one of the most successful non-violent revolutions in history. Of course, all revolutions involve some violence, but his was never based on it. It's just a shame this film, paid for by Lutherans, wouldn't admit that their hero wasn't perfect (none of mine are). My final question I leave you with is this: If this film is by Lutherans for Lutherans, then shouldn't they already know that this man had serious character flaws? 2 out of 5.