Product: Luther [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Germany ]
Rating: 5.0
Well-crafted, compelling drama!
This biography of Martin Luther is a must-see as much for its outstanding cast performances as well as historical value. The viewer is given a glimpse into a very human man with doubts, fears, and failings to which we can all relate rather than attempting to elevate him to saintly status (which Luther himself would have deplored anyway).Luther's early beginnings are explored only briefly but sufficiently to show his entry into the priesthood, his strained relationship with his family over his choice of a clerical career, and the influences of his mentors. He begins to question the practices of his church and his internal struggles over both his own faith in God and the wisdom in even daring to question, not to mention speak out against, the decrees of the pope and church hierarchy. Despite his convictions this self-debate continues when he's threatened with death. How refreshing to see this presentation of a real man rather than a larger-than-life historical hero!Peter Ustinov gives a simultaneously charming, witty, and sensitive portrayal of Prince Frederick, but it's Joseph Fiennes who really delivers with the title role, giving Christians a magnificent docudrama of our faith as well as the valuable reminder that one man can, in fact, change the world. Five stars!