What Is It?
This is the story of Martin Luther going against all odds for the sake of the truth of the Bible and the will of God. Directed by Eric Till (Bonhoffer: Agent of Grace and Duct Tape Forever) and starting Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love) this big budget independent film, after over a year in limited theatrical release; is now on video. According to blogcritics.org "Luther was made on a $30 million budget and [when it was released to theaters] to premiere as the #15 movie in America (the #2 independent film), showing on only 400 screens. The other three top-20 debut films that weekend were shown on 3152, 1226, and 2189 screens. Per screen, Luther made more money than eight of the movies ranked higher on the list."
How Was It?
Though the idea of a bio-pic on the reformation does sound a bit like homework, this is a very entertaining film. The cast is great and Joseph Fiennes gives a very vibrant and physical performance. There are exciting things happening through out this film. The story moves with suspense and drama and the look of pre-reformation Germany may also remind you a bit of Peter Jackson's Middle Earth.
Is It Good For Kids?
The film is very tense thought out and the humor is very subtle at times. Scenes of war and preaching of hell and purgatory may unduly scare the younger audience. Luther is not listed at www.ScreenIt.com.
The premise is a fight between truth and deception. This film presents both sides with great power. Though Luther prevails a hero and the side of "the truth of God" wins; Some children may just be confused by the vivid presentations of false doctrine.
How about Spiritual Issues?
This film is driven by spiritual issues. Mainly: you can only use what is
true and good to obtain true and good ends. (Also one of the main themes
of Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It is almost the same film
with out all the fantasy symbolism on top. But I digress) This is a powerful
movie about knowing what you believe and why and then standing up for God
and his word.
The other great thing is that Luther is portrayed here as the Reluctant Rebel.
He gives people the benefit of the doubt and is, at first, simply trying
to lovingly help and correct them. It's when he later finds that these are
conscious choices that he becomes more dogmatic.
Finally, I'm fascinated by the historical timing. We are living in a day
when church leaders are often in the news, usually for doing something we
would never want to imagine could happen, exspecialy in a church. This film
illustrates the point that even when "Church People" are wildly and sinfully
wrong, God is still real, and the truth of God is still true. We do not through
out God because people have sinned in his name, we reject the message of
the people misusing God, then embrace the truth of God all the more. Romans
3:4
What Is Your Recommendation?
This is a wonderful film on every level. If you feel your children are able to handle the thematic elements I would recommend it whole heartedly. This would also be a great conversation starter for the family; from issues of drama and film to discernment and truth, even "how will you live your life?". Luther is one of those rare times where your life may be enhanced having spent a couple of hours watching a movie.
