Reviews of the Movie Luther

Opinions expressed here are not necessarily the opinions of Concordia Publishing House

I saw the movie and it was very inspiring. It helps you appreciate what the people before us went through so that we can have the Bible in the language of the common people. I will certainly read more about Martin Luther to get a better appreciation of his contribution to the faith. The score is very uplifting and I hope they come out with a cd of the soundtrack.

May McGuire
Trinity, Florida

An interesting portrayal of Martin Luther, the man. I expected to see more theological discussion in the movie, perhaps more background.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie immensely.

Kent Marshall
Mount Clemens, Michigan

This was an excellent movie. It was full of action, holding our attention throughout. Having been brought up Lutheran, I have always known of Martin Luther and his accomplishments with the Reformation movement; but this movie helped to bring me into his life. It vivividly let me experience some of the trials and challenges what he faced as he worked on achieving his goal; that of making mankind know that there is a gracious and merciful God. I highly recommend that people to it.

Linda Greb
Sioux Falls, SD

I had the priviledge of seeing the preview showing (courtesy of KFUO)in St. Louis on Sept. 27 and it was outstanding!! Bravo to Hollywood for finally showing some courage in displaying the Gospel faithfully and reverently in this splendidly filmed and accurate portrayal of one of history's most influential figures. My only regret is that not enough time was given to Luther the family man. Although his marriage to Katie is glimpsed at the end, more "family time" would have shown a more personal side of Luther giving the viewer a deeper view of his personality and life At just under two hours I could have handled an even longer version. Wasn't "BRAVEHEART" almost 3 hours? A longer version would have offered more time to develop the scenes and add more historical data to connect the events. Maybe a sequel is in order? This time on the life of Katherine von Bora Luther who undoubtedly was a great infuence on Luther and helped shape the Reformation with her own unique brand of courage and faith. Everyone should see this movie. I plan to see this at least once more in the theater and take my children (all 12 and under). I felt the graphic nature of the film was kept very subdued and in its context only showing the reality of life as it was lived.

Diane
Staunton, IL

Awesome, so well done I can't see anybody not enjoying it.

Ben Rolf
South Bend, Indiana

I saw the movie last night and could not sleep! Luther was brought to life in an incredible way. Human,yet,driven and inspired.I have ordered the book and will take a group to see it again this week. Don't go alone! You will need someone to speak with when the movie is over.

Bernie Torrence
Millersburg, Ohio

First, the cast is excellent. Sir Peter Ustinov is charming as Duke Frederick the Wise. I think the historical Frederick was not quite so elderly and feeble, but Ustinov nails it portraying Frederick as wanting to keep the peace while defending his star professor. On the bottom line, Frederick was depicted as a man of integrity who literally saved Luther's life.

Alfred Molina played the infamous Dominican indulgence salesman, John Tetzel. Though his time on the screen was short, he hit a homer. Tetzel was truly despicable in how he, on order from the pope, SOLD forgiveness. He preached hellfire and brimstone and terrified the illiterate peasants. Molina made me shiver.

Claire Cox played Katharina von Bora, the runaway nun who wed and tamed Martin Luther. Again, she wasn't on the screen much, but she captured Katherine's strength, intelligence, and forcefulness. Without Katherine, Martin would have never accomplished many of the things he did in his later career.

And finally, Joseph Fiennes was outstanding as Martin Luther. He showed us a man who was brilliant, passionate and courageous, yet humble, pastoral and warm. And fiercely committed to Christ and the pure Word of God. I thought the scene where he defended his writings before the emperor in the German city of Worms was stellar.

For the most part, this movie is historically accurate. It is also well made. Many of the scenes are stitched together so dramatically and with such artistry that I experienced the whole range of emotions.

It has a few weaknesses and I'm sorry that it left out some important events and characters, but given the limitations of a two-hour film, I think it pulled off quite an awesome task.

Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer
Pittsburgh, PA

It was very emotional and moving! My wife and I cried for so much of the movie, especially when Katherina showed up.

Vincent Shaw
bellevue, ne

I thought the movie was great! Several discrepancies in some minor details, but a solid confession of the faith. Luther proclaims Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation! What a wonderful movie with a solid proclamation!

Heidi Mueller
Fort Wayne, IN

Enjoyed the movie and found the events, characters and relationships believable and apparently accurate. I would love to see in the future a film that would address Luthers life and times in even greater detail.

Steve White
Springfield, IL

Read Concordia's Interim President Paul T. McCain's review.