Luther (2003)
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44% of critics liked it
(61 reviews) -
74% of users liked it
(8,411 ratings)
The life of one of the controversial figures in the history of modern religion is brought to the screen in this historical biography. Born in 1483, Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes) was an intelligent and principled young man who was studying law in early 16th century Germany when a close brush with… More The life of one of the controversial figures in the history of modern religion is brought to the screen in this historical biography. Born in 1483, Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes) was an intelligent and principled young man who was studying law in early 16th century Germany when a close brush with death led him to follow a spiritual path and join a Catholic monastery. Under the guidance of Johann von Staupitz (Bruno Ganz), Luther became a valued member of the monastery's hierarchy, and as a sign of his trust, von Staupitz asked Luther to join him for a voyage to Rome as part of church business. Luther was appalled by the corrupt practices of the leading church officials, in particular the sale of "indulgences," in which the wealthy could purchase forgiveness for a wide variety of sins. Luther left the monastery to study theology in Wittenberg; a keen student, he later became a professor and won the support of Frederick the Wise (Peter Ustinov), who also recognized the potential controversy of Luther's iron principles. When a new pope, Leo X, assumes the throne at the Vatican, he orders the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. To pay the costs, an ambitious monk, Johann Tetzel (Alfred Molina), was sent out to sell indulgences to both the wealthy and the poor, leaving his audiences with little doubt of the eternal consequences that awaited those who did not empty their purses. An infuriated Luther wrote an angry essay on the corruption of the church entitled "95 Theses," and thanks to the recent invention of the printing press, Luther's words were soon circulated throughout Europe, leading to an angry conflict with Catholic officials which threatened to tear the church in two. Luther also features supporting performances from Claire Cox as Katharina von Bora and Jonathan Firth as Girolamo Aleandro. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Eric Till
- Written By
- Bart Gavigan, John Osborne, Camille Thomasson
- Genres
- Drama, Faith & Spirituality
- In Theaters
- Sep 26, 2003 Limited
- Studio
- R.S. Entertainment Inc.
Critic Reviews
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Susan Walker, Toronto Star
Luther is rarely presented as anything other than a preacher. He preaches even in casual conversation.
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Leah McLaren, Globe and Mail
About as swashbuckling as a history lesson gets.
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Michael Booth, Denver Post
A few too many amateurish techniques and oversimplified confrontations hold Luther back a notch or two from greatness, and stamp it instead as entertaining Lutheran cheerleading.
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Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
Shot on 100 locations in three countries and outfitted with impressive props, costumes, art direction and medieval streets, Luther makes up for what it lacks in vigorous storytelling with such production values.
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Scott Brown, Entertainment Weekly
Heady theological badminton, as vigorously thoughtful as it is piously historical.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Joseph Fiennes
as Martin Luther
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Alfred Molina
as Johann Tetzel
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Claire Cox
as Katharina von Bora
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Peter Ustinov
as Frederick the Wise
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Herb Andress
as Gunter
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Mathieu Carriere
as Cardinal Cajetan
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Bruno Ganz
as Johann von Staupitz
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Marco Hofschneider
as Brother Ulrick
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Uwe Ochsenknecht
as Pope Leo X
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Jochen Horst
as Carlstadt
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Lars Rudolph
as Melanchthon
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Jonathan Firth
as Girolamo Aleander
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Benjamin Sadler
as Spalatin
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Jeff Caster
as Matthew
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Torben Liebrecht
as Charles V
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Maria Simon
as Hanna
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Christopher Buchholz
as Von der Eck
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Doris Prusova
as Grete
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Anatole Taubman
as Otto
