As far as silver screen productions go, this was absolutely amazing: the weaving of the atmosphere truly portrayed the great misery and vice that much of Europe was embedded in; Joseph Fiennes' acting was brilliant, as was that of Peter Ustinov; the screenplay was fantastic.
My only critique of the movie is that, though it accurately shows how Luther's concepts lead directly to modern ideals of freedom, justice, and individualism, it does not show in the least how the Reformation also resulted in centuries of war for Europe that even continue today, nearly five centuries after the ninety-five theses' publication.
Furthermore, the movie only lightly touches on Luther's period of self-torture and asceticism, and nor does it show very well how he abandons the peasants after they revolt against the Princes of Germany. The scene after the massacre shows once again a compassionate, loving Luther, who has been shaken by the death but feels no guilt for it. There is no mention of his anti-Semitism in the film. In essence, the vices of Luther are quieted, while his humanity and love are flaunted.
Historically, it was not an accurate representation. As far as movies go it was amazing.
My only critique of the movie is that, though it accurately shows how Luther's concepts lead directly to modern ideals of freedom, justice, and individualism, it does not show in the least how the Reformation also resulted in centuries of war for Europe that even continue today, nearly five centuries after the ninety-five theses' publication.
Furthermore, the movie only lightly touches on Luther's period of self-torture and asceticism, and nor does it show very well how he abandons the peasants after they revolt against the Princes of Germany. The scene after the massacre shows once again a compassionate, loving Luther, who has been shaken by the death but feels no guilt for it. There is no mention of his anti-Semitism in the film. In essence, the vices of Luther are quieted, while his humanity and love are flaunted.
Historically, it was not an accurate representation. As far as movies go it was amazing.