catapult magazine

There’s a movie recently released about Luther, the 16th century Reformer. It’s bound to appeal more to Christians and historians who are interested in the Reformation: the plot line isn’t stellar and the pacing is uneven. I was wondering if anyone else had seen it and what they thought.

Although there’s poor acting in some cases, what’s remarkable about this film is that it’s historically accurate. I saw this movie with a professor of historical theology, and he claimed that there are a few minor exceptions to its historicity (e.g. the fusing of the peasant revolt and iconoclasm into one revolt). The film focuses on some of the more sensational aspects of Luther’s life and development of thought (there’s certainly selection of historical detail). Yet even his bouts with Satan and radical “conversion” in the middle of a lightning storm find historical support. In times before Newton and Darwin people believed more readily in the power of God and in the power of Satan.

Also, one of the things I most appreciated was how the Word of God was held in high esteem. Luther appears at the Diet of Worms and declares: ""Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me, Amen!"

I liked Luther. My theological historian friend would concur with yours…we saw it together.
I too appreciated how the Word of God was held in high esteem.
I also appreciated the Gospel proclaimed…seeing Luther’s passion for it and how he shared it with his congregation—preached it!
I liked how Luther was portrayed. We could see his struggle and yet, so powerfully, his conviction based on the Word of God and his love for the Word of God and Truth.
Peter Ustinov was a delight…I don’t know if his character was more fictionalized than not, I’m not a history buff, but I liked him.
I’m not much of a movie critic so I can’t weigh in on some of your other points…I just know I was moved emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually…it was worth seeing.

Haven’t seen it yet, but can’t wait.

Any of you seen the 1953 Martin Luther film that was nominated for Cinematography and Set Direction at the Academy. It’s one of my favorites. It does not deal with much after Luther is at Wartburg.

I’m curious now, having read your post: from reading Luther’s accounts, I wouldn’t say that he was converted in the lightning storm, but made a deal with God there to become a monk. I would guess at his conversion being more tied to his studies in Romans and understanding of the relationship of faith/the cross/our righteous standing before God.

Do any of you want to do a review on the film for the issue two weeks from now? I was scheduled to do the review, but it seems people who have more knowledge of Luther might do a better job. Dave? Anton? Alice?

I’m game. If Anton and Alice want to collaborate that would be cool too.

Why don’t you take this one, Dave. You could maybe do a compare and contrast with the 1950’s film.

dave, could you send me an e-mail at kirstinvgr@cultureisnotoptional.com so i have a way to get in touch with you directly about the review? thanks!

Thanks for taking this up Dave. I’d imagine you know more about Luther’s history than I do. Let me know if you want me to provide feedback on your article.

As to Luther’s conversion, you’re right. In the lightning storm he prayed to God and a saint (Anna? I can’t remember which), promising that if he was delivered out of the storm, he would become a monk. Also, “conversion” was a bad choice of words on my part. Here again you’re right. Luther’s thought developed over a long period of time through his studies in Psalms and then Romans. The movie didn’t highlight these long hours of study; perhaps it wasn’t the most interesting detail for moviegoers. Still, another thing I appreciated about the movie was that it portrayed Luther as the relunctant reformer of the Catholic Church. He certainly didn’t start out planning on becoming a “protestant.”

dave? are you still out there?

i still haven’t heard regarding the review. if dave doesn’t have the time, is there someone else who would be willing to do it? anyone who’s interested can e-mail me at kirstinvgr@cultureisnotoptional.com.

thanks!

Is Dave going to do this review or not?

Yeah, Sorry, I wrote Kirstin back, but didn’t confirm on the post. I’ll plan on submitting that by this coming Thursday