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!"

So if you read the review, you can see I didn’t really agree with everyone. Any thoughts? Critiques?

A shallow point, but I’ll make it nonetheless regarding the historical accuracy of the movie: wasn’t Luther a large man with a German accent? So why is the actor playing Luther a skinny British guy?

At least they were accurate where it “really” counts, but I thought it was interesting they opted to not be entirely accurate in this fashion.

Oops – sorry, Dave. I just saw that you actually did mention my little point in your review. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!! Heh heh.

Thanks for the review. You may have saved me $8. Maybe I’ll just read a biography or two.