Luther (2003 film)
| Luther | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Eric Till |
| Written by | Camille Thomasson Bart Gavigan |
| Produced by | Brigitte Rochow Christian P. Stehr Alexander Thies |
| Starring | Joseph Fiennes Alfred Molina Jonathan Firth Claire Cox Peter Ustinov Bruno Ganz Uwe Ochsenknecht Mathieu Carrière Benjamin Sadler |
| Cinematography | Robert Fraisse |
| Distributed by | MGM |
Release dates | October 30, 2003 |
Running time | 124 min. |
| Language | English |
Luther is a 2003 biopic about the life of Martin Luther (1483-1546). It was released by MGM and stars Joseph Fiennes and Alfred Molina.
The film is rated PG-13 for "disturbing images of violence" and mild language.
Synopsis
The film begins during a thunderstorm as Luther is returning to university. For fear of losing his life in the storm, Luther comits his life to God and becomes a monk.
During his time at the monastery, his is constantly troubled by viewing God as a God of hate and vengance. Martin is encouraged by an older monk, and is told to look to Christ instead of himself.
Later Luther takes a pilgramage to Rome where he becomes troubled by the wicked lifestyles of those in the city. He also views the skull believed to be that of John the Baptist and purchases an indulgence. It is during this time (in the film at least) that Luther begins to question the veracity of indulgences.
Returning to Germany, Luther begins to teach his congregation that God is not only a God of hate, but also a God of love. Luther begins to emphasise the love of God instead of his judgement.
John Tetzel then comes to Luther's town where he scares the people into buying indulgences. (The proceeds were being used to build St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.) Luther in his church denounced the indulgences, calling them just pieces of paper. He then posts 95 theses on the door of the church, calling for an open debate regarding the indulgences. For this act, Luther is called again to Rome where he is questioned by the church officials.
| What happened at Augsburg |
| pushed open the door |
| of religious freedom. |
| Martin Luther lived |
| for another 16 years, |
| preaching and teaching |
| the Word. |
| He and Katharina von Bora |
| enjoyed a happy marriage |
| and six children. |
| Luther's influence extended |
| into economics, politics, |
| education and music, and |
| his translation of the Bible |
| became a foundation stone |
| of the German language. |
| Today over 540 million |
| people worship in |
| churches inspired |
| by his Reformation. |