| Last night (September 25,
2003) I had the
opportunity to attend a preview of "Luther," a
German-produced film substantially funded by Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans. The film officially opens
for general distribution today. I understand that a
limited number of prints were created (and there's a
limited distributorship), so although it's at quite a
few theaters in Chicago, it may not be showing yet
elsewhere in the country.
I was thrilled by this
film! I am so grateful that they managed to get it, in
my view, RIGHT. It is not a hagiography (like the '50s
classic film), but neither is it a spurious
popularization. (I had been put off by the trailer,
which made me expect a Germanic fusion of "Braveheart"
and "Shakespeare in Love." I was so delighted
to have my expectations far exceeded!)
The film is respectful of
the Christian tradition in all its manifestations, clear
in its presentation of 16th Century abuses, accurate (in
my estimation) in its portrayal of Luther's character,
brilliance and contributions, and thorough in its
connection of the Reformation events to the social,
political and economic forces of the day. It even gave
some strong hints about the core of Lutheran theology as
we still celebrate it today!
A rather lukewarm review
in today's Chicago Tribune dismissed it as a "biopic"
and says it neglected God in its treatment of a mousy
man of conscience. I disagree. I don't think you have to
be, as the reviewer said, a Sunday School teacher or a
fan of BBC costume dramas to benefit from this film.
Historically, there were
a few "compressions" for the sake of
narrative. (OK, Melanchthon was a walk-on at the
presentation of the Augsburg Confession!!) But the
voluminous actual Luther quotes were well used, and the
location shooting and casting (both principals and
extras) gave a wonderful feel for the period.
I have not yet read the
accompanying Jim
Nestingen book Augsburg Fortress is offering. Given
his gifts, I'm sure it's worthwhile, and seeing the film
definitely made me want to order it.
The reason for the PG-13
rating is the frankness of the depiction of violence in
the era, especially the appropriately disturbing
presentation of the Peasant's Rebellion.
I'm grateful that
Thrivent made this happen, and recommend this film
without reservation. I hope for an early release of the
DVD!!
Rev. Michael R. Rothaar
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