Luther (DVD)

Being someone that grew up in a Lutheran church and went to a Lutheran college you would think that I could rattle off a bunch of facts about Martin Luther and that wouldn't surprise you, unfortunately either I didn't pay enough attention in church or fell asleep in class because I couldn't really remember much of anything. Then my soul was saved as the movie went on and things began coming back to me, but in having to decide whether to recommend this title or not that was a much different issue.

Luther tells the story of Martin Luther, a man whose defiant nature changed religion in a major way, had he not been around you still might be paying big bucks just to get your relatives into heaven and out of Purgatory.

Martin Luther challenged the powerful Church of the 16th century and questioned the manner in which people were being asked to worship and in doing such brought along with him an entire movement that would end up changing religion forever.

I was a huge fan of Joseph Fiennes after his portrayal in the Oscar winning Shakespeare in Love, but until now he sort of fell off the acting map, and with the limited notice Luther received he still isn't exactly making due of the fame he achieved. He still has the charisma and charm that made his Shakespearian role so memorable, unfortunately the movie itself isn't exactly the greatest of all time and it is hard to think of an audience, besides a Lutheran one that would be really interested in this.

This isn't exactly The Passion of the Christ, nor is it a fluff piece, I enjoyed it, but then again I had a vague recollection of the story itself once it got going. For people not familiar with the story of Luther this might not be as intrigued.

The special features accompanying the DVD are slim to none, with a presentation of the theatrical trailer and some short cast interviews they can hardly be considered special.

Luther would serve well as a good teaching tool, but for a weekend of movie watching this isn't going to be your first choice.