I've read varying inconsistencies about the real Martin Luther and what is presented on screen in this Lutheran church produced drama, directed by veteran character actor Irving Pichel. Rather than cast himself (as he would have been excellent, and does indeed play a supporting role), Pichel instead cast Old Vic legendary actor Niall MacGinnis, not a name to most moviegoers, but certainly with impressive credits, and quite believable in this. Made in a semi documentary form, this elaborate drama is very impressive for an independent film, especially one produced for religious purposes, and quite good in spite of a few historical inaccuracies.
The film is gripping from the start, utilizing old drawings to document the superstitions of the time, a belief in evil spirits influencing the public to walk away from the Catholic church, especially those who wanted to create different religions. The Church of Rome was all powerful, and it took one man to stand up to say I should be allowed to serve God in the way that I feel is right and interpret his word in the way that I feel he wants me to. We can't go back to the 16th century to see how it really is, so all we have are whatever documents survive, biographies where we have to take them for their word, and films like this that hopefully were made with the best intentions. The last of those three is what guides me to find this an interesting drama about a very brave man.
One thing is clear. Based upon other films I've seen set in this era, I felt I was transferred back to the 16th century and truly felt that the writers, director and artistic creators worked very hard to interpret this as realistically as they could. I take all historical dramas with that teeny grain of truth, hoping to learn a little something about what could have been, and understanding that it is the viewpoint of a select few rather than what really could have been. MacGinnis certainly commands the scenery and is surrounded by a great featured cast of the actors I've never seen before. Most importantly, this film asks its audience the same questions that Martin Luther demands answers from as he confronts the church leaders. However it is determined in the viewer's minds is up to them, basically the point that the film is pushing.
The film is gripping from the start, utilizing old drawings to document the superstitions of the time, a belief in evil spirits influencing the public to walk away from the Catholic church, especially those who wanted to create different religions. The Church of Rome was all powerful, and it took one man to stand up to say I should be allowed to serve God in the way that I feel is right and interpret his word in the way that I feel he wants me to. We can't go back to the 16th century to see how it really is, so all we have are whatever documents survive, biographies where we have to take them for their word, and films like this that hopefully were made with the best intentions. The last of those three is what guides me to find this an interesting drama about a very brave man.
One thing is clear. Based upon other films I've seen set in this era, I felt I was transferred back to the 16th century and truly felt that the writers, director and artistic creators worked very hard to interpret this as realistically as they could. I take all historical dramas with that teeny grain of truth, hoping to learn a little something about what could have been, and understanding that it is the viewpoint of a select few rather than what really could have been. MacGinnis certainly commands the scenery and is surrounded by a great featured cast of the actors I've never seen before. Most importantly, this film asks its audience the same questions that Martin Luther demands answers from as he confronts the church leaders. However it is determined in the viewer's minds is up to them, basically the point that the film is pushing.