Luther reforms to make 'Fiennes' film

Before Martin Luther King, Jr., there was a man known simply as Martin Luther. Born in the 15th century, Luther joined the Augustinian order at 13 and is since remembered for his radical religious ideals and the subsequent Reformation movement.\nIn history, Luther was known to have first pledged his devotion to God during a thunderstorm which he believed a threat to his life; the movie opens at this critical point in his life and depicts him as the legendary figure who instituted much of the Reformation. Indeed, Luther was born during an era where the church could be viewed as essentially corrupt -- so-called relics were idolized as miraculous objects and anyone who gave money to the Roman Catholic Church was given a paper passport to heaven. \nOutraged by this corruption and exploitation, Luther single-handedly fought it with his "95 Theses," several documents listing his grievances against the administration of the established and powerful Church. This image of Luther nailing his Theses to the door is perhaps the most popular perception of Luther, and the very image of him as a rebel drives this modernized docudrama. \nJoseph Fiennes, altered by his religious tonsure almost past recognition, turns in an astounding performance as Luther, complete with the mad, private tantrums, his insensible battles with the "devil" and eccentric behavior. Bruno Ganz was a personal favorite as the kindly and compassionate Father Johann, while Sir Peter Ustinov's delightful portrayal of Prince Friederich proved incomparable -- although a more minor character, his appearances provided the little comic relief to be found in this deeply intellectual film and his charm makes it an extremely difficult task to overlook his performance. \nAlthough the film was a bit slow at times, it was an admittedly enlightening experience. The costumes were wondrous to behold. From the simple robes of monks to the exquisite finery of the cardinals and Pope, all were authentically elaborate in appearance and a perfect compliment to the medieval environment. The religious monotony was not a hindrance to the film, but a refreshing change from the common blockbusters based primarily on action, sex and violence; Luther remained an astoundingly pure epic which perfectly flattered its devout essence. \nSo just as Martin Luther King, Jr. remains a key figure in American culture today, so too does Martin Luther remain a core part of religious reform, and his story, like King's words, continue to enlighten and inspire.