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Luther is a 1974 British biographical drama film directed by Guy Green, based on the life of Martin Luther, the 16th-century German theologian and leader of the Protestant Reformation. The film stars Stacy Keach in the title role, with Peter Cellier and Leonard Rossiter in supporting roles. The film opens with a shot of a church in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517, the year when Luther famously posted his 95 Theses on its door, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church and sparking a religious revolution. We then see Luther in his monastery cell, tormented by doubts and fears about the state of his soul and the true nature of God's grace. He is a troubled, conflicted figure, driven by a fierce sense of conviction and a burning desire for spiritual truth.

As the film unfolds, we see Luther's journey from his early days as a monk, through his famous debate with the Catholic theologian Johann Eck at Leipzig, his excommunication by Pope Leo X, and his eventual emergence as the leader of the Protestant movement. Along the way, we see his struggles with the corrupt practices of the Church, his tense relationship with the ruling powers of the day, and his efforts to translate the Bible into the vernacular language of the people.

One of the key themes of the film is Luther's moral courage and intellectual honesty in the face of overwhelming opposition. He refuses to compromise his beliefs, even when faced with the threat of torture and death. In one powerful scene, he stands before the Imperial Diet at Worms and declares: "Here I stand, I can do no other." It is a moment of defiance and conviction that resonates throughout the film.

Another theme of the film is Luther's humanity and vulnerability. He is depicted as a flawed individual, prone to bouts of anger and despair, and haunted by his past sins. This makes him a sympathetic and relatable character, and adds to the film's emotional depth.

Stacy Keach delivers a powerful performance as Luther, capturing both his charisma and his inner turmoil. He is a commanding presence on screen, with a deep, resonant voice and a fierce intensity. Peter Cellier and Leonard Rossiter provide strong supporting performances as the Church officials who oppose him, while the rest of the cast brings vividly to life the tumultuous world of 16th-century Europe.

The film is visually striking, with moody lighting and a richly detailed set design that brings the era to life. The score, composed by John Addison, is equally impressive, with its haunting choral arrangements and stirring themes.

Overall, Luther is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the life and legacy of one of history's most important religious figures. It is a testament to the endurance of faith, as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and corruption. With its powerful message and impressive performances, it remains a classic of the biographical film genre.

Luther is a 1974 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.