Storm: And Luther's Forbidden Letter
Are you looking for a realistic, heart-pounding, mind-boggling, stomach-wrenching, pulse-racing movie? Then my friend, this is for you. Though originally filmed in the Dutch tongue (thus the lip-syncing was off the entire movie) this is filled with adventure, faith, and even...romance. Due to some of the graphics used in this movie (blood, implication of being burned alive, people with maladies etc.) parental guidance is suggested if you are considering watching it with your family.
Synopsis:
Martin Luther's works are told to be hypocrisy, but when a young monk delivers a letter from Luther himself addressed to the village of Antwerp, Klaas Voeten, one of the village printers, finds himself responsible for reproducing the letter - which is forbidden. But when he is arrested for attempting to reproduce the letter, 12 year old Storm, his son, takes the template and runs. Meanwhile, his father is imprisoned and sentenced to death. Soon on his journey he meets Maria, a parent-less wench who literally lives underground in the village sewers and the two form a pact. But unknown forces are against them, and it comes to the point where both must come to terms with their faith...and find out just what they are willing to sacrifice for the freedom of Storms' father...
*
My Thoughts:
Right off the bat you could tell the movie was going to thrill. I loved Storm's character from the start as well, he was so eager to gain his father's approval and make him proud. He was also filled with curiosity...a little too much for his own good. But I really like the integrity he shows from the beginning...even secretly reading one of Luther's previous books when he knew his Mother was a devote Catholic. He never gave up, and didn't let fear paralyze him which is something I always admire.
Oh and Maria!!! When that girl pressed a knife to Storm's throat I honestly thought she was a villain, but it turned out she was just an independent girl who had to protect herself from dangerous men. It turned out she was really an amazing ally for Storm, and my heart broke for her when she found out that her father had died at sea and she was really an orphan. Also, Maria is mean with the sling shot, she's honestly like another David. It was also kind of humorous to see how well she could just take things from vendors and no one ever ran after her.
There were so many subplots - even a budding romance if you scratched beneath the surface a little bit. I was so afraid that Storm's father really was going to burned for copying Luther's letter, but I should have known Storm and Maria would save the day. Also, a major twist I wasn't expecting was the betrayal...and the epic escape that followed. Once again, Maria and her sling knocked everyone out - literally. It was a little gross to see them actually walking in the sewers - rats and all - but the sets were amazing and I can't believe the shots were taken in a real sewer system!
Oh yes, and the Inquisitor. Not much to say about him. I really disliked him - well, he was the villain after all. All I have to say is: good job to the actor who did an amazing job playing the role of the antagonist.
And can we just talk about the ending for a moment? The scene where Storm saves his father's life is amazing...a little humerus...but altogether breathtaking. Not only will this satisfy those who love to watch adventure, but also those who love a good romance. In the end the movie fast-forwarded to a year later when Storm was thirteen and it actually shows the two of them to be a...dare I say it?...couple!
Maria: "Nothing is impossible."
Personally, I think that this is a very good film that depicts the time of the Reformation. Printing Luther's works was very dangerous, and there were many unsung heroes who gave their lives because they realized how oppressed they were under the Church at that time. It really gives you a thrill, sticks to the facts about the time period without being overly graphic, and will even give you a few laughs. Altogether, a must-see film!
All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No comments:
Post a Comment