Rated Especially Worthwhile
Film Evaluation Authority’s (FBW) assessment of the film
»Two years after the “Luther year”, Stefan Haupt tells the story of the Swiss priest Ulrich Zwingli in his film who came to Zurich in 1519 and from there made the reformation of the Church his life’s goal.
As Ulrich Zwingli takes up his role as a priest in Zurich, the citizens have no idea what kind of plans the ambitious and energetic priest has in mind. It’s 1519 and Luther’s reform propositions are taking hold everywhere in Europe. Zwingli is also a supporter of the Reformation and practises his church services in the German language, translates the Bible from Latin with his brethren and co-believers and fights for an end to the indulgence trade. But Zwingli’s reforms are controversial and soon both the State and the Church are contesting the man who has made it his goal to bring the religion closer to the people. However, Zwingli is supported by Anna, a young widow who becomes his confidante and wife. And she can sense that her husband is prepared to go to the extreme for his religion. On the anniversary of the Reformation in Switzerland, Stefan Haupt’s film “The Reformer. Zwingli: A Life’s Portrait” is dedicated to the man’s work who was significantly responsible that such a reformation could ever take place. The film is true to the historical events which become authentic thanks to the very detailed costume design. Camera and lighting make the fog, the cold damp and the dirt of the surroundings appear real on the screen, the choir music enhances those feelings and in addition Max Simonischek is an engaging fix point driven by an inner fire within a convincing ensemble. “The Reformer. Zwingli: A Life’s Portrait” is not only a fascinating portrait of a charismatic visionary, but also an accurately researched historical drama about a piece of Swiss history that changed the world.«
Deutsche Film- und Medienbewertung (FBW)