The Heretics of London: The Smithfield Martyrs

Heretics of London tells the incredible story of those who faced hellish fires at the stake for not adapting to church dogma as it changed dramatically with the crowning of each new Tudor monarch. Visually, it is like being there with the actors in costumes forming striking tableaux, singing or narrating their character's fate. I've enjoyed the original music many times and it adds to the medieval atmosphere. The characters come alive with the reading of their own words. I was particularly moved by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury's final message in which he chastised himself for recanting and trying to save his own life. It was a time when there was an act 'abolishing diversity of opinion' which is certainly a mirror of our times. The film shows a time when you could not profess beliefs that deviated from accepted dogma without facing an ordeal that often led to death. As Thomas Cranmer revealed, it is our own self we judge most severely when we go against our own sense of the truth to follow the crowd. Well done Mark Windows and wonderful ensemble!

This film was hauntingly captivating to the end. Real history is breathed into real life enabling us to walk through the actual venue and feel the pain, agony, and final resolve of these memorable martyrs who firmly stood their ground without compromise. The burning stakes will take you there for the experience and leave a permanent mental stamp. The actors are powerful and convincing as they put aside their human frailties to demonstrate unyielding faith, conscience, character, and courage. This film strikes a human chord which would place any believer in a painful predicament, at the fork in the road, forced to choose between the church or their faith. Pure adrenaline. This film is moving, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. Many thanks to one of the most outstanding contemporary film makers for giving us this precious gift!

A fascinating insight into rarely mentioned historical events. Good acting. Well directed. Great soundtrack. Interesting locations. Very atmospheric, really bringing this very well researched film to life. There has clearly been a lot of work put into putting this film together.

What is really interesting are the important parallels to modern society, and what we can learn from this. Different people will probably take different things from it, the film is quite objective, so the facts speak for themselves, but the conclusions drawn from these are where the lessons really lie.

As we witness modern day 'heretics' being silenced this is a poignant film, especially as the modern day heretic could well be you.

Having watched The Heretics of London, it truly feels like stepping back into a chaotic chapter of London's past. It's evident that a lot of effort went into researching it, diving deep into the lives and convictions of those "heretics", and painting a vivid picture of the era's political and religious tensions. When Mark talks about "heretics" and the freedom to believe as one wishes, it strikes a chord, especially with today's ongoing debates about freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Bringing in historical icons like John Wycliffe and William Tyndale ,gives the story more meaning, reminding us of the lengths people went to for their faith and what they believed in.