The film ‘Martin reads the Quran’ by Jurijs Saule can be seen tonight in the NDR TV programme and is also available to watch in the ARD Mediathek. Ulrich Tukur is convincing in one of the leading roles as an Islamic scholar who engages in an intensive dialogue about faith and self-image. The film addresses central themes of our time – identity, radicalisation and cultural tensions – and gains particular depth and emotional power through Ulrich Tukur‘s nuanced portrayal.
In ‘Martin liest den Quran’, Ulrich Tukur plays the role of Professor Dr Neuweiser, a renowned Islamic scholar who assists 35-year-old Martin Harirat(Zejhun Demirov) in his search for orientation and truth. Martin, a family man with Iranian roots, begins to study the Koran intensively – a study that plunges him into a deep inner conflict and calls his previous convictions into question. In the intensive encounters between teacher and pupil, a multi-layered conversation about faith, culture and identity develops – a dialogue without simple answers, but with all the more humanity, openness and intellectual depth. Ulrich Tukur, internationally known from award-winning films such as ‘The Lives of Others’ and ‘John Rabe’, is also convincing here with his characteristic mixture of analytical precision and empathetic presence. The film takes up central themes of our time – spirituality, self-discovery and cultural understanding – and invites a thoughtful discussion about the meaning of faith and tolerance.
Can a professor of Islamic studies prove to a mad bomber named Martin that the Koran forbids violence? Can he stop a terrorist using only the word of God as a weapon or will he have to use violence himself?
Ulrich Tukur as a powerful dialogue partner
Ulrich Tukur is one of the most respected German actors – known for his ability to bring complex and multi-layered characters to life with impressive precision. In ‘Martin reads the Quran’, he lends Professor Neuweiser an extraordinarily finely balanced presence that oscillates between intellectual distance and human closeness. The film addresses social tensions and the need for dialogue and mutual understanding – and relies heavily on Tukur’s powerful performance. His character of the professor is confronted with questions that challenge his own convictions, opening up an emotionally and intellectually intense space in which the audience directly experiences the inner tension and depth of these encounters.
A film for dealing with current issues
‘Martin Reads the Quran’ was directed by Latvian filmmaker Jurijs Saule. The screenplay, which Jurijs Saule co-wrote with Michail Lurje and which won the German Screenplay Award in 2022, avoids simple explanations and instead invites deep reflection on integration, religion and the value of dialogue. The dialogues between Martin and Professor Neuweiser offer impressive insights into cultural tensions and the challenges people face in a multicultural society.
‘Martin reads the Quran’ is a production by Jurijs Saule that moves and inspires in equal measure – and can be seen today on the NDR TV programme and in the ARD media library .
Press reviews
‘Young German cinema can be this courageous and captivating.’ ( kinokino– BR television)
‘This film is absolutely worth seeing.’ (Kulturnews)
‘Martin reads the Koran’ is an uncompromising film that goes where it hurts.” (Jüdische Allgemeine)
‘Martin himself is the great mystery throughout the film, which only unfolds in all its emotional depth at the end to finally detonate in the hearts of the audience.’ (Indiekino)
‘The tension-fuelled debate duel develops more and more into an emotional tour de force’ (TV Today)
‘A paranoia chamber play between hatred, radicalisation and reconciliation.’ (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
‘A film unfolds between exposed paranoia mode and deliberate theatricality to become a stylistically subversive and controversial two-person chamber play.’ (EPD)
‘A provocative chamber play that asks many questions.’ ( 3SatKulturzeit)
‘A fusion of genre and discourse.’ (MagazIn)
More information about the movie: Martin reads the Quran
More information about the film label: Artkeim²
