Metropolis (1927)
The Complete Metropolis
Raiting: 
8,3 /10
Genre: Scifi
Director: Fritz Lang
Stars: Alfred Abel, Brigitte Helm and Gustav Fröhlich
Country: Germany
Release date: 6 February 1927
Length: 153 minutes / 80 minutes (Giorgio Moroder version) / 145 minutes (restored version)
"Metropolis" (1927), directed by Fritz Lang, is a pioneering science fiction film set in a futuristic urban dystopia. The story unfolds in a sprawling city where society is starkly divided between the wealthy elite who live in luxury and the oppressed working class toiling away underground to sustain the city's lavish lifestyle. The city is a vision of towering skyscrapers, massive factories, and revolutionary technology, all powered by the backbreaking labor of the workers.
The protagonist, Freder, is the son of Joh Fredersen, the city's mastermind and ruler. Freder's life changes when he encounters Maria, a compassionate figure who preaches to the workers about peace and the value of human life. Struck by her message and beauty, Freder follows Maria to the depths of the workers' city, where he is horrified by the conditions he witnesses. Compelled by his newfound awareness, Freder vows to help Maria bridge the gap between the classes and bring about a better future.
Meanwhile, Joh Fredersen seeks to maintain his control over the city and quash any potential rebellion. He enlists the help of the inventor Rotwang, who creates a robot with the likeness of Maria, intending to use it to manipulate the workers. However, the robot Maria incites chaos and violence, leading to a catastrophic uprising that endangers the entire city, including the children of the workers.
The film culminates in a dramatic struggle between the real Maria, Freder, and the forces of Fredersen and Rotwang. As the city teeters on the brink of destruction, Freder must confront his own father and the misused technology that threatens to annihilate the metropolis they both call home.
"Metropolis" is renowned for its grand visual style, special effects, and set design, which have influenced countless films and genres. Lang's epic presents a cautionary tale about industrialization, class struggle, and the potential consequences of unchecked power. The film's message, that the mediator between the head (the planners) and the hands (the workers) must be the heart (humanity and compassion), is as relevant today as it was at the time of its release. "Metropolis" remains a monumental work in the history of cinema, both for its visionary outlook and its profound social commentary.
Top cast - Metropolis (1927)
Trailer - Metropolis (1927)
Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" is a silent film masterpiece that has stood the test of time as a monumental achievement in early cinema. Its depiction of a futuristic city and the stark contrast between the opulent lifestyle of the elite and the deplorable conditions of the workers is a powerful commentary on class disparity and the human cost of industrial progress. The film's influence on the science fiction genre is undeniable, with its innovative visual effects and art deco-inspired architecture laying the groundwork for the dystopian aesthetics that many films have since emulated.
The narrative of "Metropolis" is a rich tapestry that weaves together themes of love, betrayal, social upheaval, and redemption. The performances, particularly Brigitte Helm's dual role as the saintly Maria and her malevolent robotic double, are remarkable for their time, conveying a range of emotions without the aid of spoken dialogue. The film's use of expressionist acting and visual storytelling draws the viewer into its world, making the absence of sound almost unnoticeable.
Lang's direction is visionary; the film's grand scale and the complexity of its set pieces were unprecedented. The special effects, including the iconic transformation of the robot Maria, are stunningly executed, demonstrating a level of creativity and technical skill that was far ahead of its time. The film's cinematography and the use of light and shadow are particularly effective in creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and menacing.
However, "Metropolis" is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel slow by modern standards, and some may find the narrative overly melodramatic. The film's original cut was famously butchered in its initial release, leading to a fragmented viewing experience. It wasn't until the restoration of missing footage in 2010 that modern audiences could fully appreciate Lang's original vision. Despite these issues, the film's core message about the need for human connection and understanding in a world of technological advancement resonates as strongly today as it did nearly a century ago.
In conclusion, "Metropolis" is a landmark film that deserves its place in the annals of cinema history. Its bold exploration of social issues, combined with Lang's directorial prowess and groundbreaking visual effects, creates a cinematic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and visually spectacular. For those interested in the origins of science fiction in film and the silent era's potential for storytelling, "Metropolis" is an essential piece of cinematic art that continues to captivate and inspire.