[A] hugely influential sci-fi classic.
Metropolis (1927)
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Reviews Counted:74
Fresh:73
Rotten:1
Average Rating:8.8/10
Consensus: A visually awe-inspiring science fiction classic from the silent era.
Theatrical Release:Jul 12, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: METROPOLIS, a visionary and elaborate spectacle by director Fritz Lang is an epic projection of a futuristic city divided into a working and an elite class. Its exhilarating climax brings the city... METROPOLIS, a visionary and elaborate spectacle by director Fritz Lang is an epic projection of a futuristic city divided into a working and an elite class. Its exhilarating climax brings the city to its knees, as the classes clash against each other. In the 21st century, a de-humanized proletariat labors non-stop in a miserable subterranean city beneath a luxurious city of mile-high skyscrapers, flying automobiles, palatial architectural idylls, tubes and tunnels. With stunningly inventive special effects, Lang's allegorical narrative and architectural vision creates a highly stylized vision of a not-so-unlikely future (especially for 1926 when the film was made). As the elite frolic above the clouds, thousands of miserable workers toil night and day inside the belly of the gigantic machine that runs the entire city. Metropolis is controlled by a sinister authoritarian whose son, Freder, rejects his father's callous philosophy and attitude towards laborers. Meek though they are, the workers are encouraged by Maria, a wistful young woman who wills her comrades to embrace patience and silent strength. Upon discovering her influence upon the workers, a mad scientist kidnaps Maria and creates a robot in her image that will incite the workers to revolt. As Freder races against time to save Maria and curtail the damage done by her doppelganger robot, Metropolis is enveloped in chaos and the classes are brought together in a breathtaking and highly moralistic climax. [More]
Starring: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Gustav Frihlich
Starring: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Gustav Frihlich
Director: Fritz Lang
Director: Fritz Lang
Studio: Kino International
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Reviews for Metropolis
One of the all-time greats - one of those movies you finally watch and realize how much everyone's been stealing from it for 75 years.
...reason to celebrate this beautifully restored new print, including around fifteen minutes of rediscovered footage and finally letting us experience the film on its proper, monumental scale.
Citing Metropolis’ influence and historical value is redundantly necessary. The film is responsible for gearing the evolution of its medium.
The stunning cinematography, made crisper by present-day technology, and the film's overall visual concept continue to make your jaw drop with admiration.
Few films can make you feel so in awe and just plain silly at the same time.
The restoration eliminates nearly all the distracting cracks and splices and stabilizes images that were previously jittery, allowing us to admire them in all their complex glory.
The acting is campy, the airplanes quaint, but Metropolis defines fearful futurism.
Everything we take for granted in movies today had to be “invented” by someone and it only enhances our understanding and enjoyment to recognize these roots.
Latest News for Metropolis
July 03, 2008:
First Glimpses of Lost Metropolis Footage Surface ![]()
Hot on the heels of news that the original edit of Fritz Lang's Metropolis has been recovered, stills from lost portions of the film have started to hit the Web -- as well as... More...
December 11, 2007:
Thomas Schuhly and Mario Kassar Building New Metropolis
Two words: Metropolis remake. The duo is said to be "in negotiations with a number of top directors" for the project. More...
February 01, 2006:
SUNDANCE: A Filmmaker Makes His Pitch
Not everyone who comes to Sundance is a movie star, cinephile or studio head. Some, like filmmaker David Lindblom, are simply trying to get a project off the ground. More...
June 23, 2005:
Critical Consensus: Zombies and Witches and Cars, Oh My!
This week’s three wide releases have some things in common: they’re all updates of stuff we’ve seen before, and they all deal with the supernatural. Which will cast a spell over... More...
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