The Golem

Critics Consensus

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 14

72%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,567
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Movie Info

In 16th century Prague, Rabbi Loew (Albert Steinruck) interprets an alignment of stars as a sign that disaster is about to befall the city's Jews. The following day, Emperor Luhois (Otto Gebühr) bans Loew's people from Prague, prompting the rabbi to build a statue, known as the Golem (Paul Wegener), that he hopes to animate as a savior. Brought to life by an evil spirit, Astaroth, the creature is, at first, gentle and compassionate. That, however, quickly changes as the creature goes insane.

Cast & Crew

Paul Wegener
Der Golem, The Golem
Albert Steinruck
Der Rabbi Löw, Rabbi Loew
Ernst Deutsch
Der Rabbi Famulus
Lydia Salmonova
Miriam
Hans Stürm
Der Rabbi Jehuda
Otto Gebühr
Der Kaiser, Emperor Luhois
Lothar Muthel
Der Junker Florian, Knight Florian
Greta Schröder
Ein Mägdelein mit der Rose
Loni Nest
Ein kleines Mädchen
Max Kronert
Der Tempeldiener
Carl Boese
Director
Paul Wegener
Director
Henrik Galeen
Screenwriter
Paul Wegener
Screenwriter
Paul Davidson
Producer
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Critic Reviews for The Golem (Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam)

All Critics (14) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (14)

  • Reconstructing medieval Prague with painted, angular, heavily stylised sets in a Berlin studio, Der Golem would, with The Cabinet of Dr Caligari from the same year, introduce German Expressionism as the nightmarish, neurotic mode of horror cinema

    November 18, 2019 | Full Review…

    Anton Bitel

    Little White Lies
    Top Critic

  • Of the four extant versions of this perennial horror classic, Paul Wegener's 1920 version remains the best.

    October 8, 2002 | Full Review…

    Don Druker

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • Wegener's titular man-made man wouldn't just influence horror, but seems to be the basis for at least of few of your favorite Marvel comics heroes.

    September 2, 2020 | Full Review…

    Kyle Anderson

    Nerdist

  • Part of the influential slate of silent horror films that emerged from the German Expressionism period.

    May 4, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Matt Brunson

    Film Frenzy

  • Remains one of the most beautifully designed and evocative films of its time, and it hasn't lost any of its eerie luster in the century since its release.

    April 29, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Matthew Lucas

    From the Front Row

  • Architect Hans Poelzig created a highly stylized series of sets to represent the city of Prague, and they manage to not only suggest the Middle Ages, but also to incorporate anthropomorphic designs ...

    April 14, 2020 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…

    Sarah Boslaugh

    TheArtsStl
View All Critic Reviews (14)

Audience Reviews for The Golem (Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam)

  • Feb 26, 2017
    One of the most important German cinematic masterpieces, The Golem is a adaptation of the Jewish story about an clay figure saving the Jewish people in 16th century prage. I am confused about what the film wanted to convey but it was technically beautiful.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Nov 22, 2010
    This movie is pretty magical for it's time, and the plot seems interesting at first, but I didn't understand how and if the Golem saved the jews in the end. It's not very clear.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Dec 12, 2009
    More a tale than a horror movie, to be honest, but a good story very well done, with a strong message (not very safe to play by the God). Really beautiful sets and costumes... just like in a tale! Jewish issues are an interesting choice, especially in light of the end. I understand that one of them still has that star and the story can restart anytime. It's just my imagination or is read so that they are an extremely powerful and dangerous people, because I have never heard that Jews had used witchcraft?
    Alice S Super Reviewer
  • Oct 09, 2009
    This movie is one of the greatest silents that I have ever seen. Amazing work here, I think that this movie shows German Expressionism better than Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The effects alone are enough for you to fall in love, but there is more. Art Direction, Cinematography, Acting, and the Story are all contributing factors. The Jews, who practice black magic and astrology. Are under persecution from the kingdom of Prague, who wants them out! Rabbi Lowe wont have that though, he creates a giant Golem out of clay to protect the ghetto, that he brings to life by placing the "magic" word into a star in the middle of his chest. The Golem does the Rabbi's bidding and protects the Jews in the Ghetto by warding off the evil emperor and his people of Prague. Its not enough for the Rabbi's right hand man though. Who is jealous that the Rabbi's daughter is dating some shiksa! Furious the Rabbi's buddy sicks the Golem on the guy and all hell breaks loose. The only way to stop the Golem now is if there is some little girl who will rip the star from the Golem's chest! Whats that? Oh there is!? Well, i guess you'll have to see it to see if that happens. Paul Wegener plays Der Golem here, and he does an amazing job. This Golem is a very, very imposing force. His expressions are great, it makes the movie worth watching just for the expressions. I was thoroughly impressed with this gem and you should all see it. Top 100 movies to see before you kick the bucket! I think so, I would have to give this movie a 9/10. Highest rating i have given out thus far. Excellent film, all be it a little Anti-Semite. Take it and love it Sid
    Brandon S Super Reviewer
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