Metropolis

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Metropolis

Released Mar 13, 1927

2h 3m

Sci-Fi

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

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138 Reviews

92%

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50,000+ Ratings

This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.

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Critics Consensus

A visually awe-inspiring science fiction classic from the silent era.

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Times (UK) Staff

Times (UK)

The film has, in consequence, a remarkable pictorial power, and, in spite of its occasional solemnities, is one which will well repay study by those who are interested in the development of a separate cinematographic technique.

Jul 8, 2020

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H.G. Wells

New York Times

It gives in one eddying concentration almost every possible foolishness, cliché, platitude, and muddlement about mechanical progress and progress in general, served up with a sauce of sentimentality that is all its own.

Mar 31, 2020

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SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

Often enough it is exciting in a broad, elemental way, just as an earthquake or a loud clap of thunder would be exciting; but when individual characters come on to the screen they rouse little Interest for their own sakes.

Apr 2, 2019

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Lang’s visionary visual creation remains impressive a century later, from the densely imagined cityscape to the massive sets that dwarf the actors and the swarms of extras, and its socio-political themes are just as soft-headed and simplistic.

Oct 5, 2023

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

With its memorable sets and special effects courtesy of Eugen Schüfftan, the film remains a landmark of global cinema nearly 100 years later.

Mar 6, 2023

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David Bromwich

The Nation

The movie is a period piece, with roots in dystopian novels like H.G. Wells's When the Sleeper Wakes and The Time Machine; yet the stark and garish black-and-white staging here engenders an emotion oddly stronger than words.

Oct 7, 2022

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Roman

An amazing f@ck humanity movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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Audience Member

If you’re in India, you can watch Metropolis for free on PlexTV. I finally decided to watch it after seeing an interview of Anurag Kashyap on the Humans of Cinema YouTube channel. He talked about the filmmakers who inspire him, and how he believes that silent filmmakers were the true geniuses. That really made me curious, and I’m glad I watched it. Fritz Lang’s Metropolis is truly a film ahead of its time, solidifying his status as a cinematic genius. The film’s practical effects, intricate set design, and sheer scale are nothing short of remarkable. Lang’s vision showcases a vast imagination paired with deep, forward-thinking ideas that continue to resonate even today. The film's influence is undeniable - its impact can be seen in countless other works of cinema. It’s almost impossible to count how many filmmakers have drawn inspiration from Metropolis. With a runtime of over two and a half hours and no spoken dialogue, it's a testament to the audiences of that era, who had a far greater attention span and focus than today’s viewers. What stands out the most are the massive, futuristic structures and architecture that Lang brought to life on screen. The vision behind those buildings and the world they inhabit is awe-inspiring, revealing just how advanced Lang’s thinking was for the 1920s. For more reviews follow me on instagram - @cineculturist

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/26/24

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Mix R

This movie shows that you can write a simple story and still make it riveting. Watching it felt like time travel and I must say, this movie aged really well! Even the special effects!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

Full Review

M'lagroOG D

It can drag a bit, butttt this is a movie you really do wanna see. Super innovative to the sci-fi genre and has a pretty unique world, even by todays standards. Sets are massively impressive for the time, especially with the flooding scene and the machine man costume. Definitely watch this if you're studying film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

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Alejandro E

Igual que Tiempos Modernos, de Charles Chaplin, puso sobre la mesa los riesgos del totalitarismo y la mecanización. Una de las indispensables del cine mudo.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/09/24

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Alex L

A masterpiece still relevant to this day

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/24

Full Review

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Fritz Lang

Director

Brigitte Helm

Maria

Alfred Abel

Johhan (Joh) Fredersen

Gustav Fröhlich

Freder Fredersen

Rudolf Klein-Rogge

C.A. Rotwang

Fritz Rasp

Slim

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Metropolis: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.

Director: Fritz Lang
Producer: Erich Pommer
Screenwriter: Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, Thea von Harbou
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language: German
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 13, 1927, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 14, 2011
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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