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Metropolis

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for Metropolis 1927 2h 3m Sci-Fi Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 140 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.
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Metropolis

Metropolis

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Critics Consensus

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

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Critics Reviews

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Times (UK) Staff The Times (UK) 07/08/2020
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. Go to Full Review
H.G. Wells New York Times 03/31/2020
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. Go to Full Review
SMH Staff Sydney Morning Herald 04/02/2019
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. Go to Full Review
Joshua Polanski Midwest Film Journal Sep 5
Not all masterpieces are without their flaws. I’m sure the Sistine Chapel has its dents and dings, too. Go to Full Review
Chauncey K. Robinson People's World May 9
B-
The epic silent movie, with its larger-than-life sets, explored themes of working-class struggle, exploitation, industrial revolution, aggressive technological advancement, and the growing wealth gap between the rich and the poor with vigor. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 10/05/2023
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Pete 11/28/2024 Amazing animation for an amazing story from a legend See more Roman 11/05/2024 An amazing f@ck humanity movie. See more Christian M 5d Would a remake be worth it? Although I usually enjoy slow, long films, 'Metropolis' creates a contradiction for me: at times it feels heavy, even when its rhythm becomes frantic. That combination results in an intense experience that demands patience but rewards you with a visual force that’s hard to match. Its greatest strength, in my opinion, lies in its sets. The city it presents—a colossal urban machine, impossible towers, and spaces I’d describe as liminal—remains astonishing even decades later. A visual and aesthetic achievement that transcends the techniques of its time and turns the film into a true dystopia. The performances are legendary within German Expressionism: aggressive gestures, movements bordering on theatricality. A style that works within the film’s overall tone, though at times—especially in the fight scenes—the choreography becomes noticeable. Still, the performers’ energy keeps the dramatic tension alive. The music, intense and relentless, amplifies the epic personality of the story, but listening to it for more than two hours can become overwhelming. It follows every image and elevates entire sequences. At its core beats a story of class conflict: workers forced into harsh conditions, carrying the full weight of comfort enjoyed by those above. A critique of ultracapitalism, built with clarity and minimal yet unmistakable symbolism. The film offers a devastating portrait of labor dehumanization—more than enough reason to seek balance and justice in the face of power structures that devour people. 'Metropolis' remains an unforgettable classic. Not because it’s simply impactful, but because its technical vision is nearly unrepeatable. A hypothetical remake would be interesting only from a visual standpoint, in my opinion—to see how its city would be reinterpreted in the digital age. But in terms of essence, spirit, and impact, the original remains a peak that’s incredibly difficult to reach. See more Kezia N. Nov 16 Stunning, I watched the footage from Argentina restored. See more Cees T Nov 9 Nice effects for its time, but the plot makes no sense. See more Vendetta _ Aug 26 is in my movie collection, so what more I can say... I spend 60$ on it and every time I enjoy this little piece of history. See more Read all reviews
Metropolis

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.
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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