Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Metropolis

1927

Directed by Fritz Lang

In the labyrinthine corridors of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, a dystopian vision of a future where towering skyscrapers reach for the heavens, and oppressed workers toil beneath the Earth’s surface, the battle between human spirit and industrial machinery unfolds in epic proportions. Released in 1927, Metropolis remains a seminal work of science fiction cinema that continues to captivate and haunt audiences with its prescient themes and stunning visuals.

The film introduces us to a divided world where the wealthy elite reside in opulent skyscrapers, while the workers labor in grueling conditions below ground. At the heart of this societal chasm is Joh Fredersen, the city’s master, and his son Freder, who initially leads a life of leisure and privilege. However, Freder’s world is forever changed when he encounters Maria, a young woman who brings the impoverished workers’ children to witness the stark contrast between their lives and those of the rich.

Lang’s storytelling prowess shines as Freder becomes a reluctant hero, moved by a vision of the workers’ plight. The dichotomy between the luxurious upper city and the gritty underworld is visually stunning, with Lang’s use of expressionistic cinematography creating a stark, captivating contrast.

Amid the gears and cogs of the colossal machines that power Metropolis, Freder has a harrowing hallucination, envisioning the workers being sacrificed to the mechanical deity Moloch. It’s a powerful metaphor for the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the disregard for human life in the pursuit of progress.

As Freder embarks on a journey to bridge the gap between the city’s rulers and its workers, he stumbles upon a secret plot involving secret maps, a vengeful inventor named Rotwang, and a nefarious scheme to replace Maria with a malevolent robot duplicate. This narrative complexity adds layers to the film’s social commentary, exploring themes of manipulation, exploitation, and the dehumanizing impact of technology.

Maria, portrayed with striking vulnerability by Brigitte Helm, is at the center of this conflict, embodying both the hope for unity and the embodiment of malevolent machinery when her likeness is used to incite chaos. Helm’s dual performance is nothing short of remarkable, conveying the stark contrast between purity and corruption.

Metropolis is a visual marvel, with its groundbreaking special effects, intricate set design, and visionary direction that laid the foundation for future sci-fi epics. The iconic image of the robot Maria, with her sleek, metallic appearance and mesmerizing movements, remains etched in cinematic history.

In the film’s climactic finale, as chaos erupts and the city threatens to crumble, the true message of Metropolis comes to light. Freder, Fredersen, and the workers’ representative Grot, in a moment of unity, join hands in a show of solidarity. It’s a poignant reminder that only through cooperation and understanding can society bridge the divides that threaten its very existence.

As I revisit Metropolis in the modern era, its relevance endures. The film’s warnings about the dangers of unchecked power, the exploitation of the working class, and the dehumanization caused by industrialization are as pertinent today as they were in 1927. Fritz Lang’s Metropolis is not just a cinematic masterpiece; it’s a timeless reflection of the human condition.

In the comments below, I invite you to share your thoughts on Metropolis. How do you interpret its themes in the context of our world today? And what aspects of the film continue to resonate with you?