Metropolis

Metropolis is a silent science fiction film that portrays a dystopian future where a wealthy class thrives in a city above ground while workers toil below, until a privileged man rebels after falling in love with a woman from the working class.

In Fritz Lang's groundbreaking silent film, Metropolis, we witness a dystopian future where the wealthy live in luxury while workers toil underground. A tale of love, rebellion, and the quest for equality. A cinematic masterpiece that still resonates today. #Metropolis #ClassicCinema

In a futuristic city, workers toil for the elite who live above. A woman inspires a rebellion, but the ruler uses a robot to quell it. His son, smitten by the woman, helps the workers rise up. Love and unity triumph over oppression.

Just watched Fritz Lang's masterpiece, Metropolis! A stunning silent film set in a futuristic dystopian city, where the wealthy live in luxury while the workers suffer. The story revolves around Freder, the son of the city's ruler, who falls for Maria, a worker advocating for equality. A tale of love, class struggle, and rebellion, with groundbreaking special effects for its time. Truly a cinematic gem! #Metropolis #ClassicCinema ️

Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction film directed by Fritz Lang. The movie is set in a futuristic city where the wealthy live in luxury while the workers toil underground to keep the city running. The city's ruler, Joh Fredersen, has a son, Freder, who becomes fascinated by a working-class woman named Maria and follows her into the underground city. There, he witnesses the harsh working conditions and becomes determined to bridge the gap between the classes. Meanwhile, Joh Fredersen's trusted scientist, Rotwang, creates a robot in the likeness of Maria to incite the workers to revolt. Chaos ensues as the robot causes destruction and the workers rise up against their oppressors. In the end, Freder and Maria unite the classes and bring peace to the city. The film explores themes of class struggle, love, and the dangers of technology.

• Freder Fredersen: The son of Joh Fredersen, the wealthy ruler of the futuristic city of Metropolis. Freder is initially sheltered and unaware of the harsh conditions faced by the workers in the city’s underground factories.
• Maria: A kind-hearted and compassionate worker who serves as a mediator between the workers and the ruling class. She becomes a symbol of hope and unity for the workers.
• Joh Fredersen: The cold and calculating ruler of Metropolis who is determined to maintain the status quo and keep the workers oppressed.
• Rotwang: A mad scientist who is obsessed with creating a robot in the likeness of his lost love, Hel.
• The Machine Man (also known as the False Maria): A robot created by Rotwang to incite chaos and rebellion among the workers.

The movie opens with a bustling cityscape of Metropolis, a futuristic city where the wealthy live in luxury above ground while the workers toil in the underground factories. Freder, the son of Joh Fredersen, the city’s ruler, lives a sheltered life and is unaware of the harsh conditions faced by the workers. However, his curiosity is piqued when he sees a group of workers, including Maria, bringing their children to the city’s gardens to see the wealthy children playing.

Intrigued, Freder follows Maria to the underground city where he witnesses the grueling and dangerous work the workers are subjected to. Shocked by what he sees, Freder decides to switch places with one of the workers and experiences their struggles firsthand. He is horrified by the inhumane treatment and the lack of concern from his father and the ruling class.

Meanwhile, Joh Fredersen is informed by his assistant, Josaphat, of a secret meeting between the workers and Maria. Joh becomes concerned about the potential uprising and orders Josaphat to find Maria and bring her to him. Josaphat finds Maria and is captivated by her kindness and compassion towards the workers. She tells him about a prophecy of a mediator who will unite the head (the ruling class) and the hands (the workers) and bring peace to Metropolis.

Joh Fredersen, fearing the prophecy, enlists the help of Rotwang, a mad scientist who was once in love with Hel, Joh’s deceased wife. Rotwang has been working on a robot in the likeness of Hel and Joh convinces him to use the robot to impersonate Maria and incite chaos among the workers.

The Machine Man, also known as the False Maria, is unleashed in the underground city and stirs up the workers with her seductive dance and calls for rebellion. The workers, fueled by their anger and desperation, begin to destroy the machines that keep the city running. Chaos ensues as the city’s power plant is flooded, causing a massive explosion that threatens to destroy the entire city.

Freder, realizing the danger, rushes to the control room to stop the explosion. He is joined by Maria, who has escaped from Rotwang’s clutches. Together, they manage to stop the explosion and save the city. Freder then confronts his father and shows him the error of his ways, urging him to bridge the gap between the head and the hands.

In the end, Joh Fredersen and Grot, the leader of the workers, join hands and the workers return to their jobs, but with improved working conditions. The movie ends with Freder and Maria looking out at the city, now united and at peace.

In conclusion, Metropolis is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores themes of class struggle, oppression, and the power of unity. Through the characters of Freder, Maria, and Joh Fredersen, the movie highlights the consequences of social inequality and the importance of empathy and compassion in creating a harmonious society. Fritz Lang’s masterpiece continues to be relevant and influential in the world of cinema, making it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.

1. What is Metropolis?
   
   Metropolis is a 1927 German science fiction film directed by Fritz Lang.
2. What is the plot of Metropolis?
   
   The film is set in a futuristic city where the wealthy live in luxury while the workers toil underground to keep the city running.
3. Who is the director of Metropolis?
   
   Fritz Lang is the director of Metropolis.
4. When was Metropolis released?
   
   Metropolis was released on January 10, 1927.
5. Who wrote the screenplay for Metropolis?
   
   The screenplay for Metropolis was written by Thea von Harbou.
6. Who are the main characters in Metropolis?
   
   The main characters in Metropolis are Freder, Joh Fredersen, Maria, and Rotwang.
7. What is the significance of the name “Metropolis”?
   
   The name “Metropolis” is derived from the Greek word for “city” and represents the futuristic city in the film.
8. What is the message of Metropolis?
   
   The film explores themes of class struggle, industrialization, and the power of love and unity.
9. What inspired Fritz Lang to make Metropolis?
   
   Lang was inspired by the novel “Thea von Harbou” and his own experiences working in a factory.
10. What was the budget for Metropolis?
    
    The budget for Metropolis was 5 million Reichsmarks, making it the most expensive film of its time.
11. How long is Metropolis?
    
    Metropolis has a runtime of 153 minutes.
12. What is the significance of the robot in Metropolis?
    
    The robot, also known as “Maria’s double,” represents the dangers of technology and the dehumanization of workers.
13. What is the significance of the cathedral in Metropolis?
    
    The cathedral represents the divide between the wealthy and the working class, as well as the power of religion in controlling society.
14. What is the significance of the Tower of Babel in Metropolis?
    
    The Tower of Babel symbolizes the arrogance and ambition of the city’s ruling class.
15. What is the significance of the workers’ rebellion in Metropolis?
    
    The workers’ rebellion represents the struggle for equality and the consequences of oppression.
16. What is the ending of Metropolis?
    
    The ending of Metropolis shows the city’s leader and the workers coming together in unity, suggesting a hopeful future.
17. What is the restored version of Metropolis?
    
    The restored version of Metropolis is a 2010 reconstruction of the film using newly discovered footage.
18. What is the significance of the music in Metropolis?
    
    The music in Metropolis, composed by Gottfried Huppertz, adds to the emotional impact of the film and enhances the futuristic atmosphere.
19. What is the reception of Metropolis?
    
    Metropolis received mixed reviews upon its release, but is now considered a classic and influential film.
20. What is the legacy of Metropolis?
    
    Metropolis has had a lasting impact on science fiction and dystopian films, as well as on popular culture.
21. What is the connection between Metropolis and other films?
    
    Metropolis has been referenced and paid homage to in numerous films, including Blade Runner and The Matrix.
22. What is the significance of the biblical references in Metropolis?
    
    The biblical references in Metropolis add depth to the themes of the film and highlight the struggle between good and evil.
23. What is the controversy surrounding Metropolis?
    
    There has been controversy surrounding the film’s portrayal of women and its perceived anti-capitalist message.
24. What is the impact of Metropolis on the film industry?
    
    Metropolis is considered a groundbreaking film in terms of its special effects, set design, and storytelling techniques.
25. What is the influence of Metropolis on other media?
    
    Metropolis has influenced not only films, but also literature, music, and video games.
26. Is Metropolis available to watch online?
    
    Yes, Metropolis is available to watch on various streaming platforms and can also be purchased on DVD or Blu-ray.