TOP 100 Movies Countdown 60 - 51 - Page 9
TOP 100 Movies Countdown 60 - 51 - Page 9
52. METROPOLIS (silent): Quality: * * * * Acceptability: +3
1929 This classic science fiction movie is full of biblical symbolism and allegory. The city represents heaven and earth, as well as the caste distinctions to be found in a mercantilist/socialist state. Maria preaches reconciliation and new life through the intervention of a mediator between the rulers and the people. Rotwang, the priest/scientist, is the Adversary who wants to make the world over in his image. Freder becomes the Christ-like mediator, ready to sacrifice himself to save others. This movie rebukes the mercantilism which was rearing its ugly head as National Socialism in Germany. The film sternly condemns the revolutionary leader, the robot Maria, a counterfeit savior in the tradition of Barabbas, Hitler and Lenin, who leads the people to death and destruction. At the same time, it lifts up the Mediator, who comes to bring peace. METROPOLIS is as popular today as when it was made.
