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So many people have written about M that I feel like I shouldn't even try. But this fascinating film by Fritz Lang made just at the cusp of the Nazi takeover of Germany (and involving them in no way, shape or form, save Der Schränker's superficial resemblance to the later Gestapo agents with his bowler hat and long leather trenchcoat) is a film worthy of my DVD collection, especially this Criterion two-disc set which I was fortunate to get not only cheap but also in excellent condition. About the movie itself. First, Peter Lorre as the child killer Hans Beckert is excellent. It's amazing how much sympathy and pathos Lang wrings from a guy who compulsively murders children but Lorre manages to pull it off in a simultaneously disturbing and heartwrenching monologue trying to explain or justify his actions. Now about the DVD. I haven't looked through disc two yet, but disc one contains a feature-length audio commentary by two guys named Anton Kaes and Eric Rentschler who would appear to be German film historians (or possibly historians in general) and are fascinating to listen to. They have much to say about M, beyond the usual pretentious drivel critics and historians lather onto such classic older films, discussing in details why Lang did or didn't do certain things, and how much M reflects the time period in which it was made, as well as the tenuous connection to Nazis. If you like the film or just film or German history in general, then Kaes and Rentschler's commentary is a decent listen.Vollständige Rezension lesen
After seeing "M" I readily agree with previous reviewers who call this one of the true masterpieces of German cinema and as many film noir historians have written, "M" paved the way for the entire genre in terms of style and cinematography. Peter Lorre, despite playing a dispicable character, gave the performance of his career. Oh and in case you haven't seen the film, the movie's title refers to the letter that's used to identify Peter Lorre as the murderer when he tries to escape. Peter Lorre plays a psychotic child murderer in Berlin who kills "because he can't help it". The police have looked everywhere for the elusive killer but can't find him. The crime leaders of Berlin are fed up, not because there's a child killer on the loose, but because his murders are causing the police to interfere with the underworld's business activities as they bring in and question virtually every criminal in sight. The crime leaders organize their own searching party and they finally catch up with the now terrified murderer after a relentless chase (which takes up a large portion of the film). Next the underworld leaders set up their own trial and the child killer trembles in fear as his life is in the hands of these mob leaders. I won't spoil the ending, but let's just say it's classic Fritz Lang.Vollständige Rezension lesen
M is one of the finest movies ever made. Director Fritz Lang shows a deft touch behind the camera, delving into a topic too taboo for American audiences of the time. And what a big screen debut for actor Peter Lorre. Lorre is best known as a character actor opposite Humphrey Bogart is such classics as "Casablanca" and "The Maltese Falcon". There is no more simple review than this one word: masterpiece. Kudos go out to the Criterion Collection for releasing such a brilliant print.
I saw this movie in a film class that I took last semester and it was very intriguing. Fritz Lang did a fantastic job with this movie and I had to have a copy
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Awesome, anyone that enjoys classic films will love this psychological thriller, The Godfather of this genre
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