M (1931) - Fritz Lang (Trailer) | BFI release

A newly-restored version of this world cinema classic is re-released by the BFI on 5 September 2014 at BFI Southbank, IFI Dublin and selected cinemas nationwide.

[wuloki]

As a German, maybe it's interesting to give some background information for international viewers:
(1) This movie was based on an actual case of serial killings, which happened in the city of Düsseldorf (in the far west, near the Dutch border), while M takes place in Berlin in the east, not far away from the Polish border.
(2) The German penal system was and is somewhat liberal in comparison to Russia and the USA (with a notable exception being the years of Nazi rule... but this movie was made before that). Germany's penal system is made to rehabilitate people into society, and it is an ongoing discussion how to handle sexual predators. I understand this movie as being about this dilemma... letting the police and justice system do it, with the danger of it being to "mild", opposed to dealing out harsh justice for yourself.
As of today, sexual predators serve their normal jail-time (which is way shorter than what's normal in the US). After this, they are involuntarily committed to special prisons, which work more like a psychiatric hospital. Convicts get treatment in form of therapy and medication, until they are deemed "safe" to return to the normal society. This has led to some scandals, as recently released convicts went on a rampage, so the discussion on what to do with them is an ongoing topic here. Note that the death penalty is a taboo here, in part due to the Nazi rule of 1933-1945.

[Daniel-Rosa.]

Whoa, these BFI trailers are awesome! Beautifully put together. Aw, I can't help but envy countries where classic films are played back *in theaters!* AND ADVERTISED!

[linualand]

One of the best Movies of all time, after my opinion.

[diogohenriquevintem]

In my opinion the most influential film ever made.

[PayamA]

A true masterpiece, created by one of the greatest directors ever, Fritz Lang.

[giovannaj]

I absolutely love psychological thrillers. This for me was the best I seen from that era. Absolutely amazing

[oloanmudaharahap]

Great film. 1931 the year and still the best i think.
Fritz Lang is a genius.

[heidibarker]

I'm so glad I went into this film almost completely blind, it was truly an experience, a (surprisingly) welcome assault on the ears and eyes, with the crisp black and white cinematography and the desperation in Peter Lorre's voice. That finale (which I almost had spoiled for me, but didn't) gives me chills.

[briangriffin]

Peter Lorre was such an acting genius he actually had me feeling pity for this monster.

[barrywbaker]

The restoration looks amazing. One can really appreciate the great camera angles and lighting.

[hildacorley]

Incredible movie. Incredible story. This movie kept me on the edge of my seat. I know the German language quite well however I still needed the English subtitles. The German is spoken fast in old German with heavy rolls of the tongue and many old world slang phrases. However the composition of the story said everything no matter what language when watched. It was a historical intriguing, deep thinking, thrilling, creepy, disgusting, horrifying movie with even a few extremely subtle witty scenes. This is a must see movie. It will stick with you for days.

[cardsgal]

Oh man this movie was really jaw dropping. Incredibly done and very inspiring. Way ahead of it's time this film. And this trailer is absolutely gorgeous.

[tonyclifton]

masterpiece; seen it many times and want to see it again soon. Peter Lorre was born to play the role of Hans Beckert in this film

[carl_anderson]

It’s in HBO Max right now. I’m gonna see it this weekend. Seems pretty awesome, specially knowing that it was directed by Fritz Lang and that it was made only 4 years after the creation of sounding films.

[rogerkincaid]

Why do people keep saying Inspector Gadget theme? It's Grieg's 'In The Hall of Mountain King'.

[isabelaoliveira]

Just watched this movie and could barely breathe in the last 20 minutes!

[BScrapGamer]

meanwhile there is an entire film called emesis blue made from fortress films

[ishbelcoulter]

INCREDIBLE! somehow you've managed to capture the beautifuly unique feel of the entire film, and the best parts of it in the best way, really clever to show it as what it is- a film of silence so contrasted to the instant gratification of modern film. I went to see it recently and it's impossible to even try to watch any modern hollywood films afterwards

[ElijahLothrop]

Thanks for the ride, Doc. You sure you don't wanna come in? At least say "Hi" to Ma?

[ImNotAlrightGirl]

Hell yeah!!! This trailer's fucking amazing!