M (1931)

M (1931) plunges into the grimy streets of Berlin, where terror grips the city as a serial child killer wreaks havoc. The chilling deeds of this criminal are so abhorrent that even the hardened criminals of the underworld seek his demise. Set in post-Weimar Germany during the early days of the Nazi regime, this narrative of moral decay not only advocates for justice but also serves as a chilling harbinger of the societal hysteria that can lead to cultural witch hunts. Initially titled "Mörder Unter Uns" ("Murder Among Us"), M (1931) marked one of Peter Lorre's (CASABLANCA) earliest significant film roles. Fritz Lang's expressionistic lens delves into the shadowy urban landscape of Berlin, tracking the killer as he whistles through the streets, luring children with toys and sweets, and ultimately fleeing for his life. The city is paralyzed by fear, and a vast criminal network of blind beggars, thieves, and murderers operates beneath the surface. The film culminates in a memorable climax that delivers a stark statement about the murderous potential within humanity, all captured in Lang’s distinctive cinematography of sharp angles, dark corners, and rapid pacing.