Review of M (1931) by Bastet 0 — 03 Sep 2008
The movie is slow to begin, but after the first half hour, quickly picks up. The cinematography, camera shots (paralleling the meeting of the police vs. the underground), dialogue, and the ideas in the movie are very advanced for the time. I can see why this was banned in some areas. The idea of a child molester/murderer running amok, and the criminal underground taking matters into their own hands would have been very taboo.
Peter Lorre (as the molester) seems very unassuming until he spots a child in a glass reflection and starts convulsing. It disgusts and shocks you- just as it is supposed to.
The ending of the movie was a bit disappointing, only because it is left open. The movie play's devil's advocate- arguing which is better- to kill someone who can't help hurting others, or risk them getting out of rehab and striking again. Or, do we owe it to the person who is victim of their own mental defect to live locked away in a hospital or prison.
Very cutting edge for the time and now. It might be considered blasphemy, but if handled by the right independent film maker, I think this could be an excellent remake as well.
This review of M (1931) was written by Bastet 0 on 03 Sep 2008.
M has generally received very positive reviews.
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