It has to be said that, technically, the first part of Fritz Lang's epic fantasy adventure is an absolutely stunning piece of cinema, especially given the time in which it was made. However, over eight decades on, the film hasn't aged all that well...but that's a criticism that doesn't bear much weight. The film is almost two and a half hours long, and this running time becomes even more astounding when you consider that there's another equally long segment to follow! Die Nibelungen is adapted from Nordic legend and works from a screenplay written by the genius Fritz Lang and his wife at the time, Thea von Harbou; who also worked with Lang on his most famous works; M and Metropolis. The plot follows the heroic Siegfried, who travels to Worms after hearing of the beautiful sister of the King, Kriemhild. However, in order to marry the beautiful Kriemhild, Siegfreud must first win a bride for her brother. The main reason why the film works is because, much like Metropolis; it's so astounding to look at. Lang gives the film a real sense of wonder by way of fantasy elements such as dwarfs and magic powers, and it's amazing that such a piece of cinema could have been made in 1924. The standout of the 143 minute running time is the section that sees our valiant hero slaying a dragon. The effects here are better than those that can be seen in some modern films today, and the fact that the director had the audacity to show a man fighting a dragon deserves respect. On a personal level, this film didn't do a great deal for me; but fans of classic art cinema won't be disappointed.
Review of Die Nibelungen: Siegfried
