The Golem: How He Came into the World
Directed by Carl Boese, Paul Wegener • 1920 • 85m • ★ 7.0
Fantasy
Horror
Original Title
Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam
Director
Carl Boese, Paul Wegener
Writer
Paul Wegener, Henrik Galeen
Cast
Paul Wegener, Albert Steinrück, Lyda Salmonova, Ernst Deutsch, Hans Stürm, Max Kronert, Otto Gebühr, Dore Paetzold, Lothar Müthel, Greta Schröder
Year
1920
Country
Germany
Language
No Language
based on novel or book
jewish ghetto
rabbi
in vitro fertilisation
prague, czech republic
prequel
antisemitism
silent film
expressionism
golem
16th century
german expressionism
cliché
Featured In These Movements
Alman Dışavurumculuğu
MOVEMENT
Summary
In the dark streets of 16th-century Prague, a sense of helplessness looms in the narrow, eerie corners of the Jewish quarter. Rabbi Loew resolves to breathe life into the earth to stand against the impending persecution. The shadow-drenched aesthetic of German Expressionism transforms this silent film experience into a truly unsettling nightmare.
A colossal creature, shaped by clay, magic, and forgotten rituals, awakens. One of the earliest examples of the fantasy and horror genres, the film brings the spirit of the era to the screen. The tension created by this uncontrolled power continues to echo through Prague’s cobblestone streets.
Awards
1 win & 1 nomination
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