The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

This is one of the few officially respected films that has earned its position. If I had to name one film that is synonymous with all the perfection a film can evoke in a person, all the answers to the questions of why to continue to engage with and be inspired by film, it is The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Of course, the perceptive viewer must then become Caligari himself. (03/16/2012)

Madness simply oozes from the Cabinet. Dark distorted images (the sets seem to have fallen out of a brain afflicted with a persecution complex and a twisted perception of reality) in the most classic sense. The incidental music is extraordinarily suggestive. A jazzy bizarreness combined with various sounds and complemented by a symphony orchestra. Incredibly intense. (12/06/2011)

The forefather of all cinematic twists, visually one of the most original films ever, the cornerstone of cinematic horror and the best German movie of all time. Don't you think that this is easily worth five stars, despite the somewhat slow start, and even without the knowledge that it is one of the world's most important classics? P.S.: I watched the longer version that is listed here, but for comparison I also intend to get the one that lasts less than an hour. (03/16/2008)

A fantastic film that only becomes fantastic at the end, when everything makes sense, including the wonderfully warped sets. The restored extended version is a treat, and it's certainly not the last time I'll see it – on the contrary, I think it's only when I see the film a second time that I'll see it in all its glory. (02/24/2020)

Now, this is a true horror classic and without doubt one of the most remarkable projects from the silent 1920s. To be more precise, while with the famous Nosferatu the audience of that time could at least run to the toilet, in the company of Professor Caligari only diapers could help them. Even after all these years, this is an extremely impressive film with sets and modest design that may seem ridiculous today, but in terms of atmosphere, actors and story, including an excellent twist, it has nothing to be ashamed of. 85% (08/14/2013)