Is The Ancient Law Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Ancient Law is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 128 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Ancient Law Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1923, The Ancient Law enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Baruch Mayer, son of an orthodox rabbi from a poor shtetl in Galizia, decides to break with the family tradition and leave the shtetl to become an actor. Under the direction of E.A. Dupont, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Ernst Deutsch, Henny Porten, Ruth Weyher. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Ancient Law offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 128-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Ancient Law is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.3/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The Ancient Law
- Ernst Deutsch – Baruch Mayer
- Henny Porten – Erzherzogin Elisabeth Theresia
- Ruth Weyher – Hofdame
- Hermann Vallentin – Heinrich Laube
- Werner Krauss – Nathan, der Professor
Top Highlights
Ernst DeutschBaruch Mayer
Henny PortenErzherzogin Elisabeth Theresia
Ruth WeyherHofdame
Hermann VallentinHeinrich Laube
Werner KraussNathan, der Professor
Margarete SchlegelEsther, seine Tochter
Avrom MorewskiRabbi Mayer
Grete BergerMother
Robert GarrisonRuben Pick
Jakob TiedtkeDirektor
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Ancient Law stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1923 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ancient Law movie hit or flop?
The Ancient Law has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Ancient Law worth watching?
The Ancient Law is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Ancient Law?
The Ancient Law is a Drama movie that Baruch Mayer, son of an orthodox rabbi from a poor shtetl in Galizia, decides to break with the family tradition and leave the shtetl to become an act...
