The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold (1991): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1991, The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold is a music film directed by Harry Kupfer, running about 154 minutes.

What it’s about. PRELIMINARY EVENINING OF THE RING CYCLE. Upon the banks of the ageless river Rhine, the Rhinemaidens play. Alberich, a Nibelung dwarf, tries vainly to seduce one of them. To taunt him, they reveal their secret: out of the gold they guard one can forge a Ring to rule the world, but at the cost of giving up Love forever. Alberich steals the gold, makes the ring and plans his world take-over. Meanwhile, Wotan, King of the Gods, must figure out how to finance the construction of Valhalla. He has promised his sister-in-law as payment to the giant construction workers led by Fafner, but his wife Fricka disapproves. Loge (God of Fire) tricks Alberich and brings him to Wotan, who takes the Ring. In revenge Alberich curses it: lack of the Ring will fuel desire for it and possession will only lead to misery. Wotan gives the Ring to Fafner as ransom for Fricka's sister. Filmed at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus in June & July 1991.

Who’s in it. The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold stars Daniel Barenboim as Conductor, John Tomlinson as Wotan, Bodo Brinkmann as Donner and Kurt Schreibmayer as Froh, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.5/10, The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.