Steamboy (2004)

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In a steampunk version of England, James Ray Steam is sent a mysterious spherical device that his father and grandfather have accidentally discovered while looking for a new source of energy for England’s steam engines. Increasingly hunted by members of the opposing O'Hara Foundation, James uncovers the Foundation’s sinister goals. He also finds himself confronted with Scarlett O'Hara St Johns, the granddaughter of the O’Hara Foundation’s chairman, who seems to have taken a liking to him.

Steamboy was Katsuhiro Otomo’s first feature film after Akira (1988). Originally intended as three 40-minute original video animation episodes, Steamboy remained in production for ten years and was at the time of release the most expensive Japanese animated film ever produced. While not an immense success on release, the film has gathered a large fanbase over the years and its themes of industrialization, pollution and technocriticism have grown more poignant over the years.

Melkweg often hosts different types of programmes at the same time, such as concerts, club nights and films. Please note that there may occasionally be some noise pollution from other programmes during the screening.