SummaryA retro science-fiction epic set in Victorian England, Steamboy features an inventor prodigy named Ray Steam who receives a mysterious metal ball containing a new form of energy capable of powering an entire nation. This young boy must use it to fight evil, redeem his family, and save London from destruction. (Sony)
Directed By:Katsuhiro Ôtomo
Written By:Sadayuki Murai, Katsuhiro Ôtomo
Steamboy
Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
62% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
35% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
100
Visually stunning animation.
80
It's a roller-coaster action film that thunders along with top-notch set pieces and studiously researched period settings. The only letdown is that the focus on action drowns out any character development.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
59% Positive
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
24% Mixed
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
16% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Jul 2, 2024
8
Terrific steam punk technology and action set pieces anchor this epic, from one of the best animation directors ever. Character and story development are not as strong as in his better known feature, Akira, but there's plenty of innovative ideas here to hold your interest.
Dec 1, 2023
8
La historia que presenta un inteligente alegato pacifista sobre el uso indebido de la tecnología de innovación tal vez no estará a la altura de la obra maestra Akira; sin embargo, se justifica bien con el arte conceptual y las secuencias de acción.
75
Boys of all ages, by contrast, will be mesmerized by the relentless, breathtakingly visualized action.
70
Visually commanding, conceptually beguiling, but dramatically inert.
60
The sci-fi wonders, including an army of shuddering robo-soldiers and one-man, steam-powered bombers with delicate wood-and-linen wings, are truly marvelous and go a long way toward making up for the film's erratic pacing.
50
It's just that, in this world of clanking, hissing machines, even the people seem like robots.
30
The movie never transcended its elaborate production work to achieve an independent reality.
Jul 21, 2020
7
Steamboy is good children and adult movie, The design and animation is spectacular, The character are likable in have some themes to them, I think the movie would have been better it it has been shorter, What I really like it if you have kids please forced into watch it
May 24, 2014
6
Basically Steamboy is a film FULL of stupid plot points, annoying characters but bumped up due to the fact that the film Looks and feels visually spectacular also the Dub is pretty great. 6/10, better then average
Oct 8, 2013
6
Katsuhiro Otomo brings us a strange film. At beginning of alternate century, Ray Steam has main role in a film doesn't logical plot. It's true that "Steamboy" is science-fiction film but this is no excuse. "Akira" was powerful, philosophical and innovative. "Steamboy" begins cool, it promises an epic adventure but in the middle it jams. It rambles in story and the viewer no longer understands. "Steamboy" is movie interrumpted. Although, Otomo keeps on tension to end.
Feb 14, 2021
5
Comme son nom l’indique, on navigue dans les eaux troubles et troublées du steampunk à la toute puissance de la vapeur et des inventions (totalement délirantes ici) lors de cette première révolution industrielle en Angleterre… c’est naturellement l’occasion pour le film de dénoncer la « science sans conscience » comme le faisait déjà observer si justement Rabelais en son temps ! Les applications militaires de la vapeur magique sont évidemment en première ligne à Londres et au dessus de Londres et comme il s’agit d’un film du gars Otomo (cf Akira), ce Steamboy en l’occurrence ne se prive certainement pas… de tout faire péter et de tout faire exploser pendant un sacré bout de temps ! C’est la façon du réalisateur de montrer ainsi le chaos et le moins qu’on puisse dire, c’est qu’il n’y va pas avec le dos de la cuiller ! c’est d’ailleurs assez réussi techniquement parlant malgré les aléas de l’animation 2d typiquement japonaise. Spectaculaire à souhait en tout cas… Le scénario ici reste cependant souvent malmené, trop souvent sous pression je crois (!) et sujet à moult incohérences et/ou rebondissements plus ou moins aberrants… et puis c’est encoe un gamin qui sauve le monde comme d’habitude, aidé à l’insu de son plein gré par la gamine blondinette rouspéteuse qui ajoute une étonnante et incongrue touche de bouffonnerie à la destruction ambiante. Steamboy en fait donc des mégatonnes pour étayer sa démonstration un brin lourdingue. Heureusement, ça reste distrayant et on ne s’ennuie pas le moins du monde !
Production Company:
- Bandai Visual Company
- Steamboy Committee
- Studio 4°C
- Sunrise VAP
- Sunrise
Release Date:Mar 18, 2005
Duration:2 h 6 m
Rating:PG-13
Tagline:Prepare to go full steam ahead.
Website:
Awards
Tokyo Anime Award
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination




























