In a daring creative choice, the movie is largely scored with New Orleans-style jazz. This retro choice contrasts beautifully with the futuristic setting, creating a unique, melancholic, yet energetic mood.
Often when we speak of "Metropolis," the mind drifts to Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent masterpiece. Yet, in 2001, legendary animation studio Madhouse released a reimagining that deserves its own spot in the pantheon of science fiction cinema. Directed by , written by Akira ’s Katsuhiro Otomo , and based on Osamu Tezuka’s 1949 manga, the 2001 anime film Metropolis is a breathtaking, jazz-infused visual feast that explores humanity, class struggle, and the soul in the machine.
The finale is frequently described as one of the most memorable in animation history. As the city breaks apart, the destruction is paired with a haunting performance of "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Ray Charles. A Humanistic Approach to Technology subtitle Metropolis.2001.720p.BluRay.x264-HAiKU...
The plot hinges on the construction of the "Ziggurat," a massive skyscraper designed to be the central control of the world, powered by a highly advanced robot named Tima. Tima is modeled after Duke Red’s deceased daughter, but she initially has no memory of her purpose. She befriends Kenichi, the young nephew of a Japanese detective, and the two become lost in the intricate, perilous world beneath the city. Why It’s Still a Must-Watch in 2026
Unlike the original silent film, which was more of a fable, Rintaro's version leans heavily into the question of what defines humanity. Metropolis (2001) dares to suggest that humanity is not just in our programming, but in our capacity to feel, care, and create—whether we are made of flesh or steel. Katsuhiro Otomo Retrospective: Metropolis | AniTAY-Official In a daring creative choice, the movie is
The film transports us to a towering, multi-layered megalopolis where human laborers have been displaced by robots. The city is a powder keg of societal tension, with the disenfranchised poor living in the squalid lower levels, looking up at the glittering, oppressive architecture built by the wealthy elite, led by the ambitious Duke Red.
If you are watching the film via the release, you are engaging with the best possible way to experience its meticulously crafted atmosphere, where hand-drawn characters blend seamlessly with detailed CGI backdrops. A Tale of Two Cities (And A Robot) Yet, in 2001, legendary animation studio Madhouse released
The animation style bridges the gap between classic Tezuka character designs—round-faced and expressive—and a 1920s-inspired steampunk world. The scenes of the sprawling city and the industrial underbelly are unparalleled, making the 720p BluRay transfer essential to capture its detail.