AllMovie

In this informative documentary, Dutch director Digna Sinke tells the story of the industrial history of the 19th and 20th centuries from the approach of "industrial archaeology." Using drawings, photos, and historical as well as current footage, she focuses on the disappearance or decay of monumental artifacts of a bygone era, such as steam engines and old railroad bridges. This poignant view of the ephemeral nature of what seemed to be engineering's permanent accomplishments, is balanced by statistical information, and a restrained use of narrative and music.