I've got to say, 'The 200-Year-Old Man' is one of those cinematic gems that really speaks to people who are into the whole AI and robotics thing. Kinopoisk gives it a solid 7.980, but to be honest, I barely made it through. Maybe it's just because the film is from 1999 and back then, people had a totally different perception of the future and AI compared to now. At first, it's all about the latest tech advancements, but ultimately, it's a love story.
So, what's the film about?
It's the start of a new millennium, and there's a breakthrough in global tech. People are ditching their pets for robots - that's exactly what the Martin family does when they get themselves a cutting-edge robot, the NDR-114, or just Andrew as he's affectionately called. Initially, Andrew's just a programmed device meant to do household chores, but he starts experiencing these weird feelings. Little does he know, that's what they call emotions.
Midway through the story, we meet Andrew - a robot with a unique personality.
He's introduced to the family, who he's supposed to serve, and Sir - that's what Andrew calls his father - starts taking an interest in him. Every day, they chat, and he learns all sorts of human things. Meanwhile, the family's patriarch says, "This is a machine. You can't pour your feelings into a machine".
But Andrew forms a bond with the family, works hard, loves the kids, and even learns to crack jokes. As time goes by, he develops even more.
I've got to say, the robot has a soft spot for the smallest member of the family, which he affectionately calls The Little Miss, the key female lead.
Let's get real, Andrew looks like a robot. My initial infatuation with the robot didn't exactly give me a warm fuzzy feeling. By this point, I'd already realized that the movie's not going to deliver any real sci-fi magic, but rather a generic melodrama. And even that's a bit weird.
What's even more interesting is that the role of the granddaughter and grandmother is played by the same actress. It's like Andrew's always been in love with the same woman, and never changes his mind.
Throughout the movie, Andrew undergoes a transformation.
He starts wearing costumes.
And then he even finds himself a plastic surgeon.
I think part of the movie's fanbase are die-hard Robin Williams fans. He's great, just like Embeth Davidtz, but two hours felt like a chore.
There's just too much generic melodrama. The love story between the robot, the grandmother, and the granddaughter didn't evoke any emotions in me, except for skepticism. Everything's just too idealized and romanticized.
I have to say, the love story takes center stage. We barely get any questions about how the media, politicians, or most people reacted to the first free robot, or how the first robot-human marriage was perceived. It's like those questions don't matter. What's more important is how the main character chooses between a human man and robot Andrew.
By the middle of the movie, the soap opera aspect is getting more screen time than the robot theme. And honestly, it's just not convincing to me. None of the robot's changes, humanity, or love story resonated. I'm not getting any explanations, either from a technical or psychological standpoint. Why is he different from other robots? How did he manage to develop into a human-like being?
After watching gems like AI and The Terminator, it's hard to take this film seriously. I'd believe it more if robots were going to destroy humanity or vice versa, but this is just a romantic tale.
I'm not saying the movie isn't worth watching. Maybe back in the late 90s, this future looked different to us. For its time, this film was actually good. If you're into feel-good, romantic stories, you might enjoy The 200-Year-Old Man. I just expected something else, so we didn't connect.
Check out my other movie and TV show reviews:
I just watched "The Cloud Atlas" and I'm still reeling from the experience - it's a thought-provoking film about reincarnation, soulmates, love, and the power of the human spirit.
Gallagher's not just a diagnosis, it's a family - and that's what makes "The Gallaghers" such a compelling watch.
The "Smile of Mona Lisa" is a beautifully crafted film that explores what it means to be a woman - and it's a must-watch for anyone looking for a quality cinematic experience.
Breaking Bad is a masterclass in storytelling, exploring the moral decay of a man who's willing to do whatever it takes to succeed - and it's a wild ride from start to finish.
If you want to experience the highs and lows of university life, then "Greek" is a must-watch - it's a relatable and entertaining take on the ups and downs of higher education.
AI is the future of science - or is it the beginning of the end for humanity? The "Ex Machina" is a thought-provoking film that explores the possibilities and consequences of artificial intelligence.
My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a heartwarming and hilarious take on love, relationships, and self-discovery - and it's a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good show.
The Little Prince has grown up and become a janitor - but did Antoine de Saint-Exupéry really envision such a future for his beloved character? The question is raised in this thought-provoking film.
Game of Thrones may be over, but The World of the Wild West is a worthy successor - it's a gripping and unpredictable ride that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Sing-Off is a heartwarming and uplifting film that teaches the importance of tolerance - and it's a must-watch for anyone who loves music.
The Ship is just another disappointment from the Russian film industry - it's a lackluster take on a post-apocalyptic world that fails to deliver.
For me, the customer support was a major selling point. I was a bit worried about the product's build quality at first, but after using it for a week, I was pleasantly surprised. The buttons feel solid, and the battery life lasts longer than I expected.