Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Score: 8/10

This is a brave movie that raises controversial topic. I believe most people find this movie difficult to chew. Many people will say that it is a fancy Pinocchio movie. It’s not entirely false. In fact the concept of the movie is indeed close to that of Pinocchio. However, it has deeper meaning than that and unfortunately not many people can grasp it.

The story revolves around a robot boy called David (Haley Joel Osment). This robot is unique and the first of its kind. It is equipped with emotions and it can be programmed to love somebody unconditionally. Davis is adopted by a family and finally becomes attached to the mother (Frances O’Connor). Due to some family issues, she decides to abandon David in the forest.

David’s love to his adopted mother is just too big and he begins to search for her. He faces many challenges along the way, especially from the bounty hunters. During his adventure, he meets another robot on the run named Gigolo Joe (Jude Law). Joe decides to help David to reach his dream and find his mother.

There are a lot of details that I do not disclose in my review, but there is a spoiler section that you can read below. The movie is gloom and sad throughout. It is just touching to see how pure David’s love is. He is willing to do anything to express his love and reach his dream. I feel that the movie was created with great cares, which is not surprising since the director is Steven Spielberg. The CGI is great and the surrounding environment blends with the storyline perfectly.

The acting is excellent from all casts. O’Connor is good as a torn mother who is confused to do the right thing. Jude Law also performs amazingly as a robot. His movement is just perfect. Haley Joel Osment is brilliant as David. His last scene is very emotional (lots of tissues are recommended). This is definitely one of his top performances (along with the Sixth Sense).

The similarities with Pinocchio are obvious throughout the movie including the fairy, Jimmy the Cricket (represented by Teddy), and even David’s dream. The ending is confusing and seems too far fetched for some viewers, but I feel that it offers different meaning than what is literally shown. The movie is depressing and it may affect your mood. However, it cannot change the fact that this is a good movie and I recommend you to watch it. It may not be the right movie to be seen leisurely though because you will miss many important aspects.

Further information on the movie can be found from:
- IMDB: Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence Official Site

"Ugh, is this Halloween season?"


















Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers!

Most people think that it is alien beings that unfreeze David. I believe that they are not aliens, but they are robots created by human. If not they won’t easily tap into David and read his mind. The movie intends to convey a message that human has created destruction to the world and caused all mankind to be wiped out from the face of the earth. Their creation however, in this case robots, still live long after human is extinct. I recommend you visit Come Away O Human Child if you want to get more information about this issue.

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