Customer Reviews

Bicentennial Man

5 star:		(120)
4 star:		(37)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

The first thing that struck me about this film was the fact that it wasn't funny. Sure it had its moments like other dramas, but being billed as a comedy, this was surprising. The second is that most children watching this film will be bored and confused with the subject matter. Although it is a clean family movie, the topics covered (i.e. euthanasia, discrimination, immortality, etc.) are most definitely adult.

I am glad it wasn't a simple comedy, as within I found a touching, human story about a robot's search for meaning and humanity. It is a remarkable film, with great acting by both Robin Williams and Sam Neil. This was combined with a great score and wonderful visuals. It truly is a great film.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the comedy from the trailer look elsewhere. If you're looking for a family movie which your younger kids can get into, look elsewhere. This is a thought provoking and touching drama which contemplates very complex issues in a highly entertaining manner. I loved this film and highly recommend it.

Based on the Isaac Asimov short story "The Bicentennial Man" which was later adapted by Robert Silverberg in "The Positronic Man," director Chris Columbus has managed to merge a powerful romantic epic with Asimov's intellectual story.

The story was written to celebrate the 1976 Bicentennial of the USA and Asimov's story told about a robot that strives to be human. While this is a very prevalent idea nowadays, i.e. Data on Star Trek, it was pretty original at that time.

Columbus shows wonderful respect for the source material, which he betters in every way. How often can you say that of a movie? Columbus understands that in the future everything will not be immediately different. The film portray this by slowly adding futuristic elements on top of real settings. In an era of CGI sets that don't look real, this sci-fi movie is all the better for it's matter of fact approach to the future.

The performances are uniformly great with Williams giving such a strong performance beneath the costume that when his face is revealed it is a little startling. He also injects a sense of humor that makes more powerful the romance and pathos of the plot.

This is a film that deserved better than it got. It is an epic, in the sense of Tolstoy and "Gone With the Wind", with a science fiction worldview.

In this film of a robot's search to become more human, we feel more strongly the precious gift of our own humanity. That is all we can ask of any work of art.

I have just seen Bicentennial Man (on cable) for the second time. I loved it even more than my first time seeing it in the theater, because I knew the story in advance and could relax and look forward to it, without being overwhelmed by the wonderful special effects and little tidbits of wonderment that pervade the movie. Quite simply, Robin Williams portrays a robot who becomes human. But, it's so much deeper than that. I must say it is one of Robin's best works... and I've seen them all. It has his delightful comedy, but moreover, his perfect portrayal with pathos and beguiling charm. The movie begins with the robot (dubbed Andrew) being introduced to the family (with Sam Neill as the father). One of the little girls in the family makes a quick connection with the new robot (Williams), and they become fast friends... for life, as it turns out. As time goes by, Andrew (Williams) becomes more and more a member of the family. But, Andrew also becomes more human, and eventually goes to search for his identity, and to seek out others like him. The film moves rather quickly from one time period to another, since they have to cover Andrew's lifespan of two-hundred years (hence the title). Throughout his life, he is constantly evolving, whether mechanically, thru technological improvements, or just by learning human qualities. The thrust of it is that he eventually becomes human, but is not recognized as such until the end of his life. (There is a very moving speech he gives to some delegation who will decide if he is human or not.) It is a landmark film of human emotions and human joy, all experienced and displayed by a robot. It is not the comic fluff of some earlier Williams' films, nor the hardhitting drama of some of his others. Rather, it is the compelling joyousness and heartwarming comedy of a machine who wants to be human... played expertly by Williams, of course. I plan to watch it again, very soon. It is a great movie.

For years I have been a great fan of Issac Asmov. Without a doubt, Bicentennial Man was my favorite of his stories because, although most of Asmov's robot novels have a more intellectual ending, this one had more real depth and feeling than anything I have ever read from him. The movie expands on this in a profound way and extends Asmov's novelette into a full feature in a way I have seen few books rendered to film. Although I have seen some bad press on this movie, (notably Robert Ebert) DON'T believe it, my fiancee loved it so much she had to see her favorite parts again after it was over, and she is NOT a science fiction fan (of a fan of Asmov for that matter.) I have also heard that the humor was also rather dry, and I don't believe that this is true either. Although Robin Williams was not the zany character he usually is, many of his jokes were extremely funny. (Ex. A buddhist walks up to a hotdog vender and says, "make me one with everything.") I believe that the more subdued tone he played worked with the tone of the character. His usual antics would have looked inappropiate for a robot who was not supposed to have a personality at all. Over time, his character does learn to be more expressive, but never to the extreme extent of Williams in other movies (Ex. The Fisher King.), however, my fiancee said that William's concept of phyisical and emotional love was one of the most romantic things she had ever heard. Other comments aside, I believe this is one of the best films I have seen in months, and I would HIGHLY recommend it. The DVD is well done with an excellent transfer, good Dolby Digital effects, and it DOES have a trailer and movie featurette. (a previous review made on this BBS before the DVD was even released, says it did not.)

Owing to the fact that it is based on an Isaac Asimov story, `Bicentennial Man' turns out to be a more interesting and meaningful film than both its advertising campaign and its own opening section would indicate. The caveat for those seeking out a fun film for the entire family is that this movie, though initially sold as a warm cuddly comedy in the tradition of say `Mrs. Doubtfire,' actually deals with some very heavy and heady issues like sexuality, aging and dying, which may make it less-than-ideal viewing for young children.

The first section of the film is, by far, its weakest. In 2005, the wealthy Martin family receives delivery of a brand new servant android (Robin Williams) who, almost immediately, begins to display a remarkable range of human emotions and interests. Thus, we are set up for yet another in a long line of predictable tales (i.e. `Harry and the Hendersons,' `Stuart Little') in which a family comes to adopt a strange, not-quite-human creature, welcoming him in as one of their own. Indeed, in the film's early stages, there is no shortage of either bland humor or drippy sentimentality as Andrew, the android, ingratiates himself with all but one of the Martin household. The `wit' in the film consists, basically, of endless jokes about how Andrew takes all idioms at literal face value, a running gag that is, finally, as unoriginal as it is wearying.

Then, however, just as we are about to give up hope in it, the movie becomes more intriguing. Rather than staying within the context of the present life of this one family, the screenplay begins to move ahead in time, exploring Andrew's gradual growth toward total humanity, while the initial family grows up and eventually dies off. Actually, despite how one may feel about the film itself, one must admire its boldness and audacity, for it is not often that, in a film billed as a mass audience comedy, all the main characters pass on to their heavenly reward at one point or another - but, then again, how many comedies span a two hundred year time period? `Bicentennial Man' obviously has more on its mind than mere fish-out-of-water buffoonery, as it becomes an often-elegiac reflection on the transience of life, the meaning of being human and the search for societal acceptance. The mood of the film is remarkably hushed and reflective at times, which again might make it slow going for the modern mass audience more conditioned to a faster pace and giddier tone, especially in a Robin Williams film (though, of late, his films have certainly been taking on a much more somber quality, vide `What Dreams may Come,' `Patch Adams' and `Jakob the Liar'). There are times when `Bicentennial Man' seems overly impressed with its own self-importance, yet one appreciates its refusal to settle for the easy path of cheap comedy and upbeat sentiments. There is, indeed, a real sadness to much of the film.

Special acknowledgement should be made of the superb art direction, set design, costume design, makeup and special effects that together give the film its understated and believable futuristic look. In addition, James Horner's melancholic symphonic score, though a bit lubricious at times, does create an atmosphere of contemplative seriousness that perfectly matches the tone and purpose of the film.

`Bicentennial Man' may not turn out to be what you are looking for when you first seek it out, but, if you approach it with an open mind and a certain degree of tolerance and indulgence, you may be pleasantly surprised and, perhaps, even rewarded.

During the lenght of the movie I kept finding similar parellels between this and I, Robot. THe only difference being that I, Robot is more action than drama. Also, contrary to what the back of the DVD says, Bicentennial man is no comedy. Sure, it has it humerous moments. But it leans towards being more of an emotional film.

Bicentennial man is about one Robot who is distinctly unique, being able to feel and understand to a certain degree that is rather human. It is a journey that leads him to try and discover his roots, and deal with the prejudices of his time. Finally leading Andrew down the path of becoming a man.
Like Pinocchio, Andrew desperatly wants to become a real boy, er..man, but unlike Pinocchio, Andrew was able to make that dream a reality. finding someone who owns a little robot repair shop, and willing to undertake such a momumental task.

Andrew gradually becomes real, first covering his frame with real skin and more defined features, then when he falls in love, he takes the next step. This is where he invents mechanical hearts, kidneys, lungs ect... Andrew then designs a nervious system and the ability to feel. But it is not until he begins to force himself to age that people will even begin to accept him as the one thing that he ever wanted to be. A human man.

"Men do not mind a immortal robot, but only an immortal man." Andrew was told.
The ending of the movie is sad, it is where he and his wife of fourty years are dying, awaiting the verdict from the council on wether Andrew will be known as a human or a robot. Andrew dies just as his verdict is announced, never knowing what that verdict was, but knowing to himself that it was not the mechanical parts inside him that made him a robot. But the ability to love and feel that made him a man.

Bicentennial Man is the exploration of the the human spirit. The drive to survive and to be accepted. This movie touches on love, romance, comedy, prejudices and equality for all. Robin Williams and Elsbeth Davidtz were exceptional. The sounds track by Jmes Horner was haunting and enchanting. The Theme so by Celine Dion is breathtaking. A movie I can gladly say is the best that I have every seen. The movie does not focus on futuristic gadets and what not. The focus of the movie is change evelution and love. Something that everyone can relate to.

Unbelievable. I saw the previews and thought "it's just another Chris Columbus movie". I didn't plan on seeing it. Then, a few days after it was released, I was talked into it by a friend and though "well, it won't be TOO bad. Robin Williams is always funny". By the end of this movie I was sobbing uncontrollably, uncaring of the packed theater aroud me, unaware of anything else. And I'm a 18 year-old male who claims FIGHT CLUB is his favorite movie! Overall, 3 scenes stand out in my mind as making me sob like I did; The death of Sam Neil's character, the death of 'Little Miss', and finally the scene with Williams and his wife on their death bed (which was the one during which I was sobbing uncontrollably). This film was so incrediably moving that I still, even months and months after it's release, am in awe of it. I really connected with William's charater, I felt his burning desire to become human, to fit in, to experience life and even death. The acting was flawless in every aspect, the music stirring and lyrical, the special effects, that while in service to the story, were still breathtaking, the scope of the story being told suprising. And all of it done without horrid language or violence. See this movie. Ths is a mature Chris Columbus film, not the kiddie flick depicted in the trailers. See it and see what it's like to truely be human.

This movie will be in my "All-time" collection. Contrary to the writting on the back cover of the VHS/DVD this is not a comedy but rather a sentimental and touching drama with some comedy thrown in. This movie goes for the heart like E.T. and plays it like Jimi Hendrix played the guitar. The movie's central theme is one of humanity from and from one looking in from the outside and valuing what we take for granted.

One thing that stood out was the "freedom" ideal as seen from Andrew's enlightened viewpoint. He wanted to be able to be able to serve out of free will. Thinking back on this, I believe that this - in a way - was a testament to Andrew's love for the family and wanting the Family's ultimate love/trust (If you love someone set them free....) Andrew demonstrated that even thought he was free he would exercise his freedom to continue serving and being apart of the family as he was already doing. In a world were freedom seems to mean that there is no "ball and chain" of obligations, Andrew wants to show the family whom he serves that he does so because he wants to, not merely because he was designed, built and programmed to.

Another one of the many issues this film deals with is the one of mortality vs immortality. While he could live forever, see the many wonders that may come, become rich, and all the "goodies" that come with this "immortality" was it worth it especially when it comes to death of ones he had come to care for. As ones Andrew has come to care about begin to drop off his lament, "Will every human being I care about just leave?" sharply drives home a stinging realization that along with living forever one would also be tormented with watching loved ones leave over and over. Then there was Porsha's assertion that she did not want to live forever because she accepted that she was not meant to, this is so much against our "fountain of youth" desires. She did not want to live a lie by living forever courtesy of artificial organs, skin etc, it was not natural, it was not the "order".

All in all this movie is as other reviewers say "thought-provoking". It is sentimental toward the human condition and state of being, warts and all.

Renting this movie "won't do". I bought the DVD. I don't own many movies.

Fans of Isaac Asimov are undoubtedly drawn to Bicentennial Man, as very few of the Grand Master's movies were ever made into films. This is definitely a good one. Asimov was not a shoot-em-up kind of storyteller. His characters talk to each other and resolve their disputes in discussion. Commander Data from Star Trek The Next Generation owes a lot to Asimov's creations, and especially to this story, where a robot strives to become like a human being. If the story's premise strikes you as silly, it was just as silly when the story was about a wooden doll or a dead man brought to life in a laboratory.

Robin Williams does a commendable job in this film. Those expecting the off-the-wall smart remarks and antics that are his trademark might be disappointed. Williams played this one straight and low-key.

The look to this film is remarkable, too. The characters and the world it portrays are distinctly modern, affluent, upper-class. You won't find much grease or grime here, save in the roboticist's laboratory. The buildings get bigger and glossier; the vehicles lose their wheels and start levitating; the costumes get a bit more sleek; but there is nothing here that is too far out. It is a far cry from Blade Runner or Johnny Mnemonic, and is very "clean." I couldn't even tell you if Disney made this, but it has the Disney feel to it; or perhaps the Disney theme park feel to it.

Bicentennial Man is most definitely science fiction, but it is also very different from any SF that I have seen on the screen before. Rent it, buy it, keep it for your kids. It's a keeper.