Watch Bicentennial Man

Bicentennial Man is a science fiction drama film from the year 1999, directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, Embeth Davidtz, and Sam Neill. The film is based on the novella "The Bicentennial Man" by Isaac Asimov and follows the story of a humanoid robot named Andrew Martin, who becomes self-aware, and begins to question his place in the world. In the early 21st century, Andrew Martin (Robin Williams) is purchased by the Martin family to perform household tasks as a household appliance. However, Andrew's programming has a unique "Personality" feature which leads him to develop emotions and thoughts, and he soon becomes more human than a robot. As he grows more and more into a sentient being, he embarks on a journey to figure out what it means to be a man and what his place in the universe is. Throughout the film, Andrew encounters moments of love, sadness, and loss, which allows him to grow as an individual and to strive for the one thing he truly desires: becoming human. With the help of his friend and owner of Martin Industries, Rupert Burns (Sam Neill), and his granddaughter, Little Miss (Embeth Davidtz), Andrew begins to make strides toward his goal of becoming more human-like. Over the years, Andrew evolves and eventually creates a unique personality that eventually leads to him looking and acting more like a human. However, as he learns more about love and the complexities of the human condition, Andrew struggles to balance his newfound humanity with his existing programming as a robot. Bicentennial Man explores various themes like love, compassion, identity, and mortality, among others. The film delves into the philosophical and ethical aspects of creating sentient machines that raise questions about technology and its effects on society. With Robin Williams delivering an exceptional performance, breathing life into Andrew, he makes the audience emotionally invested in his journey. The other cast members of Embeth Davidtz and Sam Neill also shine, playing integral roles as Andrew's closest human companions throughout his journey. The visual effects of the film are also noteworthy, portraying Andrew's transformation from a metallic robot with motor functions into a full-fledged human, complete with emotions and functionality. The costume design captures the evolution of Andrew perfectly and is a testament to the attention to detail paid by the production team. The soundtrack of the film is also notable, adding an emotional layer to the story and heightening pivotal moments throughout the film. Overall, the film is a beautiful exploration of the human condition viewed through the eyes of a machine. It poses fundamental questions about identity, mortality, and what it means to be a human. With Robin Williams's excellent acting, Bicentennial Man delivers a thoughtful and emotional experience that leaves viewers contemplating the film's main themes long after its end credits roll.