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Writer's pictureJames Rutherford

'A.I. Artificial Intelligence': An Evocative Tale About a Robotic Boy On a Perilous Odyssey in Search of Maternal Love

Movie poster for A.I. Artificial Intelligence

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) is a multilayered and evocative science fiction-fantasy film set in the 22nd century, after climate change has devastated the planet. The story centers around David (Haley Joel Osment), a highly advanced robotic boy adopted by a human couple, Henry (Sam Robards) and Monica (Frances O'Connor), whose biological son is gravely ill.


Fearing that their son Martin (Jake Thomas) may never awaken from suspended animation, Henry and Monica make the difficult decision to accept David into their home as a proxy of sorts. As David bonds with his adoptive family, he develops a deep and profound love for Monica after she activates his imprinting protocol. However, when Martin unexpectedly recovers from his illness, David is abandoned and forced to navigate a world he doesn’t understand. His journey takes him on a perilous odyssey alongside a fellow "mecha" named Gigolo Joe (Jude Law) to locate the mythical Blue Fairy of Pinocchio lore—hoping she can grant his wish to become a real boy and regain Monica’s love.


Based on the short story "Supertoys Last All Summer Long" by Brian Aldiss and directed by Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park), "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" is a visually stunning and emotionally charged cinematic experience. Building on years of development by the late Stanley Kubrick, Spielberg delves into philosophical questions about artificial intelligence while exploring the capacity for love and empathy within both humans and machines. Spanning multiple genres and tonal shifts, the story ultimately emerges as a profound examination of the true nature of consciousness.


 

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