Il mio amico robot

Hats off to director Pablo Berger for bringing Sara Varon's graphic novel to life in such a moving way. It revolves around the themes of friendship, longing, betrayal, and healing; plus, it has a dog and a robot as protagonists. Set in '80s NYC, the silent 2D-animated flick exudes a resonating hand-drawn charm, with the city's cosmopolitanism showcased to remarkably messy effect. I've taken a liking to ambitious filmmakers attempting to bring childrens' graphic novels to life, but with the realization that the underlying subject matter always finds greater relatability within adults.

Friendship (no matter the circumstances, and between whoever) is always something that'll immediately grab our attention, and that's the case here too. The film is adorably punctuated by great music, and I like to think, at times, there's nothing better than music to put emotions across. The visuals are filled with retro NYC essentials, and since Dog is a snacker, it shouldn't surprise you that there's plenty of food and beverages on display. I mention this because the film also left me reasonably hungry (and craving a hot dog and a pack of Flamin' Cheetos!).

The protagonists get separated quite early on, and you can draw easily parallels to real-world situations. Dog is trying to find new friends, and going on new adventures, and some of these chapters (or subplots) have that episodic quality to them. Not all of them contribute to the plot, such as the skiing adventure-turned-mishap, but they indicate the passage of time. On the other hand, Robot is left all alone on the beach, with only his dreams for company. The dream sequences have a likeable charm to them, even when you know they're just "dreams" (read: wishful thinking). The episode with the family of birds was wonderful, and one of the most memorable stretches in the film alongside the achingly beautiful finale.

This movie is basically the animated version of Past Lives.

In all seriousness, this movie was deeply beautiful. A great story about friendship, loss, and life with simple colorful animation that is carried with great direction film Filmmaker Pablo Berger, two likable characters, and great emotional depth and cores in the setting.

The writing explores many themes that were simple, yet emotional, touching, and engaging as the writing provides strong senses of atmospheres and fun characters to observe. I found myself being really emotionally connected with the characters, the settings, and I never thought I would honestly tear up about a dog and a robots friendship in my life. The animation is good and while it is simple, the setting and tone fits the animation style which worked pretty well.

With very little dialogue, it creates a very interesting atmosphere approach to the setting and characters and it worked. Alongside with good humor, good musical soundtracks, and sound designs. I really appreciate the filmmaker and others making this movie for creating an animation movie with great emotions, themes, and takes that most animated movies now are probably a little scared to go towards.

Despite being nominated for Oscar, it's honestly a shame this movie isn't talked much because this movie really deserves more recognition to the public. Definitely would be one of my top favorite films of 2023.

I wish all children's films were remotely close to what Pablo Berger has achieved with his animated debut.

A film that manages to be enjoyable for both children and adults. A work that will undoubtedly grow with the younger viewer, since its true story is hidden between the lines.

A superb handling of visual humor, along with some dramatic shots to make them poster and that tear you apart.

At times it doesn't work for me and I feel it gets repetitive or stalls certain sequences too long, time that could have been used to explore a certain character at the end or other tangents, but when, it works, damn, it knows where to play. I wish this animation would come back to the big studios in North America.

I love you crocodile boy.

Well I just don't like it as much as I should. Maybe I just need to rewatch it again next time.

Robot Dreams starts off with charming characters and beautiful animation, making it easy to get attached. The first half is engaging and warm, delving into themes of friendship, imagination, and staying positive. However, the second half becomes repetitive and slow, which dims the initial appeal. The ending is touching and feels real, but overall, the film feels a bit too simple and stretched out. While it has effective, bittersweet moments and plenty of endearing gags, it ends up being a nice but somewhat scattered experience.

The movie touches moving, universal themes such as: the power of connection, the essence of knowing someone who helps you discover the world with new eyes, and the painful absurdities of fate. The animation has beautiful details, rich in color and details, delightfully lit. It's amazing that such a simple style of animation can be so deep and intricate.

The story is told without any spoken words and in a beautiful minimalist animation, but yet it brings forward such complex emotions. I felt loneliness, excitement, despair, hope, and tears from my heart. In the end, it is making us reflect on our own experiences, reminding us to appreciate the relationships we have had and we will have.

A thoroughly grown-up movie that has something important to say to children too, and a wistful work of animated art.

Now, I wish I had a robot friend.