Bicentennial Man

PG

Released Dec 17, 1999

2 hr. 11 min.

Sci-Fi

List

37%

99 Reviews

Tomatometer

59%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Richard Martin (Sam Neill) buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew (Robin Williams) by the youngest of the family's children. "Bicentennial Man" follows the life and times of Andrew, a robot purchased as a household appliance programmed to perform menial tasks. As Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought, the Martin family soon discovers they don't have an ordinary robot.

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Critics Consensus

Bicentennial Man is ruined by a bad script and ends up being dull and mawkish.

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Michelle L

Hands down one of the best movies I had ever watched. Sorry for the people who are not able to open their eyes and realize that it was an interesting and wonderful movie. I am sad that Robin Williams passed away he always made me laugh and cry in happiness and in sadness. Where ever his soul is I bet you a wooden nickel that he is bringing laughter and joy to all. Hopping his family and friends are doing good in life. May they be filled with cherished memories of the past, love and comfort in the present, and long joyful journeys into the future. "Be good to yourself, be kind to others, and make the world a better place" - Gentle Spirits

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

Ben H

A really good blend of SciFi, comedy and drama. I just watched it for the first time and I'm surprised how quickly the story progresses. And of course there is some to be desired in the sci fi department, but its a pretty great movie. Its solid, has a story to tell and I think everyone who is afraid of modern AI technology would be delighted to see how sacrificial Andrew is. To think, what if one day technology uses itself to discover and invent new technologies and medical breakthroughs for humans. I haven't seen one comedy drama that plays both parts so well. The sci fi is just icing on the cake!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/18/23

Full Review

Cecilia A

Very bad adaptation for Asimov's work, I advise to read his books instead, you will not regret it.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/26/23

Full Review

Sir S

the movie is the absolute example of "existencialism", maybe the performance of Robin williams as Andrew get old a little bad... but the story what holds?, that have to be the best in the movie, how he started his life like a simple robot, only to live and serve for a family who doesn't look at him like a thing... almost like a human being; is after the end of the beggining when Andrew wanted to be more than steel, rubber and cables... but flesh and bone, all for be like a living being, for enjoy a lot of things we do a lot of time like enjoy a meal, feel cold or hot, get fun about our job's; that kind of things what for him is a discovery; finally in the end of the movie is where the character know's what to do for finally be a complete human being, giving up everything only for go with the one he love's...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/23/23

Full Review

Dan C

Robin Williams delivers one of his most endearing and nuanced performances as Andrew Martin, an android who seeks recognition and equality as a human being in this thought-provoking sci-fi drama. Expanding upon Issac Asimov's original book Bicentennial Man, director Chris Columbus and Robin Williams skillfully balance humor and gravitas as the film explores profound existential questions through Andrew's two-century journey to become "human." While the excellent visual effects still hold up (even better than some fairly recent Star Wars effects), the film's appeal lies in its heart. Andrew's desire for connection and meaning resonates deeply, as he forms relationships and touches lives across generations. Bicentennial Man examines humanity from an outsider's perspective, using Andrew's childlike wonder and wisdom gained over time to reflect our capacity for imagination, love, and growth. The story flows seamlessly between lighthearted comedy and heavier drama, wisely letting its themes unfold organically. Uneven shifts in tone are forgivable given book's episodic nature and the ambitious scope of this genre-bending film. Despite its flaws, Bicentennial Man proves to be a relevant metaphor that's full of hope two decades later, reminding us to look past our differences to see the humanity in all. Williams' moving performance coupled with the film's timeless message make it a sci-fi classic that continues to tug at the heartstrings. Favorite Scene: A standout moment, full of irony, arrives when Robin Williams is introduced to the concept of humor by Sam Neill, who is perfectly cast as a serious mentor. This clever scene exemplifies the film's ability to find poignancy and humor in examining the human experience through an outsider's perspective. It makes me wonder how Neill looks back on Williams' legacy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/23

Full Review

Nick L

Incredibly touching. Perfect Sunday, rainy day, film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/24/23

Full Review

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Chris Columbus

Director

Robin Williams

Andrew Martin

Sam Neill

Sir Richard Martin

Embeth Davidtz

Little Miss Amanda Martin

Oliver Platt

Rupert Burns

Wendy Crewson

"Ma´am" Martin

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Kids will be bored, the rest of us baffled.

Feb 16, 2018

Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Film about robot who wants to be human is so-so.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 22, 2010

Full Review

Brian Bertoldo

Film Threat

Williams and director Chris Columbus have crafted a moving, hanky-clenching drama, without ramming the emotion down your throat.

Mar 18, 2024

Full Review

George M. Thomas

Akron Beacon Journal

The film is worth a look. Williams is the primary reason. His performance has heart, brains and courage.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 28, 2023

Full Review

Catherine Graham

Santa Cruz Sentinel

Chris Columbus -- who is undeniably skilled at making funny movies -- has the deft touch of a steamroller when it comes to serious matters of the heart, mechanical or otherwise.

Rated: F

Nov 13, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

Richard Martin (Sam Neill) buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew (Robin Williams) by the youngest of the family's children. "Bicentennial Man" follows the life and times of Andrew, a robot purchased as a household appliance programmed to perform menial tasks. As Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought, the Martin family soon discovers they don't have an ordinary robot.

Director: Chris Columbus
Executive Producer: Dan Kolsrud
Screenwriter: Nicholas Kazan, Isaac Asimov
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Radiant Pictures, 1492 Pictures, Laurence Mark Productions
Rating: PG (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $58.2M
Sound Mix: SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Digital Projection, Flat (1.85:1)

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