MOVIE REFLECTION

(BICENTENNIAL MAN)

SUBMITTED BY:
MORALES, AL G.
BS DEVCOM 1

SUBMITTED TO:
MR. SANTY LEANO
SUBJECT TEACHER
1. Economics
Upon watching the movie “Bicentennial Man”, I couldn’t help but think about
the role of economics in shaping Andrew’s journey. As a robot initially purchased by
the Martin family, Andrew represents a product of innovation, designed to serve and
assist humans. This makes me reflect on the economics of robotics and how wealth
plays a role in access to advanced technology. It’s clear that the Martin family, being
well-off, could afford a robot like Andrew. This reminded me of how economic
disparities influence who can benefit from advancements in technology.
Andrew’s progression from a servant to an independent being highlights how
value is tied to labor and ownership. Over time, Andrew earns money from his
woodwork, which is fascinating because it shifts the perspective of robots being mere
tools to them being contributors to the economy. I thought about how his earnings
gave him a sense of autonomy, something we all seek. It made me question whether
economic systems are prepared to adapt if artificial intelligence or robots like Andrew
become integral parts of society. Will they be treated as mere assets, or will they share
in the wealth they help generate?
The movie also made me think about the industries it touches. There’s a point
when Andrew starts creating prosthetics, which reflects how industries evolve to meet
human needs. If a robot can revolutionize fields like medicine or engineering, what
does that mean for jobs and competition? It’s both exciting and daunting to consider.
Overall, the economic angle of the film made me realize that innovation has costs and
benefits, and as we move toward a future with more automation, it’s crucial to balance
those factors fairly.
2. Social
Socially, the movie was an eye-opening. Andrew’s story mirrors what it means
to be an outsider trying to belong. In the beginning, he’s treated like a machine—
nothing more than a household appliance. It reminded me of how people are often
judged based on appearances or their perceived roles in society. As Andrew grows and
begins to display emotions, he challenges everyone’s expectations of what it means to
be human. I found myself wondering how I would react in a society that had robots
capable of forming relationships. Would I see them as equals, or would I hesitate, like
some of the characters in the movie?
One of the most moving aspects for me was how Andrew sought love and
companionship. He wanted to connect with humans beyond his initial role, and I think
this reflects the universal human desire for relationships and belonging. Yet, there was
resistance from society. His relationships, particularly with Little Miss and later
Portia, made me think about how society sets boundaries around who we can love or
accept. These boundaries aren’t just about robots—they’re about race, gender, and
other social divisions. Andrew’s struggle reminded me that true acceptance requires
breaking down those barriers.
The way society evolves throughout the movie, slowly coming to terms with
Andrew’s humanity, gave me hope. It showed that even though change is hard, it’s
possible. Still, I couldn’t ignore how long it took for society to grant Andrew the
recognition he deserved. It made me reflect on how our social norms can be rigid and
slow to adapt, even in the face of clear evidence that change is needed.
3. Cultural
In Cultural context, the movie explores what it means to be human. Watching
Andrew, I realized how deeply culture shapes our identity. In the beginning, Andrew
lacks cultural understanding—he’s just a robot following instructions. But as he
learns, he adopts human customs, humor, and even values. This made me think about
how culture isn’t just inherited but learned, and it’s what connects us as people.
Andrew’s journey of self-discovery felt like a metaphor for how we all grow into our
identities.
One powerful moment for me was when Andrew wanted to look more human.
This desire reflects the cultural emphasis we place on appearance and belonging. It’s
heartbreaking to see Andrew go through surgery after surgery just to fit into a mold
society will accept. It made me question why we often tie identity so closely to
physical form. Can’t someone—or something—be human in spirit, even if they don’t
look like us?
The film also made me think about how culture evolves with technology. As
Andrew starts to create new forms of technology, like artificial organs, he contributes
to cultural progress. Yet, he struggles to gain acceptance. This tension reminded me of
how new ideas or people are often met with resistance before they’re embraced. It’s a
reminder that culture isn’t static—it changes with every new perspective we’re willing
to accept. Watching Andrew navigate this was both inspiring and thought-provoking.
4. Technological
The technological aspect of the movie is central to its story, and it made me
reflect deeply on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. Andrew represents the
pinnacle of robotics—an artificial being with the capacity to learn, adapt, and even
feel. As I watched, I thought about how technology has always been a tool for solving
problems, but Andrew challenges that idea. He’s not just a tool; he’s a partner, an
inventor, and eventually, a pioneer in creating technology that bridges the gap
between robots and humans.
One of the most fascinating parts for me was Andrew’s transformation. He
starts as a robot with fixed programming but eventually becomes more human than
anyone could have imagined. This made me wonder about the future of artificial
intelligence. Will machines like Andrew ever exist? And if they do, how will we treat
them? The movie doesn’t just celebrate technological progress; it questions the ethics
and responsibilities that come with it. It made me think about how important it is to
ensure technology benefits everyone and doesn’t dehumanize us in the process.
Andrew’s invention of prosthetics and organs was another moment that stood
out. It showed how technology can enhance human life, giving people a second
chance. But it also made me think about access. Will advancements like this be
available to everyone, or only to those who can afford them? The movie raised
important questions about equity in a world driven by technological progress, and it
left me wondering how we can ensure a future where technology truly serves
humanity.
5. Political
In Political perspective, the movie presents a compelling exploration of rights,
equality, and what it means to be recognized as a person. Andrew’s fight to be
declared human is a political struggle that mirrors many real-world battles for civil
rights. Watching him navigate the bureaucracy and legal systems was both inspiring
and frustrating. It made me think about how often laws lag behind social and
technological progress. Andrew’s case reminded me of how minorities and
marginalized groups have to fight for recognition and equality, even when the
evidence of their humanity is undeniable.
One moment that really struck me was when Andrew petitioned the World
Congress to be recognized as human. His argument wasn’t just about himself—it was
about setting a precedent for others like him. It made me think about how political
systems define personhood and who gets to decide. In the film, Andrew’s eventual
recognition comes at a cost—he has to accept mortality. This made me reflect on how
political decisions often come with compromises. Is it fair to ask someone to give up
part of themselves just to fit into society’s definition of humanity?
The movie also highlights how politics influence technological and social
progress. Andrew’s advancements, like his artificial organs, could revolutionize the
world, yet his own rights are debated and delayed. This tension reminded me of how
political systems can hinder progress when they cling to outdated definitions. It left
me thinking about the importance of leaders and institutions being open to change,
especially in a world that’s rapidly evolving. Andrew’s journey shows that politics, at
its best, should be about inclusion and fairness, not resistance to progress.