Jason Lancaster

Mechanical Love – Directed by Phie Ambo

Mechanical Love is a documentary that follows a Japanese professor as he tries to make the perfect android or “geminoid” [a replica of a human]. He has made a very life like, full-scale version of himself that he uses to test his family’s interaction with the “geminoid.” The film also follows Pero, a robotic seal that is being tested in nursing homes around the world. Ambo documents the effect of the robotic pet that has been used in place of a lost pet or family member. Other reactions to this kind of “mechanical love” around the world are also presented in the film.

This is an insightful documentary presented on old 70’s style film stock. The reactions to the Pero robot were interesting and the older grade film added a very independent film feel, but there were many slow parts that could have been left out. Overall this film requires an interest in personal relationships and psychology with a bit of patients, otherwise you might find you’re just waiting for the end.