Robot Dreams (2023) User Reviews

A love letter to children's cinema and a past life

[CharlieIsOmega · 8/10 · 26 December 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.

Emotional Reality

[terryovans · 8/10 · 20 February 2024]

This film left me in a state of odd emotion.

It really draws you in with its clever animation, and loveable characters.

Ive been in Dogs shoes, and I'm sure a lot of people can relate to the feeling of loneliness, and longing for connection.

When dog finally takes action, and purchaces Robot and builds his friend, it seems like they will be friends forever.

The journey that they both take is entertaining, sad at times, but shows exactly how life can be.

The end might not be what you were hoping for, but it's a realistic situation that anyone would have a hard time to accept.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. My only complaint was the length. I feel like the same story could have been told with less filler for that 90 movie run time.

Two friends on ups and downs of rollercoasters

[AdrenalinDragon · 8/10 · 8 February 2024]

Really sweet, yet touching story of a dog and his robot friend starting off as best buddies then certain circumstances makes them take their own journeys and lessons in life. Intentionally mundane and meandering in many places just like life itself, the movie follows these two characters through their ups and downs in different ways. Sometimes the outcome you wanted just doesn't play out and like reality you accept the path you're now on. There is no dialogue at all in this, just music and sounds, and the movie does an excellent job at showing exactly what is going on and how the characters are feeling. Nice art style too. A pleasant watch.

This movie changed my life.

[michellekiara · 10/10 · 15 April 2024]

23 years of watching movies and many many years of using IMDB and this is the first time I've been compelled to write an IMDB review.

I stumbled upon this gem for the first time at MIFF last year and it unexpectedly and immediately became one of my top five favorite movies of all time. Every month after then, I've been eagerly anticipating its theatrical release so that I can enjoy it all over again, as well as tell everyone around me to watch it (I've never advocated this hard for a movie before!).

Watching it again today at Cinema Nova, I fell even more in love. The first time, I shed a few tears, but this time, I cried my heart out-it hit me so very hard. I cried so hard my head started hurting and my body started feeling hot. I can't remember if any movie has ever made me this emotional!

Every scene feels just right, and Robot and Dog were written in such a way that makes you can't help but root for them to have their happy ending. This movie has absolutely zero lines of dialogue, but it still tugged on every single one of my heartstrings, which shows just how absolutely brilliant this masterpiece is.

I can never listen to the song "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire the same way again. Just last month, I laughed at a character in a rom-com that claims that everytime she listens to the song "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, she cries. But now, I get it-I'll probably be the same with "September".

Thank you Pablo Berger, and every single person involved in the making of Robot Dreams for bringing this movie and its characters into the world and into my life.

Cute, Bittersweet, Emotional, and Great Portrait of Friendship, Life and Loss

[chenp-54708 · 10/10 · 11 February 2024]

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.

An animated children's film for adults! [+73%]

[arungeorge13 · 7/10 · 11 February 2024]

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.

(Ro)B(ot)FF

[kosmasp · 10/10 · 25 September 2023]

No pun intended - the movie is a love letter. To friendship, to life and to New York to a degree. I have not been to New York (it is a dream of mine to go there one day), but I imagine those who live there, will feel the mood and the general idea the movie gives us. This is New York of the 80s .. so yes a certain building is still standing strong - hopefully you do not have strong feelings about that. In a negative way that is.

The animation is good - and while you have to suspend your disbelief (a dog living on his own, being humanized - same with other animals), all being called by the name of ... well the animal they are. So the dog has the name dog on his door bell. There is one funny moment, where he (or she, but I assume it is he) has a tag with the name cat ... just a small little joke ... and there are many others to be found all over the movie.

Fore and background working hand in hand .. like our two main characters. Though you just know that things are way too perfect ... something has to give. And while that also requires a big amount of suspension of disbelief (there surely has to be another way to get ... "there"/inside/outside), it is important for the movie .. and the growth of the characters. We never know how our main character earns money btw - another things you just have to let go ... this is fantasy. Don't ruin it for yourself. And a very well written one at that. So enjoy it - as a dream and do not make it a nightmare ...

Kinda cute, kinda rewarding

[isaacsundaralingam · 7/10 · 11 February 2024]

Pablo Berger's non-verbal animated feature, "Robot Dreams," is a rather unexpected entry in this year's Oscar race. A movie that wasn't all that widely known until its surprise Oscar nomination over popular entries like TMNT, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Suzume, this decision has definitely sparked some conversation in certain film circles. I personally am happy with the decision to go with "Robot Dreams" as it clearly has been nominated for its merits rather than its popularity... which should always be the undeniable standard.

"Robot Dreams" is a well-crafted movie of simple ambitions, with a focus on themes of friendship, loneliness, and the passing of time. Helped tremendously by the animation medium, you get the feeling that the movie is extremely precise in its messaging and awareness - where the lack of dialogue and the vivid world it's set in are able to draw out our attention to focus on the conflict and emotions being communicated. The humor is multi-layered, and so is the story, appealing just as much to adults as it would to teenagers.

It might be a bit of a slow watch at first for those who aren't all that interested in watching a dog bonding with a robot, but if you can patiently buy into the movie, it manages to make you care about it in a very rewarding way.

You are likely to Cry watching this movie

[pizza0 · 10/10 · 14 October 2023]

Robot Dreams is a beautifully crafted, well structured, multi-layered animated feature that is packed with meaningful messages and emotional triggers about relationships, memories and connections. As you follow the story, the lack of dialogue sharpens your senses and your mind interprets the imagery but also supplies this process with your own experiences, attempting to connect to the pictures at a subconscious level. As the movie reaches the climax, you will realize that the movie has somehow mirrored a large number of your memories where relationships or connections ceased to exist because the passage of time got in the way. This overwhelming feeling will make you emotional.

Robot Dreams reminds me of Mary and Max: two unlikely characters find comfort and much more in each other's company, the magic of this connection gets imprinted onto a single piece of music used throughout the film, for Mary and Max it's Perpetuum Mobile and for Robot Dreams, well you can watch it for yourself.

An Achingly Bittersweet Story About Life, Fate & Friendships

[CinemaClown · 27 February 2024]

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards, Robot Dreams is an achingly bittersweet story about our intrinsic need for connection & companionship while also highlighting the several meaningful relationships we make, cherish, lose & move on from while journeying through the varying seasons of what we call life. Though the story is slightly drawn out and repetitive in its course, the simple animation, sincere emotions & wordless storytelling makes this Spanish-French tragicomedy a worthy sit that speaks directly to the soul, strikes a heartfelt chord and aptly portrays the painful absurdities of fate.

Unexpectedly charming.

[Lomax343 · 7/10 · 25 March 2024]

New York is a city populated by anthropomorphised animals, including the central character, who is a dog called .. Dog. He's lonely, and decides to buy a robot.

After assembling his new friend, Dog shows him the city. The two hit it off and develop a simple but beautifully-observed friendship.

Unfortunately, the two are then separated. The rest of the film is told from two separate points of view, as they seek to reunite. Some of the scenes from the robot's point of view are revealed to be a series of increasingly bizarre dreams - and what better proof of sentience is there than the ability to dream?

The ending's not the one the viewer expects, but is nevertheless charming and life (and friendship) affirming.

The animation is simple (in every sense of the word) but incredibly expressive at the same time. It's amazing how much emotion can be expressed by two dots and a few short lines. There's virtually no dialogue, but again the animation makes this unnecessary.

I wouldn't go so far as to call this film a masterpiece, but it's certainly better - and more enjoyable - than many another animation with fifty times the budget.

September

[rgxdzrybr · 10/10 · 13 February 2024]

Manhattan in the 1980's ( phone booths!) . The style of animation is more like that era and makes one nostalgic for at least some things. A lonely dog finds a friend in a robot. It's actually something advertised on television!

They start bonding and sharing good times around the city. They even have their own song ( September by Earth , Wind and Fire) .

A fun day at the beach turns fateful as the robot isn't able to leave ( he hasn't been safeguarded from the water) .Due to circumstances Dog is unable to rescue his friend until the next beach opening months away.

The two separated dream of reuniting and have brief encounters with other potential friends.

The end is frustrating for some and I understand it as they each find new friends and don't reunite. It was a possibility as the Robot sees the chance but decided to let things stay as it is. I thought I would find it depressing but recent events have made see it differently. A part of me feels they could all be friends together but it's also a hopeful sign that we can lose the most important one in our lives and find another special relationship and bond.

I love that September was their song It's beautiful , hopeful and wistful.

This is a beautiful story simply told without dialogue. Animation sometimes is the most profound style of storytelling.

Charming animated film, European fun.

[donmurray29 · 7/10 · 26 March 2024]

Giving this an 7.5/10 rating

Last film that is out from the Oscar animated nominated films of the year, and it's a good one. Based on a graphic novel. About a world of animals and a lonely dog who wants a companion.

I have to admit, the poster is not the greatest for me, but, it is what it is, and 100% works as it shows you what it looks like and the story some what, you forget about the simple character designs and just simply love the story.

Pablo Berger and Sara Varon don't mess about, you get a great tho leads and their stories that are tragic, funny, crazy and real, if that makes any sense in a cartoon world. The city it's set in is full of life and it's quirks, it's familiar ups and downs, mad weather patterns! The charm of it all is the selling point of this and it's laughs at the world of here and now, as well as loneliness of the cover era, which is the metaphor here.

A very different animated movie that should be seen, not just animators, but all ages can and will enjoy this. Worth the nomination for ti.

Fun animation, good heart to it but story is miserable and I hate it

[nargacougars · 5/10 · 3 April 2024]

I think this is by some definitions a good movie, it is well made, has clearly had a lot of heart and soul put into it visually and in terms of worldbuilding, but I think the characters and the story detract the entire runtime of the film.

The Robot is the epitome of innocence always smiling and wanting to make Dog and others happy. For 80% of the movie it is mentally tortured through events it control control or escape from, and all the while Dog is shown just living his life, and it is the most frustrating sequence I have watched in a long time.

I want to give this movie a 3 based solely on what I've described in the story and the awful character that is "Dog" a self pitying piece of garbage who is a waste of runtime as even in the ending of the film there is no payoff for watching his terrible life unfolding. He just gets another robot and he's so disgustingly void of person that he simply stops caring about the one he abandoned.

The second half of the movie, about after the 1 hour mark is much better to sit through then the first, but by that point I was already so frustrated watching this film I didn't even want to finish it. Do I regret watching, no, but I think this movie is a punch in the gut cryfest and not something with intrinsic value.

Delightful film about meaningful friendships

[Joanna_jo · 10/10 · 15 February 2024]

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.

Touching, moving...wonderful for all ages and all family together

[BoBo_Goal32 · 8/10 · 24 February 2024]

Didn't know actually what I'm about to see, but the animation in the poster caught my eyes. I've also noticed its nomination for this year's Oscar awards, for animated movie, so this also caught my eyes. I wrapped the wife and kids and went to see the screening on a small cinema room with beanbags (and other kids on them) all over the floor.

It started with no words, so the kids immediately noticed this fact and reported about it. It continued with images, fabulous soundtrack and tones of sensitivity, which you cannot ignore, whether you are a kid or a grown up. No need to say any word to understand the loneliness of one dog, who live in New York of the 80's.

No need also to understand what one robot is bringing to his life, once he is connected and working. The entire noisy and colorful environment is not capable to give this dog half of what cold tin robot can supply. And then they get separated and the movie changes in two directions: the real world and the fantasy world - both demonstrate the longing and yearning to any contact. From both sides.

The movie's rhythm is just ecstatic and is part of wide spectrum of colors, images and type of animals and figures that appears in it. The music is one part of the success that wraps this production. The heart worming story and how it ends are other parts that just work great.

On the downside, the core of the movie is not a presentation of the friendship, but the will to get it back and how to fill the void, while searching for it. Doesn't always seem related, but It is so well crafted, so it didn't bother me to the actual movie flow - not a little bit and especially when kids of others caught my attention and jumped around to ruin the fluidity of the movie - externally.

It is definitely the material for the Oscars - a non-mainstream big studio movie that has New York in a nus shell. Its like a Woody Allen picture, without the whining and neurotic main character, which is played by Allen himself. It's a special movie and one you definitely don't want to miss - whether it wins the Oscar or not.

They liked dancing to disco

[meinwonderland · 6/10 · 12 March 2024]

Pablo Berger's bittersweet melancholic tale about the relationship of a dog and a robot in 1980's New York achieves profundity in meaning in its depiction of love and the passage of time.

A character study of a Dog whose solitary life takes him to order an Android whom he'll spend time with. From walks in the park eating hot dogs to dancing to disco beats or going to the beach, Dog and Robot bloom in their New York summer until unexpected events put everything into question.

Robot Dreams's touching and moving story depicts love as real as it gets, and that brings forward the always human dichotomy of finding joy and sadness in something at the same time.

Why that end?

[enrpat-1 · 8/10 · 9 February 2024]

I did love it... almost. The director played freely until the end, where my kids couldn't understand what happen and couldn't stop crying, incapable of understanding why during the whole movie the characters are separated and never ever meet again.

Neither did I.

I mean, you create such a beautiful, imaginative movie, such a delight, a must see, and then you end it with real life... When you have the power of animation you are free to brake the rules of real life. And Pablo Berger did it all the movie, even in his final dream.

Beautiful, different, creative, well crafted story with freedom and imagination... until the final breaking-heart scene.

Robot Dreams

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 26 March 2024]

Set in a New York City populated by animals with human traits, we meet a dog who lives a rather solitary existence. Addicted to microwavable mac 'n cheese, he catches a glimpse of a couple in the apartment block opposite and that makes him feel a little lonesome. A timely ad on the television, though, suggests he buy a robot pal. An huge great box duly arrives and a Meccano project that might have daunted Da Vinci ensues. Success! Soon the pair are bonding nicely and a trip to the beach proves great fun. The problem? Well, the robot then seizes up. Lack of power. The dog rushes home to get a repair kit only to find his return barred by gates and padlocks. It's the end of the season and he cannot return til June! He tries a few wheezes to get to his friend, but thwarted he must accept the inevitable and wait. It's whilst he is waiting that we are introduced to the dreams of the robot as he lies paralysed on the sand. Simple dreams. Nothing too aspirational, but they help him while away the time as the rain, snow, sand - and a few unkindly visitors pepper his inactivity. Meantime, our canine friend must also try to get on with his life - and perhaps unsurprisingly, he dreams too. The denouement is not what I was expecting - and I found that created quite a touching, plausible even, scenario which I think you'll appreciate when you see it. It's a film about friendship, longing and resilience that's well enough animated and though you do have to suspend a degree of practicality when watching, it does offer quite a poignant look how we build, sustain and move on from relationships and is really well worth seeing on the big screen.

It's Wonderful

[purrqueen · 10/10 · 7 March 2024]

It's 1984. It's NYC. You're a Dog. You're lonely. What do you do? You buy a robot from an Infocommerical!

Saw at Chicago International FilmFest last October. I laughed, I cried, my heart ached than it sang. I can't remember the last time a movie made me smile so much.

I want to play Pong with Dog and drink Tab! If you like 80s references, you will enjoy how they are scattered throughout this movie!

I'll be counting down the days until I can see this again and especially when I can buy on my streaming device.

If you have ever felt lonely like you had no one, had friendships and lost them, you will understand this movie. Every time I hear "September" I will think of Dog and Robot roller skating in Central park!

Do you remember Earth Wind and Fire?

[leroyatone · 6/10 · 25 March 2024]

It's a melancholy tale of loneliness and abandonment, how it's impossible to forget happy memories of when we were with someone who has gone, but even through it hurts, we must move on. Dog and Rascal are both boys. It's a 'bromance'; no strong female characters then.

I liked that many diverse cultures and different types of animal live in the city. The song 'September/do you remember' was well-chosen. It was well-drawn, and there were little visual jokes, that was nice. It's a great bit of visual storytelling, with dream sequences and surprises and a satisfying bittersweet ending. But I found the film was overlong.

There are plot holes. The New York beach isn't shut in winter for pedestrians, only for swimmers. Why doesn't Dog tell the policeman that he has left his property on the beach? Why did Dog wait so long to rescue his friend? Why would Robot work with just a radio inside? How can a robot eat pizza? Why did some animals trail their tails in the dirt?

I love animations and I've seen lots. There are plenty that I've liked more.

Can we appreciate animations for adults

[asiaropinska · 8/10 · 31 January 2024]

As a huge fan of adult animation, this review probably won't be impartial. A beautiful story about solitude and friendship, but also lost, loyalty, and finding your own place beyond people (in the case of the film, animals). The audience observes Dog's lonely life. One evening, while watching television's advertisements, his miserable life alone made him buy Robot Pal. Then we can delight in sequences of peaceful moments between Dog and Robot and the development of their friendship. Unfortunately, during beach day, friends ended up separate from each other. Dog tries several times to save his friend, but without success. Animation is on the highest level, and we got numerous details of this animated New York City where the action takes place. My heart belongs to sound effects; I had a perception of being in this world with Dog and Robot. We can clearly hear every car on the road, seagulls, steps on wood, eating Cheetos, and many more. My personal favourite was an octopus playing on drums in the subway-it was a masterpiece. Please trust animation for adults; sometimes its beauty makes it easier to highlight grave issues and topics.

Boring and depressing

[dangerousns · 2/10 · 10 March 2024]

The lack of dialogue made the movie boring and difficult to sit through. The whole time I was hoping and expecting a happy ending, but there was no happy ending to be had. They constantly put in dreams that have you happy and excited that things will get better only to have your dreams shattered when they reveal that it was just a dream.

This is a story that endorses the idea that we are all replaceable to one another and how you can just find another person to be your special someone, so no one is really special to anyone.

I never write reviews for movies, but I found this ending to be so depressing that I had to write a review. It's not the worst movie ever because I did care about the characters, but that's about the only thing it had going for it.

Knowing How To Let Go Or Insist Enough

[armandicoag · 8/10 · 19 April 2024]

I must admit that it was difficult for me to start watching this movie, I think that knowing that it talked about human relationships made it difficult for me to humanize the robotic characters and although the story of the characters envelops you from the first minutes, the reality is that it ended up completely connecting with you. The movie until it shows you at the end and you discover how everything makes sense and how everything has to do with each other. What a powerful scene, what a powerful music, what a powerful message, it seems incredible to me that the best way to talk about human relationships is in a universe of humanoid animal beings and robots, that only confirms a phrase that I always say: "Human relationships They are complex", something that this film manifests wonderfully. You can empathize and justify each act of the protagonists, even if it seems that it does not make sense or if you think that there is another better way to do things, even so, you enter into despair of not being able to do more or even what could have been done. Made.

When other characters begin to interact with the protagonists you feel that they are the villains because they distance them from the main objective of meeting again, but you realize that this is life, the paths do not take you where you thought, not things as one would like, always. There will be a thousand and one factors that can interfere with reaching the end and this may not be what you expected... Speaking of relationships, of course.

It is a fun film, full of fun references and with a brutal choice of soundtrack, because I forgot to mention it, it is surprising that today when animation is being judged so harshly and part of the industry wants to relegate it to "for children", a film animated can convey so much to you without a single dialogue, without a single damn dialogue.

It's not perfect, I had problems with the length because at some point it was difficult for me to know if I would finish it or not, but to be honest I don't know what I would take away from it since I believe that all the elements help to create and understand the different relationships that are created or not. And how ephemeral you can be. The only thing I would do is try to change the pace somehow.

Very delightful touching story of friendship

[phzgnkn · 8/10 · 21 March 2024]

Been a while haven't seen a cartoon movie not related to Disney that one comes to mind. 2007 Persepolis.

From there on pure Ghibli films, now comes a very simplistic n caring story of New Yorker dog finding friendship with a robot that he recent bought.

N rest is delighted.the story was very random but t like the way that it goes turning up then travel a little n go to the beach where he robot rusted, he do anything to get it back few try failed n wait instead, while the robot starts ve dreams on how escape or get help while the dog finds friends in other places n well don't wanna spoil it. But yeah is random.

The animation is good very straightforward style like something from Charles Schult peanut take like the building of the city also the beach how the repetition of the waves flow. Love the scene when they re fixing him really reminds the pasion of one doing what he's like.

The drama really shows another side of friendship from a duck he meets in the park, to ski trips with some not so friendly types too buying a new one. Really shows us how small n lonely one can be.

But scene that's take it is Wizard of Oz with the dancing flower n some footwork that really emerges you to the dreams of the robot.

Mostly there's no voice acting in the whole film the sound makes it more playful from the whizzing to the sound of the beach n to the thrash yard the animation got lots to offer.

To conclude the film is simply but wonderful for the characters design reminds me of the comic strip that's it has, open to something new in animation but this really shines my day.