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This animated tale, set in 1980s New York, explores the friendship – and, perhaps, more – between a dog and a robot. The world they inhabit is filled with anthropomorphized animals and has no human characters or dialogue. Directed by Pablo Berger, the film is based on a graphic novel written by Sara Varon in 2007. The story is a mix of sweetness, sadness, and charm, highlighting the themes of comedy, tenderness, loneliness, and friendship. However, its slow pace may not capture the attention of young viewers under the age of ten. One standout aspect of the film that may go unnoticed by younger audiences is the lovingly depicted old-school New York, complete with rundown buildings, graffiti, and litter, exuding a raw and energetic vibe.
At a residential building in New York, a dog spends his evenings by himself, eating microwaved macaroni. The cheese inside the microwave sizzles and bubbles like hot lava, making for a charming sight. However, the dog’s solitary routine comes to an end when he purchases a friendship robot called the Amica 2000. The two quickly become inseparable, although the way they hold hands suggests there may be romantic feelings involved. The robot’s zest for life is contagious, from watching an octopus busking in the subway to feeling the sand under his metal feet at Coney Island. One particular scene that stands out is a rhino sunbathing in a bikini thong.
The events that unfold at the beach after a day of paddling in the sea are the catalyst for the story’s title. Unfortunately, Robot’s joints become rusted and he is unable to move. Adding to his predicament, the beach is closed for the season and will not reopen until spring. Left alone in the sand, Robot’s mind wanders and he dreams of tap-dancing sunflowers and being a character in The Wizard of Oz. Meanwhile, Dog attempts to free Robot from the beach and eventually realizes that it may be time for him to move on.
This movie is heartwarming and endearing, although it may be overly sentimental. Nonetheless, I challenge anyone to watch the end without feeling emotional.
Source: theguardian.com
