Robot Stories

In 2003, director Greg Pak released the critically acclaimed indie film "Robot Stories," a collection of four separate but interconnected short films that explore the relationship between humanity and technology. Starring Tamlyn Tomita, James Saito, and Vin Knight, "Robot Stories" blends genres and moods to create a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The first story, "My Robot Baby," stars Tomita and Saito as a couple trying to conceive a child. However, as part of a class on parenting, they are given a robotic "baby" to care for over the course of a weekend. As they struggle to bond with the mechanical infant, they begin to question what it means to be a parent and whether they are truly ready to have a child.

The second story, "The Robot Fixer," stars Knight as a maintenance worker at a company that produces humanoid robots. When one of the robots malfunctions, he is tasked with fixing it, despite the fact that he has no formal training. As he begins to unravel the source of the robot's issues, he becomes embroiled in a larger conspiracy involving the line between man and machine.

The third story, "Machine Love," stars Tomita as an office worker who begins a romantic relationship with a humanoid robot. However, as their feelings for each other deepen, they are forced to confront the societal taboos and legal restrictions that make their love impossible.

The fourth and final story, "Clay," stars Saito as a dying man who uploads his consciousness into a robotic body, hoping to cheat death and continue his work as an artist. As he struggles to reconcile with his new form and his own mortality, he must also come to terms with the impact he has had on those around him and the world he leaves behind.

"Robot Stories" is a film that blends elements of science fiction, drama, and comedy to explore the complex and evolving relationship between humans and technology. Each of the four stories is unique in tone and theme, but they all share a common thread of exploring the ways in which we relate to the machines we create.

The film is notable for its diverse cast, featuring Asian-American leads in each of the stories, and for its independent production origins. It has been praised for its exploration of themes like love, mortality, and the nature of consciousness, and for its ability to use science fiction as a means of examining contemporary societal issues.

Overall, "Robot Stories" is a must-see for fans of science fiction and thought-provoking indie films. With its inventive storytelling, nuanced performances, and engaging themes, it is a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.