25th Anniversary “They made us too smart, too quick and too many. We are suffering for the mistakes they made because when the end comes, all that will be left is us. That's why they hate us.” Welcome to Harbour Highlights, a series of cult and classic favourites, handpicked by the Harbour Lights staff. For our second July screening, Stephen S. celebrates the work of another Steven S. with a 25th anniversary screening of Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Set in a world where robots (or ‘Mechas’) are commonplace, built partly to offset a human population ravaged by climate catastrophes. With limitations on human births denying many the chance to have a child, an idea is born – a Mecha child, programmed to experience love for the parents who adopt it. A prototype named David is created, having the appearance and mindset of an 11-year-old boy. But despite a close bond developing between David and his ‘mother’, Monica, the clash of Mecha and humanity in the family, coupled with the weight of responsibility for a child programmed to love her unconditionally, forces Monica to make a choice that leaves David adrift in a world that often fears the expanding Mecha population. Teaming up with a robotic sex worked Gigolo Joe, David sets out to discover his true nature and find a way for Monica to feel for him as he does for her. Originally a dream project for Stanley Kubrick, he eventually decided his friend Spielberg would be the ideal director for the film, with Kubrick’s passing in 1999 inspiring Spielberg to finally bring the film to life to celebrate his friend’s legacy. Merging the sensibilities of both master filmmakers, A.I. originally faced a mixed reception with people dismissing the film as a softened version of what Kubrick would have made. However, as history has revealed details on how true to Kubrick’s vision the film was, time has also led to rediscoveries of the film as one of Spielberg’s most complex and fascinating films, overflowing with ideas, concepts and philosophical discussions, all brought to life with Spielberg’s visual flair and anchored by two incredible performances by Hayley Joel Osment and Jude Law. In 2013, Mark Kermode apologised to Spielberg for his initial dismissive reaction to it, now describing it as the director’s “enduring masterpiece”. Whether you agree with 2001-era Kermode or with Indiewire who, in 2024, rated the film as the greatest of the 21st Century, now’s your time to revisit one of Spielberg’s most ambitious films, back on the big screen.