After Yang (4 Stars)

This is the 17th film in the Stuttgart Fantasy Film Festival.

"After Yang" takes place in the near future when domesticated androids have become commonplace. Jake and Kyra Fleming have adopted a Chinese daughter. Since they want her to become acquainted with her Chinese heritage, they buy an android called Yang who's pre-programmed with Chinese knowledge. After a few years with the family, Yang malfunctions and is no longer active. That's where the film begins.

First Jake attempts to get Yang repaired. Yang is still covered by warranty, but the company that sold him no longer exists. He makes further attempts, and he's told that the android's core has malfunctioned, so the only solution is to replace him. Even if his memory chip is put into a new android, Jake feels like it wouldn't be Yang any more. The rest of the film shows Jake examining Yang's memories, and he's surprised to find that Yang was keeping secrets from him.

This is a slow-moving film, emotional and philosophical. It might not be a film for everyone, but I highly enjoyed it.