Films for talks and discussion

Below is a comprehensive list of films which you may find useful to complement any speaking you do on the bioethics issue or which you may wish to use as a starting point for a discussion on one of the issues.

AI

David, a highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother.

Bicentennial Man (1999)

A robot wants to become human as he gains human emotions more and more.

Boys From Brazil(1978)

A group of former Nazi’s in South America plan to clone Hitler.

Children of Men (2007).

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind. The film looks at the issues of infertility, pregnancy, birth and the future of the human race being held in our procreative abilities.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

A couple undergo a brain ‘cleansing’ procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. Useful for starting discussion on neuroethics.

Gattaca (1997)

An entertaining film about genetic information - how it can easily be used, and may very well soon be used, to enable us to treat people according to their genes. Those with weak, defective genes are assigned to menial tasks. Those with "good" genes get the big breaks.

I, Robot (2004)

Set in a future Earth (2035 A.D.) where robots are common assistants and workers for their human owners a techno-phobic cop investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, which leads to a larger threat to humanity.

Lawnmower Man (1992)

A simple man is turned into a genius through the application of computer science and eventually becomes a completely artificial life form, existing solely within the worldwide internet computer network. The film illustrates the danger inherent in the lack of control over the uses of technology. If you’re looking for a film on transhumanism, then you couldn’t get much more transhuman than this one.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Maggie Fitzgerald, a poor thirty-one year old waitress from the very lower classes and with a dysfunctional loser family, decides to make a difference through boxing. However a serious injury results in a desperate request to her trainer to end her life.

The 6th Day (2000)

The mission of the cloners in this film is a desire to achieve immortality and to take over the world. Trying to play God does not end well. 

The Island (2005)

Two clones escape from a genetic research factory when they realize they are to be killed so their body parts can be used by others.

Vera Drake (2004)

Set in 1950, Vera and her family are not rich but are a happy, close knit family. However Vera has a sideline that she keeps secret from her family – she helps young women to end their unwanted pregnancies.