Mario 2018
Mario (2018) dives into a near-future where technology blurs the line between human and machine, blending sci-fi depth with raw drama and pulse-pounding action.
Director: Tomohiro Maekawa
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mario (2018) about?
Mario (2018) follows a scientist's bold experiment: reviving a policeman's consciousness by implanting an AI named Mario into his brain. With a single command—'Be free'—the newly awakened man sets out to discover what it means to be human. Along the way, he encounters the scientist's troubled teenage son, sparking a raw and emotional journey about identity, choice, and the essence of life.
Who directed Mario?
Mario was directed by Tomohiro Maekawa, a filmmaker known for blending sci-fi with intimate human drama.
Who stars in Mario?
The cast of Mario (2018) includes Hidetoshi Nishijima, Nayuta Fukuzaki, Tetsushi Tanaka, Kana Kurashina, and Naomi Nishida, delivering powerful performances that anchor the film's emotional core.
Is Mario (2018) worth watching?
Mario (2018) is a thought-provoking sci-fi drama that thrives on its philosophical themes and emotional depth. Though it may not suit those seeking high-octane action, its exploration of AI, freedom, and humanity makes it a compelling watch for fans of cerebral cinema.
How long is Mario?
Mario (2018) has a runtime of 89 minutes.
About Mario (2018) — When AI becomes human, what does freedom cost?
Mario (2018) dives into a near-future where technology blurs the line between human and machine, blending sci-fi depth with raw drama and pulse-pounding action. Directed by Tomohiro Maekawa, this 89-minute Japanese film follows a groundbreaking experiment: a scientist implants an AI named Mario into the brain of a comatose policeman to restore his consciousness. With the final directive programmed as 'Be free,' the newly awakened subject embarks on a journey to grasp humanity's core—love, choice, and mortality. Along the way, he crosses paths with a weary teenager, the scientist's son, who carries his own existential burden. The story unfolds in a somber, atmospheric world where emotion clashes with logic, and freedom isn't just a command—it's a question without an answer.
Mario captures the tension between control and autonomy through stunning visuals and quiet intensity. Maekawa crafts a haunting meditation on what it means to live when your existence is engineered, and how humanity's deepest fears and desires surface when boundaries dissolve. With performances by Hidetoshi Nishijima, Nayuta Fukuzaki, and Tetsushi Tanaka, the film balances hope with heartache, making Mario a poignant exploration of identity in a world reshaped by AI.