Documentary about the battle between Artificial Intelligence and Man. This time it's the game "Go" that serves as the backdrop.
This is a fascinating piece that shows how clever developmentally computers are getting. It reflects on our perception of the hierarchy of man and machine. It questions our value and role in the future and discusses fears. It delves deep into our psyche and self reflection and in the main, the device is the showdown between AI system DeepMind and the legendary Go grandmaster.
It's staggering how your and the protagonists loyalties and emotions are swung about when dealing with the opaque, neutral computer program as the games cut and thrust are played out in front of our eyes. The film is very aware that your understanding of the game may be minimal. You find yourself glued to the commentators reactions to button placement. How the AI's winning forecast percentage climbs and drops. You like 95% of those featured, are watching a game played to such a high level it is beyond comprehension and you can share in the emotion of those watching, as you are their equal. It could be said that the drama of the matches was an unforeseen gift but i suspect the editors are so deft and so adept they could have weaved a captivating movie regardless out outcome or sequence of events.
The film raises and ponders some very interesting questions. It's very tonally assured, nothing is heavy handed. Talking heads are sparingly used but feel vital. It's also subtlety educational and you will feel more enlightened about the possibilities of AI. EIGHT
