Looking for a new anime movie that’ll make you laugh and cry—and think? Then check out Hal – the Movie!
Hal is a gorgeously animated new film from Wit Studio, the rising star of the anime world that brought you Attack on Titan—and it’s a little different from your run-of-the-mill anime. The story uses sci-fi elements to tell a moving human story about love, loss, and artificial intelligence. After the death of her beloved boyfriend Hal, a young woman named Kurumi becomes a depressed recluse, and an android fashioned in Hal’s image is sent to console her as part of a new form of “robot therapy.” As she opens up to him, Robo-Hal learns what it means to be human– but nothing in their relationship is quite as it seems.
To celebrate the movie releasing on BD/DVD Combo on 9/2, we’re having a special contest! One lucky grand prize winner will win a copy of the movie plus an autographed poster. 4 random runners-up will receive an autographed copy of the poster. Just respond to the following question in the comments below, or post your answer to Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr with the hashtag #HalContest.
Here’s the question:
Do you think robots will ever be able to feel human emotions? Plenty of sci-fi titles—especially in anime—feature humanoid robots that develop lifelike emotions, either because of or despite their programming; certainly, the attempt to simulate or even replicate human feelings is an interesting problem in artificial intelligence. Do you think we’ll ever see robots who think and feel like us, or is this only the stuff of science fiction?
Our favorite entry will win the grand prize and 4 entries will be chosen at random to win the autographed poster. We’ll also share a little bit of the debate from both sides—please note that by entering, you give us permission to share your response. You have from now until Sept 9th, 2014 to enter. Click here for complete rules.
EDIT: WE HAVE A WINNER! Scroll to the bottom to see Winner and Runners up.
And here are the prizes!
Hal – The Movie includes 21 minutes of extras, including “Making Of” features, plus a limited edition slipcover artbox and three alternate covers—that double as posters on the other side! Click here to order your copy now!
FUNimation subscribers can watch the full movie now right here! Not a FUNimation subscriber yet? Click here for more info on how you can become a member.
Hal posters are signed by Mike McFarland (ADR Director), Chris Burnett (Hal), Bryn Apprill (Kurumi) and Todd Haberkorn (Ryu).
Want to learn more about Hal? Check out the trailer below!
We’ve also uploaded the first seven minutes of the film for a sneak-peek preview!
WINNERS:
Our grand prize winner comes from Tumblr. Congratulations to Jay! Click here to read Jay’s full entry.
*Please note that the views reflected in this entry do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FUNimation. In fact, our co-workers have quite a wide range of opinions on the topic of robots and emotions.
Also, congratulations to our Runners-up! Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. We really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and the lively debate this contest sparked!
RUNNERS UP:
Willhelm Van Wheeler
Erek Speed
scoobypup4rd
roboticromance1
