Gattaca (1997)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  An amzing sci fi classic. Hawke and Thurman shine. The whole idea of gene manipulation in the future is such a scary storyline.

• Ping C

  
  I'm a big fan of the subtext of the film - it compellingly illustrates how a tragic a society that employs eugenics would be. But, to boot, the story is well put together and features stunning cinematography. The performances by Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, while a… More
  I'm a big fan of the subtext of the film - it compellingly illustrates how a tragic a society that employs eugenics would be. But, to boot, the story is well put together and features stunning cinematography. The performances by Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, while a bit cold, fit well with the noir-ish style of the film. Not to mention the costume and set design is an unabashed homage to the modernist era that pre-dates Mad Men by over a decade.

• xGary X

  
  In a future society where a person's worth is judged by their designer genes, a would-be astronaut forms an illegal partnership with a crippled Olympic athlete to cheat the system but they are threatened with exposure when the mission director is murdered. Gattaca is one of those… More
  In a future society where a person's worth is judged by their designer genes, a would-be astronaut forms an illegal partnership with a crippled Olympic athlete to cheat the system but they are threatened with exposure when the mission director is murdered. Gattaca is one of those thoughtful, concept sci-fis that trades special effects and action sequences for ideas and a commentary on the human condition. Gattaca is set in a world where our status is defined by the quality of our genes and explores the idea postulating that a person's dreams and ambitions can make us more than the physical shells we inhabit. Its elegant visuals reflect the society of perfection it represents and the fine performances by Hawke and Jude Law make for a moving and engaging story of a symbiotic relationship between an individual society has shunned and its arrogant, embittered "elite", who finds different pressures in his need to be seen as flawless. Add a beautiful score and an intelligent, thought provoking script and you have the kind of science fiction I wish there was more of.

• Jeff "

  
  Gattaca is a very interesting Sci Fi drama. This is an underrated film with a compelling premise. In a futuresque dystopian society, mankind is dedicated to having the perfect society. Using DNA testing people are tested and are tested to see if they'll grow up to be perfect. If… More
  Gattaca is a very interesting Sci Fi drama. This is an underrated film with a compelling premise. In a futuresque dystopian society, mankind is dedicated to having the perfect society. Using DNA testing people are tested and are tested to see if they'll grow up to be perfect. If they're not, they are deemed "in-valid" and have no life opportunities. But if they're deemed perfect society, they are part of an elite group of men and women who have all the opportunities. Enter Vincent, an imperfect human, who is deemed an "in-valid". Vincent seeks to beat the system to realize his dream of traveling in space. With the help of a valid human, Vincent seeks out the achieve his goal. Gattaca is an incredible film with a wonderful cast of talented actors. The themes explored in this film can easily be seen as a metaphor for today's society. I thought that it was very close to home. This film can be very inspiring to people that have led a hard life in trying to accomplish their dreams. People can relate to the main character, and it's one of the strongest aspects of this film. Gattaca is a brilliant story, and though it's not perfect, there are a lot of great elements in this film to truly make it a memorable film to watch. Gattaca is a well crafted Sci Fi drama film that has a lot of human emotion to its story, and it adds so much to the overall film. A brilliantly directed first feature from Andrew Niccol.

• Jacob E

  
  One of the few films to present us with a future that seems to be coming closer and closer everyday. Very thought provoking, not just on an issue of ethics, but how business and black markets play into the issues of science. Very well acted, very well done, what can I say. Highly… More
  One of the few films to present us with a future that seems to be coming closer and closer everyday. Very thought provoking, not just on an issue of ethics, but how business and black markets play into the issues of science. Very well acted, very well done, what can I say. Highly recommended.

• Conner R

  
  Modern science fiction the way it should be. What I've always loved about Gattaca is that its premise is so close to genetics now that it's kind of scary. The movie itself is extremely powerful and breathtaking, one man's will to defy science. Ethan Hawke and Jude Law… More
  Modern science fiction the way it should be. What I've always loved about Gattaca is that its premise is so close to genetics now that it's kind of scary. The movie itself is extremely powerful and breathtaking, one man's will to defy science. Ethan Hawke and Jude Law were perfect and made their equally tragic lives something that you cared about. While it looks futuristic, it wasn't to the point of ridiculous sets that some depictions have had.

• Anthony L

  
  Very stylish but the acting is as wooden as the beautifully carved set pieces! I?m being a bit harsh, it?s a very entertaining film.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"There Is No Gene For The Human Spirit."</i> A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel. <center><font size=+2 face="Century… More
  <i>"There Is No Gene For The Human Spirit."</i> A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> In literature as well as cinema, science fiction is a genre that by and large has never held much allure for me. There are however some exceptions to this predisposition. "Gattaca" is one of them. It's thankfully free of the cliched earmarks often employed in a self aware, quasi parody fashion. In order for science fiction to work, one should become unaware of the genre and become engrossed in the action, which simply happens to take place in the future. This lends credibility to what is by definition, fantasy. Within the cold, austere and beautifully filmed sets, "Gattaca" possesses a core of emotion. The theme of striving towards achievement against adversity is one that will resonate with many. Ethan Hawke strikes the balance between confidence and vulnerability in an assured performance which must surely rate as one of his best. Uma Thurman's somewhat robotic statuesque presence and icy blonde veneer is used to great effect. The wheel chair bound Jude Law is, as ever a compelling actor to watch. As proven by his ingenious screenplay of "The Truman Show", writer and director Andrew Niccol possesses an exceptional creative talent. In "Gattaca" he gives expression to his vision with much assurance and flair. This is science fiction for all.

• Thomas B

  
  very unique concept. even though it doesn't feel like it, it's an intense movie.

• Nani V

  
  I didn't think this was my type of film, but surprisingly I was into it. I LOVE LOVE the ending and the music was so beautiful, I almost cried. Very odd, but good movie.

• Bruce B

  
  Another on from the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival. And like all the other movies shown at this Festival , I enjoyed this Movie, and I am sorry that it took me 12 years to see it. Rated as a Science Fiction Movie, the only thing Science Fiction about it is that its in the… More
  Another on from the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival. And like all the other movies shown at this Festival , I enjoyed this Movie, and I am sorry that it took me 12 years to see it. Rated as a Science Fiction Movie, the only thing Science Fiction about it is that its in the future, other then that it would be a drama with suspense added.. I am glad to see my old friend Ernest Borgnine was still making movies in the year 1997, he was my favorite on McHales Navy. Also Uma Thurman as pretty as they get. A very Sad ending that I will not give away. If you haven't seen it, don't pass it up, you might find yourself enjoying it by the end. Don't let the slow start discourage you, it did almost me. But I stuck with it and glad I did. Its about a person swapping identity?s in a perfect type world, only to leave that world to travel into space, which doesn't happen except in last 3 minutes. So if you hate Sci-Fi, this is your movie cause there is very little Sci-Fi in it but a lot of great acting. Still only 3 1/2 stars I am a little critical tonight it must be my mood.

• Josh L

  
  Simultaneously thrilling and thought-provoking.

• Dan S

  
  Easily one of the best sci-fi movies of the 90's. The story is exceptionally well put together, anchored by two terrific performances from Ethan Hawke and Jude Law. Despite a few holes, this film excels in detailed storytelling, as well as a beautiful score and breathtaking art… More
  Easily one of the best sci-fi movies of the 90's. The story is exceptionally well put together, anchored by two terrific performances from Ethan Hawke and Jude Law. Despite a few holes, this film excels in detailed storytelling, as well as a beautiful score and breathtaking art direction. The ending is a fitting one, and its a sci-fi movie that has a few good lessons going for it, that being never let anyone tell you what you can and can't do, you know what your limits are, genetics aren't everything.

• Sarah G

  
  <u>Director:</u>Andrew Niccol <u>Released:</u> 1997 <u>Stars:</u> Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman,Jude Law & Alan Arkin <u>Genre:</u> Sci Fi, Drama <u>Country:</u> USA <b>In the not-too-distant future, a less than… More
  <u>Director:</u>Andrew Niccol <u>Released:</u> 1997 <u>Stars:</u> Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman,Jude Law & Alan Arkin <u>Genre:</u> Sci Fi, Drama <u>Country:</u> USA <b>In the not-too-distant future, a less than perfect man wants to travel to the stars. Society has categorized Vincent Freeman as less than suitable given his genetic make-up and he has become one of the underclass of humans that are only useful for menial jobs. To move ahead, he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow, a perfect genetic specimen who is a paraplegic as a result of a fall. With some professional advice, Vincent learns to deceive DNA and urine sample testing. When a colleague is killed he is finally scheduled for a space mission, but a colleague suspects his origins and the police begin an investigation.</b> Seeing as it's the holiday season I thought I'd watch a few films that I've been dying to see for ages. So I stumbled across Gattaca in my local supermarket and decided to buy it. I didn't really know what to expect but I have to admit that i really like it. Gattaca is almost 12 years old and still feels like it was made a few years ago. The set design, nominated for an oscar, does give off the impression that I'm sure the director aimed to create. That being a world devoid of natural births and a world where companys employ people based on their genetic make up does, to the audience feel like that's the way the world could be. The film obviously, at the end of the film, depicts the consequences of the world and what it would meet for people living in it. In other words science has gone to far. The narrative structure, at first focusses on the scientific orientaed world, and we see more empthaises on that. As Vincent narrates however, we begin to understand that it more to it than that. The narrative doesn't however, stay too long on that and that's something I would have liked to see more of. There were a few scenes that didn't contain as much development as I'd like. Suddently a new story emerged. However those were minor flaws. As I said before, the film is more about a tale of one individual and less or a science fiction story. For instance Jude Law's character does become quite intriguing as the film progresses. In particular as we see Vincet eventually emerge as Jerome, which does become quite emotional. Overall, gattace is definatly a film I might re-watch and probably see something in it that i didn't see before. It depicts a world which could happen and contains characters that you can relate. Such an emotional tale of human spirit. Contains some outstanding set design. 8/10 More to follow...

• Jens S

  
  An intelligent and somewhat realistic look into a near future when parents can choose the genetic makeup of their kids, and the story of a man fooling the system of only the perfect candidates going their way in life and job. Good acting, interesting characters, a cool set design and… More
  An intelligent and somewhat realistic look into a near future when parents can choose the genetic makeup of their kids, and the story of a man fooling the system of only the perfect candidates going their way in life and job. Good acting, interesting characters, a cool set design and exciting plot make this utopian/dystopian thriller a gem of the genre. A beautiful soundtrack completes the picture, which also comes up with one of the most beautiful last lines ever.

• Lenny M

  
  Suprisingly real goood, I'm not a big fan of Ethan Hawke nor Uma Thurman for the most part but this shiz was hot, Jude Law breaking out in this movie.

• Curtis L

  
  Cool sci fi piece about the future and the fears of genetic enhancement

• Robert C

  
  Loved the premise. Even more thought provoking now then it would have been eleven years ago when it was released. Although it was very futuristic in it's premise it had a very 1950's almost 'film noire' feel to it. A mixture that worked surprisingly well for… More
  Loved the premise. Even more thought provoking now then it would have been eleven years ago when it was released. Although it was very futuristic in it's premise it had a very 1950's almost 'film noire' feel to it. A mixture that worked surprisingly well for me. Aside from some plot holes and what is really just mediocre performances by a cast that could (and has) done better...this was an enjoyable film.

• Jennifer X

  
  It's was a really interesting premise and I think Andrew Niccol is capable of awesome stuff, but the ending, can you say Hollywood? ugh. But Jude Law is perfectly cast. And I mean perfect.

• Aaron N

  
  [following a blood test] Vincent: What about the interview? Dr. Lamar: That was it. Here's a very good sci-fi drama that combines a smart and believable story with a sharp visual style and artistic design, a number of different themes, a very good score, and good performers.… More
  [following a blood test] Vincent: What about the interview? Dr. Lamar: That was it. Here's a very good sci-fi drama that combines a smart and believable story with a sharp visual style and artistic design, a number of different themes, a very good score, and good performers. Writer/Director Andrew Niccol, who is also responsible for other smart stories such as The Truman Show and Lord of War, takes a topic and turns it into one of the top sci-fi films of the 90s. The film is set in the not-to-distant future. People are now able to genetically engineer their offspring to make children with perfect genetic makeup. There are those that do not follow this logic and leave their children's lives up to fate. Ethan Hawke stars as Vincent, a boy born with no enhancements. Because of this he is foreseen to have a heart condition, which will effect his dream of going into space. Businesses in general discriminate against those who are not designed perfectly. In order to get around the system, Vincent forms a partnership with Jerome, played by Jude Law. Jerome was a perfect specimen, but he is now paralyzed. Vincent assumes Jerome's identity, posing as him through careful proceedings in order to have the system believe he is the other. He takes up a job at Gattaca, an aerospace company and all seems to go well into his plan to go to space and defying the system. Vincent: They think I killed the mission director. Jerome: What makes you think that? Vincent: They found my eye lash. Jerome: Where? Vincent: In the corridor. Jerome: Ah well it could be worse. They could have found it in your eye. Problems arise when a murder takes place at Gattaca. Vincent as Jerome is not a suspect, but a small amount of evidence founds at the scene certainly implements Vincent, not Jerome. Vincent must now struggle with a couple of detectives, Loren Dean and Alan Arkin, who may get in the way of his trip to space. Uma Thurman also stars as a fellow employee and love interest of Vincent's, with a similar problem and eventually more knowledge than she may have wanted. The story is very good, working well with the kinds of developments the world is getting at, and while over ten years later the film may not have necessarily caught up with the times, it certainly still seems very believable. The way the story builds upon the many themes such as the irony of ideal perfection verses "imperfection, personal identity, fate, and sacrifice is handled very well, and is effective as the various turns in the story unfold. The actors are all well placed. Hawke and Law are very effective leads, but then you also have a good supporting cast of character actors, some more recognizable than others, including Loren Dean, Tony Shalhoub, Xander Berkley, Elias Coteas, and even Ernest Borgnine in a small role. As mentioned, along with the story, the visual flow of this movie is wonderful. Besides the fact that it looks great in terms of its design, especially for its smaller budget, their are so many subtle visual cues throughout. A twisty staircase resembling a DNA helix, the cars, even the launching of rockets in the background that don't go over the top with effects. As also mentioned, the score of this film also moves with it very appropriately. While the film as a whole can seem slow paced, it plays very comfortably enough for an interested observer to hardly notice. If there is one gripe, it revolves around the fact that in this near perfect society, there is hardly room for a smile or joy from any of the "perfected" people. It's a minor quibble, which probably goes inline with some of the themes of the film. However, this is a very well made movie, accompanied by a very well thought out story. Dr. Lamar: You go up next week. Please tell me you're the least bit excited. Vincent: I'll tell you at the end of the week

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