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Gattaca
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| Price: |
39 new or used available from $5.98
Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #3312 in DVD
- Released on: 1998-07-01
- Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
- Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
- Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Full Screen, NTSC
- Original language: English, Spanish
- Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
- Dubbed in: French
- Number of discs: 1
- Running time: 106 minutes
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential video
Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film's originality. It's since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one's personal and professional destiny is determined by one's genes. In this society, "Valids" (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. "In-Valids" (naturally born), such as the film's protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled "Valid" (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society's social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake--and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca--could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law's performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. --Jeff Shannon
DVD features
In addition to a superb widescreen transfer, the DVD edition of Gattaca includes several deleted scenes (and one humorous outtake), which further establish the story's social context and provide additional insight into the scientific and ethical issues explored in this extraordinary film. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Collector piece
This movie is a post modern classic. Wonderfully filmed, with a great story. It is not science fiction, though it might sort of fit the genre. It is more along the lines of Farenheit 451, a Clock Work Orange, and 1984.
Great way to get discussion going in class
I bought this movie to show my class of lower level bio kids, generally kids who are checked out of school. Some of the details had to be reviewed that they didn't quite understand, but they understood the movie overall. Even better, the discussion we had after the movie was AMAZING. They really were able to relate the movie well to modern issues and many were able to uncover the layers of symbolism and imagery in the film. There were more than a few comments that caused me to respond "I hadn't even thought about that!" This was a much better vehicle for thinking about ethical issues realted to technology than any article I could have found. We are also relating parts of the movie to our new unit on genetics, something I hadn't even anticipated would happen. Overall, I would highly recommend this film for other bio teachers to use during their DNA units.
Not your standard Sci-fi
At first glance, it may look like any other film. But it truly is a sci-fi film and a brilliant one at that. People in the future can choose to have the perfect baby, without ailments and without defects. This is a story of one man, who wasn't so lucky. Ethan Hawke is broodingly perfect in this. His heartfelt performance really carries this film. Jude Law's small but heartbreaking role should not be missed either. Yes its sci-fi, but its so unconventional, you don't need to be a fan to watch this, or vice versa. Its dramatic and depressing and often beautiful too.
