Although it wasn’t a box-office success, Gattica is one of my all-time favorite science fiction movies (and part of my favorite sub-genre, social science fiction):

Gattica takes place in a world with a new hierarchy; a cast system based on genetic engineering (i.e.: an individual’s genetic composition is used as a resume for success in business and love). The movie poses a question: science will (some day soon?) be able to create a perfect physical specimen, but can they replace the natural, inherent spirit; the inexplicable motivation that drives an individual beyond his (or her) theoretical limits?

This is an excellent movie; no special effects necessary, no ray guns or explosions: just a great story. The cast is very good.

The main characters:

Ethan Hawke as Vincent Freeman

Uma Therman as Irene Cassini, Vincent’s love interest

Jude Law (who was outstanding) as Jerome Eugene Morrow

And some interesting secondary-role actors:

Alan Arkin as Detective Hugo

Blaire Underwood as a Genetisist

Ernest Borgnine as Caesar, the Janitor

And Gore Vidal as Director Josef