I agree. I hadn't heard of Gattica when I first watched it (and I didn't catch it until it was on DVD). Wow, I was blown away. I thought the style was so meticulous (just like the main character) and it was a terse thriller about breaking free. Really good stuff!

I don't think it is underrated. You just have the impression that it's underrated because it has been so long since its release. I think it was pretty well known when I was younger. It was nominated for an Oscar and it won a ton of other prizes and got a number of different, varied nominations from different film festivals.

Some good films never come into the awareness of people who just watch blockbusters, but that doesn't mean they're underrated. Some people will only watch big blockbusters, that's just how it is.

For instance, some people might consider the recent korean movie The Wailing underrated. But, only people who don't typically watch those kinds of movies would consider it underrated. The movie has amazing reviews and has been met with incredibly good reception (for good reason).

Depends on how you define underrated. Don't confuse underrated with unpopular from the perspective of typical blockbuster viewing audience.

that's interesting Geff... I didn't realise it was so well received...

I suppose I called it underrated partly due to what you mentioned, it being released so long ago and out of the current discussion... but also because I've heard and read critics talk poorly about it... I guess I only read the negative reviews!

I concur strongly. GATTACA is an excellent sci-fi and raises lots of interesting ethical questions. Andrew Niccol, the writer/director, also wrote THE TRUMAN SHOW, which, I think, is one of the best films of the last twenty years.

Maybe underrated maybe underappreciated, it's kinda splitting hairs a bit. I just remember when I saw it (back in the day) I hadn't heard much about it. It seems that it did receive some limited critical acclaim (best art direction or something?), but flopped at the box office. As others have said, not successful at the box office doesn't mean underrated...or does it?

I do believe it was very poignant on the topic of genomics and the ethical considerations to be had. It seems the film itself disrupted or slowed an unthinking march toward "progress", and that reality in itself may make this film underrated some 20 years on....

I don't know, every time there a news story about genetic manipulation. The first thing that comes up is Gattaca and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. While the movie wasn't a blockbusters. But were it counts most. Its very much in the public's consciousness.

It's not one of the best films ever made but I really enjoyed its visuals and story.

I just watched this, quite good. I think it strung things out too much though, it felt like a 40 minute film spread into an hour and a bit. It also left some things unanswered like why he wants to go on the rocket, what happens up there, are they repopulating a new planet or something? I would have liked to see more characters too, and find out more about Uma's character. She was pretty flat. I didn't think Jude Law's character was very convincing either, and I didn't like his dodgy acting. The main guy seemed to carry the entire film all by himself.

Pretty good though. I really liked the story and the message. I felt like it would have been a lot better if that character and that story was attached to a more exciting film. But I enjoyed it for what it is. Wouldn't watch it again though.

@microscope said:

It also left some things unanswered like why he wants to go on the rocket

I believe it was mentioned a few times how much he liked astronomy and the stars, plus he felt so isolated on earth being an In-Valid that he belonged up in space or something like that.

what happens up there, are they repopulating a new planet or something?

Probably just space exploration but it didn't matter as the focus of the film was on the characters

I would have liked to see more characters too, and find out more about Uma's character. She was pretty flat.

Agree with you on Uma's character, she did feel underdeveloped. But one guy they definitely should've fleshed out was the brother, he seemed to just turn up conveniently.

Overall a good film which has stood the test of time in terms of its themes. Visually it did look a bit dated but understandable given that its over 20 years old now (hard to believe!).