Gattaca (1997)

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.