Have you seen the movie, Gattaca?

“Movies are a machine that generates empathy.”

-Roger Ebert-

Sophie’s Movie review

GATTACA - Directed by Andrew Niccol , October 24, 1997 (United States), Running time : 112 minutes, Budget$36 million <> Box office$12.5 million.

Genre: Sci-fi, drama

✅ How do you feel about genetic manipulation of babies?

Gattaca is a film that challenged me. The main question it asks is can we design a better human population. That is, could we me make our species perfectly efficient, or are there other standards to aim for? DNA manipulation makes sense for me for say curing illnesses for children, but other standards such as being taller or physically stronger I am put off by.

The genre I love is drama because the main reason I watch films is to see relationships. I feel dramatic emotions and think about relationships during watching the film. When it comes to dramas, I love to see the realistic depiction of dynamics as it reminds me of my connection with my own group of people and indeed how we all have connections.

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✅ The future universe proposed by Gattaca is realistic.

Yes, I think it can be a realistic story. Despite it being unethical in theory, in practice it seems to me to be inevitable. We already discriminate in society according to intelligence, education, physical ability, (and even with illogical, unfair prejudices against some groups). If we continue to value and reward efficiency and utility in the way we do, our system of rampant competition will the strengthen these trends towards social selection even more. What's more, family privilege plays a huge part in this, where children of rich parents get the best educations and opportunities. If we lose control, we may face a dystopian world like Gattaca.

✅ This film shows “technology can become too advanced”

Yes, I think it can be dangerous if it become too advanced. If we lose control of the power of technology, unethical technology can be dominant in the name of 'science'. This is why we should focus on cultivating ethics, rules, literature and other humanitarian cultures. The idea of a society of artists is so important, in my view, but it is so rare in world history. The internet does not necessarily help the cultivation of this way of living. Some people make can intelligent connections through the internet, but sadly most people are caught up with sensational, provocative sites that degrade the quality of their discussions and thinking. The internet has given us both the world's biggest archive and discussion community, but also fake news.

If you are interested in technology and future society, I highly recommend this film for you. It’ll propose you fun ideas. This gave me an idea, or the rudiment of one for the future. I’ll see you in my next writing. 🎀