This is one of my favorite films...EVER.  The plot and premise are artistically crafted, the acting is superb - Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Xander Berkley, Alan Arkin, Ernest Borgnine, Tony Shalhoub (it also has a rare and brilliant appearance by Gore Vidal in a significant role) and it is not overwhelmed with gratuitous special effects.  It is a piece of art, even the title and name of the facility is crafted to reflect the topic of the film, the letters in Gattaca comprise the letters of the proteins in DNA.  The messages in the film are nothing short of tremendous about the human will, turning our weaknesses into strengths, achieving our goals and the darker tendencies of society to categorize and box in our potential.  It is an emotional roller coaster you will never forget.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  If you liked the Shawshank Redemption, I thought this was a far better film.