Many people spend their lives searching for their place in life, and many movies are made that deal with this theme; examples include "The Majestic", "As Good as it Gets", "Lost in Translation" and "X-Men".  But what about the exact opposite, what about those who know for certain their place in life and are not happy with it?  This is the central underlying theme in this movie.  It is the future, and mankind has progressed to the point where genetic engineering of newborns is a common practice.  Some kids are born naturally without any genetic improvements, and have set limits and expectations for their life.  These are known as "invalids".  Others are born with genetic improvements, and they are born into a different life with different limits and expectations; usually higher.  These are "valids".  This movie is about both individuals, brothers really.  One is a Valid and rises high within the ranks of Gattaca, a futuristic corporation that sends people to space.  The other is an "Invalid, and being unhappy with his fate, uses his wit and the friendship of a thoughtful Valid to rise even higher.  Their fates intertwine at the very end in a triumph of the human spirit over predisposed social constraints.  The movie moves briskly but not too quickly.  The dialogue is quite sharp and natural.  The personal relationships are well-thought out.  And Jude Law is probably in his best role as an actor.  All told, a great movie and worth the time to watch.  Premiering in the mid 1990's, it touches on many of the themes now surfacing in the era of biotech and genetic engineering.