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Code 46
Michael Winterbottom's cult sci-fi stars Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton as star-crossed lovers in a totalitarian world; set to an intoxicating soundtrack by David Holmes' Free Association.
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Overview
A love story set in Shanghai, the day after tomorrow. William (Tim Robbins) is sent there for 24 hours to investigate a fraud at the Sphinx insurance company. Having taken an empathy virus he is able to read suspects' minds. Maria (Samantha Morton) is an employee of Sphinx where she creates 'papelles', a form of combined insurance cover and passport that offer citizens their only chance to travel outside their designated zones. William's enquiries soon reveal that Maria is the suspect who has been selling fake papelles, but finds himself unable to turn her over to the authorities. Instead, he falls deeply in love with her - a move that will change his life forever...
This sci-fi romance from versatile director Michael Winterbottom has been described as a futurustic Brief Encounter (1945), detailing how love can survive in a harsh totalitarian environment. It showcases the filmmaker's skill in conjuring a credible futuristic world from a modest budget, and its atmospherics are greatly enhanced by an intoxicating soundtrack from David Holmes' Free Association.
strong sex references, nudity
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