Code 46

Watch Code 46

"How do you solve a crime when the last thing you want to know is the truth?"
  • R
  • 2003
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 6.1  (21,159)
  • 57

In the late 21st century, the world has become a highly technologically advanced society, with much of life being dictated by corporations and strict government control. The movie Code 46, released in 2003 and directed by Michael Winterbottom, explores a future where human emotions have been repressed in favor of strict obedience to societal norms.

Tim Robbins stars as William Geld, an insurance investigator based in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. In this world, travel is restricted and monitored, with various security checkpoints preventing individuals from moving between different cities without government-approved visas. William's job is to investigate fraudulent insurance claims, which often involves extensive background checks and interviews with those involved.

One day, William is assigned a new case involving Maria Gonzales (Samantha Morton), a woman who seems to have defrauded her company's medical insurance plan. William is initially skeptical of Maria's claims, but he finds himself drawn to her and becomes increasingly intrigued by her story. As their interaction deepens, William soon discovers that Maria has falsified her identity in order to obtain insurance for a rare genetic condition. Realizing that he's fallen in love with Maria and that she may never be able to escape the country, William illegally arranges for her to receive a passport to travel to his country, United States of the Northern Hemisphere (USH).

Once William and Maria arrive in USH, they begin to develop a relationship, despite living in a foreign country and facing a number of cultural barriers. However, the couple soon discovers that their relationship violates Code 46, a law designed to prevent genetically similar individuals from procreating. They're told that their relationship is illegal and that Maria must be deported back to Shanghai. William pleads with the government to change their minds, but he quickly realizes that his pleas are futile.

As Maria is deported, William becomes increasingly distraught, turning to drugs in order to cope with his loss. He eventually becomes sick enough from his drug addiction that he reluctantly returns to Shanghai, where he's placed in a rehabilitation facility. It turns out that one of the people serving him there was Maria's father, who reveals that he belongs to a nomadic tribe called "the uncoded" that live outside the corporate-controlled cities.

As William begins to explore this new way of life, he discovers that the tribe's way of living is vastly different from the life he's known in Shanghai. The members of the tribe are free to express their emotions and form meaningful relationships without government interference, but they also must deal with the numerous dangers of living outside the cities.

As he learns more about the tribe's way of living, William uncovers a shocking truth about Maria's identity, and he realizes that the government's control over human emotions has been even more insidious than he had ever imagined. The film ultimately ends on an ambiguous note, leaving the viewer to wonder about the possibility for change and the power of emotion in a world controlled by technology.

Overall, Code 46 offers a thought-provoking commentary on the potential consequences of allowing technology to dictate human emotions and relationships. Through its exploration of William and Maria's relationship and their quest for freedom in a heavily regulated society, the movie highlights the importance of human connection and the dangers of sacrificing our emotions for convenience and control. Both Robbins and Morton deliver standout performances, bringing a depth and complexity to their characters that make the film all the more engaging.

Code 46 is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 57.

Code 46
Description
Where to Watch Code 46
Code 46 is available to watch free on Pluto TV and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Code 46 for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2003
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (21,159)
  • Metascore
    57