The acclaimed adaptation of the 2000AD comic strip.
The future America is an irradiated wasteland. On its East Coast, running from Boston to Washington DC, lies Mega City One--a vast, violent metropolis where criminals rule the chaotic streets. The only force of order lies with the urban cops called “Judges” who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner.
Known and feared throughout the city, Dredd is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge--a dangerous drug epidemic that has users experiencing reality at a fraction of its normal speed.
During a routine day on the job, Dredd is assigned to train and evaluate Cassandra Anderson, a rookie with powerful psychic abilities thanks to a genetic mutation. A heinous crime calls them to a neighbourhood where fellow Judges rarely dare to venture- a 200-story vertical slum controlled by prostitute turned drug lord Ma-Ma and her ruthless clan.
At the end of the film, Dredd faces what philosophers refer to as a tragic dilemma: no matter what he decides to do, there can be terrible consequences. He makes his choice and does not hesitate. As a result of his action, tens of thousands could die. But if he fails to act, larger numbers could die. Somebody has to make the tough choices. But is a person as damaged as Dredd the wrong kind of decision maker? Or is the fact that he is so damaged the very thing that makes him the right man for the job?
Philosophy
Probe the philosophical questions raised by some of cinema’s most intriguing films with Showroom Cinema and the University of Sheffield.
Director Pete Travis
Year 2012
Duration
1h 35m
Language English
Cast Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey