Ultraviolet (2006) is a sci-fi action film directed by Kurt Wimmer, starring Milla Jovovich in the lead role. Known for its stylistic visuals and frenetic action, the film attempts to blend martial arts, futuristic technology, and a dystopian storyline into a sleek, high-energy package.

Plot Overview: Set in a dystopian future, Ultraviolet revolves around a world where humans and a new breed of vampire-like beings called Hemophages are in conflict. The story centers on Violet (Milla Jovovich), a Hemophage warrior who rebels against the government after it starts persecuting her kind. Violet becomes entangled in a mission to protect a mysterious child named Six (Cameron Bright), who is believed to possess the key to either saving or dooming the Hemophages.

Violet’s journey sees her fighting against the oppressive regime led by Daxus (Nick Chinlund), using her advanced combat abilities, agility, and technology. As she unravels the mysteries behind Six’s importance, Violet faces numerous battles, showcasing a mix of swordplay and gunfights that define the film’s action style.

Tone & Style: Ultraviolet is characterized by its stylized visuals and a strong emphasis on CGI effects, creating a futuristic world with sleek, minimalist architecture. The color palette often shifts, contributing to its otherworldly feel, while the action sequences are fast-paced and highly choreographed. The film borrows heavily from the aesthetics of comic books and anime, with its exaggerated style and vibrant visuals.

Performances:

• Milla Jovovich as Violet anchors the film with her commanding presence, physicality, and action skills, delivering numerous high-octane fight scenes. While her performance is physically intense, the script limits the depth of her character, focusing more on visual spectacle than emotional nuance.
• Cameron Bright as Six serves as the child that drives the plot forward, but his role is more of a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character.
• Nick Chinlund plays the villainous Daxus, whose motivations and presence are more conventional and serve to heighten the action scenes rather than add complexity to the narrative.

Reception: Ultraviolet received largely negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. Common criticisms include a convoluted plot that is difficult to follow, underdeveloped characters, and an overreliance on CGI that often detracts from the overall visual quality. Many felt that the film prioritized style over substance, resulting in a lack of emotional engagement. The action sequences, though creative in choreography, were sometimes overshadowed by the heavy use of digital effects.

Despite these critiques, the film has gained a cult following for its unique visual style and the lead performance by Milla Jovovich. Fans of fast-paced sci-fi action and those who enjoy the aesthetics of futuristic worlds with a strong lead character may still find Ultraviolet to be an entertaining watch.

Overall, Ultraviolet is a flashy, ambitious sci-fi action film that aims to deliver a visually striking experience but struggles with its narrative and character development. If you’re looking for a film with dynamic action scenes and a visually inventive, if not entirely cohesive, world, it might be worth a watch.