It's 2019, and progress hasn't been kind. The city is in chaos: polluted, gloomy, overcrowded, and cruel. Darkness and steady rain enclose the loud, gaudy, and teeming streets. The film, which can be seen as a cautionary tale, poses some profound questions: What does it mean to be human? In a tortured world, who can be trusted? And, while we strive senselessly for immortality, will we destroy ourselves?

Blood, howling, and anguish accompany the countless violent actions in this film. Characters are killed by gunfire at close range and brutal hand-to-hand combat. Characters dangle over the side of skyscrapers; multiple fingers are broken graphically; people are gagged and choked; a man's eyes are poked out (how much is seen depends upon the version of the film). There are repeated close shots of bloodied corpses and dying characters.

No overt sex acts, but sexuality is pervasive in many scenes. A stripper undresses, and her breasts are seen briefly. Other females wear revealing clothing. There are a number of passionate kisses (one between two males; one in which a man kisses a dead female lover). Most of the sexual behavior is hard-edged, with little tenderness or love expressed.

A few curse words (dependent upon the version) "ass," "f--ker."

In the dystopia the film portrays, loud, bright, intrusive advertising is everywhere. It's part of the fabric of the city. A few recognizable products are shown: Coca Cola, Atari, Budweiser, RCA, TDK, Tsing Tao, Bulova.

Characters drink alcoholic beverages in many scenes; the hero drinks hard liquor throughout the film, at least once to excess. Many characters smoke throughout.