Jason C. (JJC) from NEWARK, NJ wrote on 1/6/2008...
Alfonso Cuarón is a magnificent director, whom I have had my eye on ever since he delivered an updated, modern version of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations", nearly 10 years ago. His "Y Tu Mamá También " was another well-done film depicting two teenage boys embarking on a road trip with a slightly older and more experienced woman. And of course there's his third entry to "Harry Potter" that was well-loved by critics and fans.
"Children of Men" is a brilliant look at our future, twenty years from now. Set in wartime London, 2027 in a world where we can no longer procreate due to an epidemic that occurs in 2008. The story surrounds Theo (Clive Owen), a former activist turned 9-to-5er, who is abruptly and violently contacted by a small band of refugees led by his ex-girlfriend (Julianne Moore). They ask his help to gather impossible to get transfer papers to deliver a somewhat important girl to a remote sanctuary at sea.
Theo comes to realize, after he quickly finds himself a refugee and an innocent victim of circumstance, that the young girl is miraculously pregnant and could be the salvation of humankind. But of course, things get sticky. I'll stop here.
This is an excellent entry into the dysotopian film canon, alongside masterpieces like "Metropolis", "Brazil" and "Equilibrium." The acting is top-notch, a wonderful, subtly heroic performance from Clive Owen, and a fun yet pivotal performance from veteran Michael Caine. The art direction is mesmerizingly bleak and the cinematography is masterfully executed. "Children of Men" is a well-written, well-directed and well-produced piece of science-fiction. And one of the best films of the year.
Bravo, Mr. Cuarón!
Betty C. (base982) from HONEA PATH, SC wrote on 12/11/2007...
This is a really thought provoking movie about the future and how over-population has affected the world. Is the object of the characters to save a precious event to mankind or is it to reject anything that will interupt the status quo? Which side will prevail?