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207 of 235 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's The End Of the World As I Know It--But Maybe Not..., March 6, 2007
"Children of Men," by Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron, was one of the more unusual success stories of 2006. While not a blockbuster, by any standards, this unconventional film was all but abandoned by a studio that didn't know how to market it. Positioned for release during prime Oscar season, this is not a film that was backed as a potential nominee. However, as almost universal critical acceptance came rolling in--a smaller, but loyal, fan base discovered and embraced this movie. "Children of Men" ended up, therefore, with much acclaim and admiration, decent box office, a more widespread distribution, and 3 Academy Award nominations (Screenplay, Editing, and Cinematography). In an interesting twist on the apocalypse drama genre, "Children of Men" presents a world that is coming to an end with a whimper as opposed to a bang. For there is no cataclysmic explosion forcing humanity to confront it's own mortality. No, in this case, people have simply lost the ability to reproduce--and the youngest person alive is now approaching adulthood. Of course, over the ensuing years (the film is set in 2027) of this ongoing tragedy, there has been an expected societal breakdown. Now, the streets of London are ravaged by terrorism and extremist groups are battling to overturn the complacent, and possibly complicit, government. While this may seem like a broad and epic canvas, "Children of Men" covers many weighty issues within the relatively straightforward story of its protagonist, Clive Owen. Owen, an ex-activist who is now somewhat disconnected, is drawn back into a world that he wants no part of. The unlikeliest and most reluctant of heroes, Owen confronts his own ideology and apathy when an extremist group introduces him to a pregnant teen. Fearing that she will be exploited, used, or otherwise politically manipulated by the warring factions--he decides to deliver her to a utopian (and perhaps mythical) society whose only interest is in saving humanity. Getting her free from the controlling clutches that bind her and crossing a country plagued by insurrection, "Children of Men" becomes a harrowing and brutal action picture with violence that resembles much of what we see on TV news today. Owen has long been a favorite of mine. Having taken notice of him in "Croupier" (and if you haven't caught this great noir piece, please do), I have been quite impressed by his rise in mainstream films. He was so electrifying in "Closer" that I even forgave him for "Derailed." Here, he is the perfect antihero--and his evolution from a disinterested party to a rogue patriot is an indelible portrait of a man rediscovering a purpose and meaning in life. Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, and Clare-Hope Ashitey (as the pregnant team) lead an able supporting cast. The documentary feel of the film's action pieces suit the material well, and the conflicts are well staged and all too believable. Now, there are many political debates to be started from "Children of Men" (none of which will I engage in here), but what I admired about the film's screenplay is how focused it is. Without being preachy or engaging in unnecessary "speechifying," this film plays as straight action. And while there is a "revelatory" moment near the end that almost goes too far (but is understandable within the context of the film), "Children of Men" allows you to draw your own conclusions. It just presents the story and leaves much of its interpretation up to the viewer. That, to me, is always a satisfying choice. Whether you view this film as action, sci-fi, political allegory, or a combination of all three--it's a worthwhile and entertaining film. KGHarris, 03/07.
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183 of 226 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Movie!, October 20, 2006
Children of Men just came out today in Spain and it is fantastic. The story line is totally original and the acting is superb. Clive Owen is captivating as a man caught between his sorrow from his past and the hope for a new world future. The basic premise is set in the year 2027 and 18 years ago women mysteriously stopped being capable of having children. Society has started to crumble because all hope of the future has disappeared. Owen's character (Theo), an ex-activist, is pulled into an underground "terrorist" group that has found something that will bring hope to the world; but hidden agendas and distrust are threatening to pull the only hope left apart. The cinematography and set designs are top notch, and with a supporting cast that includes Michael Caine and Julianne Moore- it only takes a great story to that next level of excellence. Also the soundtrack is really well chosen and they use the music to great effect in some scenes; for example King Crimson's "court of the crimson king" is especially effective. Highly recommended. January 5th. I thought I would add that I just saw the movie for the second time today. The visual poetry and thought provoking ideas have stayed quite strong in my mind since I last saw it in October. The second time around the movie stirred up just as many thoughts and emotions as the first. As some of the other reviewers has mentioned this is a very real feeling science fiction. The problems of tomorrow in this film seem to align itself with many of the issues that we are burying ourselves in today like our growing dependency on chemicals (many with unknown side effects), or the waste that we put in our environment, and last and certainly paramount, the decreasing faith we have of anything beyond our sciences in which we measure reason, and rely upon. Children Of Men has become one of my favorite movies. And I hope that anyone with a thirst for thoughtfulness gets a chance to see this brilliant movie.
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39 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A bold departure for P.D. James (author) results in a stunning film, March 20, 2007
While I loved the movie, I strongly suggest you read the book as well. There are differences between the two and, of course, verbal descriptions of characters' thoughts are often hard to reproduce on screen. Almost always, sacrifices must be made in the script - and this film is no exception. However, I DO feel the movie stays true to the INTENT and MESSAGE of the book and it is quite a wonderful film. It is futuristic and if you know anything about the author of the book on which this film is based (P.D. James) you'll know this isn't her usual mystery story. But it is one of my favorite works that she has written, telling of a time when people are infertile and of the hope that resides when there is a chance that someone can produce children again. The government gets involved and there are political messages and subplots, all set against a certain, dark atmosphere. This film will make you think and I actually find the possibility of a future where infertility is almost the norm not outside the realm of possibility. Even if you don't, the "What ifs?" will keep you interested in this masterful film and Clive Owen proves that he is becoming more interesting an actor as time goes on.
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