The Children of Men

I have just seen the film of the year. Tonight, spurred on by the thrill of spontaneity, Stephen and I christened our new ‘Unlimited’ Cineworld cards with a late night showing of ‘The Children of Men’. This film has so impacted me that I feel the need to write a thank you card to Alfonso Cuaron, the most innovative director a British cast has ever been fortunate enough to work with…

Cuaron of ‘Goblet of Fire’ and ‘Y Tu Mama Tambien’ fame has truly exceeded all expectations with this apocalyptic tale set in near future Britain. Immigration has rocketed out of control, martial law has been enforced to combat terrorism and nations have closed their borders in an attempt to stabilise the anarchy breaking out all over the globe.

The attention to detail alone leaves you breathless; an over-populated and smog filled London, Bexhill’s transformation from Prison to ‘Fugee’ camp, even the old and worn out London 2012 jumper subtly paints a picture of a world gone stale. 2027 is like Christmas decorations in January, all that seemed glittery only a short time ago now seems artificial, tatty and dishevelled.

PLOT WARNING
Cuaron does not disappoint with near genius premise, for some inexplicable reason humanity is infertile and as the youngest person on the planet dies at the age of 18, society is falling apart at the scenes.

This film asks: what would a world be like without the sound of children’s voices?
PLOT WARNING OVER

I’m not going to say too much about the content of the film. The direction, editing, pacing, cinematography, script and acting are all superb. Simply put – YOU MUST SEE THIS FILM.

It is not only an example of exquisite film making, but The Children of Men has truly raised the bar of cinematic story telling xc

PS - read Stephen's thoughts on last nights sensory blast here...

Comments

[Lili]

Fantastic!

Adam & I had a sibling night out on Tuesday and saw this film. We were both gripped by the storyline and acting- and Adam has a dislike of the lead actor Clive Owen.

I Loved it! Want to go and see it again.

Lili X

[Adam]

Its true I did enjoy the film and even enjoyed Owen's character, which is a big thing for me. I couldn't stand the man in King Authur, and the robber movie wasn't brilliant. I thought the movie could easily be a possible future! It seems to be more and more society breaking down, dictatorship movies going on e.g. Children of Men, V for Vendetta...
Carla your plot spoiler wasn't a plot spoiler, it explains infurtility in the movies prognosis.
Luv adam
P.s. if anything does happen like that in the future I shall start a movement to bring peace and prosperity, ha ha yeah right I'm ore likely to become a Nationalist!

[Carla]

Worrying Adam, very worrying xc

[Pete]

I liked the 2012 touch too. Nice.

Although I thought the film was good - to say it was 'gritty' would be an understatement - I saw it more as a set of character studies rather than a storyline. *So* much was left unexplained. I don't generally have a problem with this as I like films with a few rough edges, but I guess the lack of info about The Human Project bugged me. There seemed to be little point to it, and any info on it would have been a good counterpoint to the hopelessness and futility experienced by the general population in the film.

It reminded me a lot of the films made in the energy crisis of the 70's. Have you seen Soylent Green? Different story but very similar ideas. Think I'd rate Children of Men a 7 out of 10 ;-)

[linda]

there were loads of post Vietnam dystopia films like that in the 70s,80s THX1138 (George Lucas), Logans Run - then Blade Runner and so on

[jude]

Amazing film.. all the Moses stuff, intentional or just my overactive preacher brain looking for a hook?

[linda]

just saw it the other night - fantastic!