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Amazon.co.uk Review
Presenting a bleak, harrowing, and yet ultimately hopeful vision of humankind's not-too-distant future, Children of Men is a riveting cautionary tale of potential things to come. Set in the crisis-ravaged future of 2027, and based on the atypical 1993 novel by British mystery writer P.D. James, the anxiety-inducing, action-packed story is set in a dystopian England where humanity has become infertile (the last baby was born in 2009), immigration is a crime, refugees (or "fugees") are caged like animals, and the world has been torn apart by nuclear fallout, rampant terrorism, and political rebellion. In this seemingly hopeless landscape of hardscrabble survival, a jaded bureaucrat named Theo (Clive Owen) is drawn into a desperate struggle to deliver Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), the world's only pregnant woman, to a secret group called the Human Project that hopes to discover a cure for global infertility. As they carefully navigate between the battling forces of military police and a pro-immigration insurgency, Theo, Kee, and their secretive allies endure a death-defying ordeal of urban warfare, and director Alfonso Cuaron (with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki) capture the action with you-are-there intensity. There's just enough humour to balance the film's darker content (much of it coming from Michael Caine, as Theo's aging hippie cohort), and although Children of Men glosses over many of the specifics about its sociopolitical worst-case scenario (which includes Julianne Moore in a brief but pivotal role), it's still an immensely satisfying, pulse-pounding vision of a future that represents a frightening extrapolation of early 21st-century history. --Jeff Shannon
Synopsis
Set in a dystopian future where infertility has led mankind to the brink of extinction, a sole pregnant woman holds the key to the survival of humanity. In 2027, the world's youngest person has died at the age of 18. Infertility has ravaged the world, leading it into anarchy. Eastern European and African societies have collapsed, causing their remaining populace to flee to England. Set against a backdrop of warring nationalistic sects, mankind's last remaining hope arrives in the form of Earth's only known pregnant woman. It is up to bureaucrat Theodore Faron (Clive Owen, Sin City) and his revolutionary former wife Julian (Julianne Moore, Magnolia) to help deliver the woman to a sanctuary at sea where it is hoped that the birth of her child could help scientists to find out how to save humanity. Based on a dystopian P.D. James science fiction novel, Children of Men is set in a dying anarchic world, devoid of hope, until a pregnant woman proves to be a possible saviour of mankind. Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) has made a powerful, slickly shot film set in an all too believable dystopian future. The tense thriller focuses on various present day concerns of nationalism, racism and government control over its citizens, much in the same way that V For Vendetta did. Children of Men features a superb cast and rattles along with restless energy.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Moan, moan, complain, complain,
By David Fish (Somerset, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Children Of Men (2-disc Special Edition) [DVD] (DVD)
I was failing to see why such a good film had so many negative reviews until, I read them. Honestly; it's like an idiot's forum!
It's miserable, they complain. IT'S DYSTOPIA!! What do you expect? If you don't like harrowing, gritty stories don't watch them. Irrespective of your opinion on Clive Owen's acting this role suits him well; following personal tragedy (the death of his son, and subsequent loss of his wife) and the world around him going to hell we find a dry, cynical, alcoholic. More than that actually; he's a rationalist and able to keep his head under pressure. In this world he's a survivor, and for us, he's a convincing survivor. At points there is little dialogue but still great seeping atmosphere; more pause for thought time. God knows what all these reviewers would have people talk about; people in fear of their lives generally don't talk too much and the scattered quiet scenes with no dialogue intensify the feeling of despair. One reviewer informs us that the film must have been made with a small budget as "The streets look as if rubbish was collected a year ago" and "there is no space left for anymore graffiti". Never mind the truly stunning cinematography (fantastic long single shots). What does this reviewer think post-apocalyptic anarchy will look like exactly? The film looks like London ten years in the future on the brink of collapse; which is what it's aiming for funnily enough. A note on films from books: I like the PD James book, but I felt that the story of the film was more realistic and had less gaps. The book being an altogether tidier affair, less violent and with weaker characters and no context of how the rest of the world was fairing. One last note: Michael Caine plays a minor character (very well) which is very different from a cameo role. Overall this is a survival story set in the context of an interesting sci-fi concept (which would be spoilt if we knew the cause) which aims to highlight the fragility of modern society (including the onset of fascist elements which we are all too quick to tie to other peoples / eras) whilst suggesting what a lesser future may (or may not) look like with excellent atmosphere. The characters suit their roles without being overpowering (pawns effectively) and the effects and filming is fantastic. I don't see any room for complaints.
66 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb, best film of this year and definitely in my top ten,
By
This review is from: Children of Men [DVD] [2007] (DVD)
This film has not been given the recognition it deserves, the scenes and characters contain a gritty realism that keeps you immersed in the story. It is set in the near future and is a mild sci-fi, but if you don't like the genre do not be put off, as the believability in the storyline and characters are really well done and the technology are not alien to today's. At moments in the film you can't second guess how things will play out. I wish more films were shot in the same way this one was, it captures the same feeling of reality as saving private ryan did and it has some brilliant action scenes. If you're British, then you will enjoy this even more as it's made in the UK and therefore, has no cliché and typical script.
As I heard someone say, Clive Owen is the best action hero who never picks up a gun. I am usually a patient cheapskate and wait to buy a film I like as it goes down in price, but this one I'll be buying on day of release. Do not miss out, buy it.
69 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
superb futuristic thriller for thinking persons,
By
This review is from: Children of Men [DVD] [2007] (DVD)
The movie is superb. I watched it (twice) in a good cinema with good and loud stereo, and it makes a difference. The sound effects are awesome and I guess some impact must be lost on the small screen. It is a mixture of elements of sci-fi, thriller, drama, the road and even war film. It is very well directed, especially when hand held camera is used, and brilliantly shot. It contains some of the most convincing scenes of urban warfare I've ever seen. Acting is good - especially by Owen and Caine. The script, upon closer examination, has more to it than at first meets the eye, I think its meanings could be discussed even at psychology, religion or philosophy seminars. As usual with a very good film, it can be admired for a few reasons.
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