Children of Men [DVD] [2007]

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.

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.

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.