- Format: PAL
- Language English
- Subtitles: Dutch, German, English
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Universal
- DVD Release Date: 15 Jan 2007
- Run Time: 105 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (203 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000J4P9YO
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Reviews
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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 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
Product Description
Futuristic sci-fi drama about a world in which humans have almost completely lost the ability to procreate and the search for any remaining specimen that can. It's the year 2027 and earth's youngest human being, at 18, has just died. Extinction seems a certainty, aided by the fact that wars are now waged continually between desperate nationalistic factions. Set against the backdrop of London, Clive Owen plays Theo, a former activist now bureaucrat informed of the discovery a lone pregnant woman - ostensibly earth's last hope. The challenge is to deliver her from harm to a place where her baby can be delivered safely. Understandably, there is more than one of the warring factions that would benefit from getting their hands on her.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
52 of 56 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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.
68 of 76 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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.
71 of 80 people found the following review helpful
Format: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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant Science Fiction!
Children Of Men is great a science fiction film. It's a dark and violent cautionary tale about the future of humanity. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Janis Livens
One of the best films i have ever seen
I watch alot of movies and i have to say this was one of the most powerful, moving and profound movies i have ever seen.
Published 3 months ago by Mr. N. P. Hayward
Emotional, fast, sad... perfect
Alfonso Cuarón is one of the best current (mexican or worldwide) directors, and maybe this is his best movie. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Daniel Cardiel Garcia
Not worth seeing
A bad movie, where the only bright spot in the movie is Michael Caine. The rest of the film is to be sad of. The film is simply not worth seeing.
Ole Nielsen / Denmark
Ole Nielsen / Denmark
Published 4 months ago by Ole Nielsen /Denmark
Poor attempt of depicting an Utopian/Dystopian future: UNFERTILE...
This has nothing to do with Utopia or Dystopia, the plot is far simpler than any serious story on the matter. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Lucazest
superb film, not bad HD transfer....
Easily a 5 star movie. Gritty british cinema at its best. Clive owen at his best. The plot has holes for sure, some ridiculous lapses in continuity and common sense but overall its... Read more
Published 7 months ago by JrF
an allegory
don't get this film if you don't know what an allegory is or don't like them. It is one of the best science fiction films since bladerunner, and has recieved similar negative... Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. mason
Ultimate Film
This is one of my favourite films of all times. It mainly appeals to me because I am very interested in realistic visions of the future. Read more
Published 7 months ago by kittyloo
An interesting idea but this film becomes laughable in places
This film has a great cast, Clive Owen, Michael Caine and Julianne Moore and the story is an interesting one based on a book by P.D. James. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Camilla Macaulay
children of men
it was recommended to me but i did not think much of this movie. if anyone wants to buy it from me, please let me know!
Published 10 months ago by Carolina
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