http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_men
I can’t really remember when I last had any hope, and I certainly can’t remember when anyone else did either. Because really, since women stopped being able to have babies, what’s left to hope for?
I’m a cynic. I believe that a 100 years from now, chances that mankind will cease to exist are huge. Think about it, we’re almost there. Wars, racism, famine, water shortage, religious fanaticism, global warming, stockpiling of WMDs etc…Hence, I’ve always loved films and books that depict a dystopian future.
I’m going to try to limit the use of superlatives in this review but somehow, even 12 hours after the film I can’t seem to stop thinking about it and marvelling at the sheer genius of Alfonso Cuaron.
Children of Men (loosely based on the book by P D James) depicts a future where mankind is less than a century away from extinction as women have stopped giving birth for over 2 decades. No lengthy exposition is given to explain the whys or the hows involved. The canvas speaks for itself. The screen is lush with potent visuals; every single frame is of significance. Cuaron has done away with the traditional narrative and has given importance to stunning visual imagery.
Theo (Clive Owen) is an everyman, apathetic to his surroundings and has quitely accepted the fate of humanity. His wife Julian (Julianne Moore) is a rebel who after 20 years asks for his help. Apparently, there is a pregnant woman in hiding, Kee who may hold the…well…key to humanity’s survival. She needs to be transported to the Human Project and Julian trusts only Theo. What could be more profound than a reluctant hero fnding his calling?
The film is funny, grim, poignant and very moving and it doesn’t ask questions; but simply states hard hitting facts. Ultimately, it IS a film about hope and even faith.
But what one notices the most are the visuals. There are a few lengthy single shots which are truly mindblowing. They almost seem technically impossible to achieve. One of the scenes (among many) that really made me cringe was Kee giving birth.
The soundtrack is a masterpiece in itself, my favorite track being the haunting ‘Ruby Tuesday’.
Perhaps the only film in the recent past along with Pan’s Labyrinth that is truly worth watching. Truly worth thinking about.
10/10
!!else i would have wagered a bet.. ;P!
April 17, 2007
There were a lot of cool things in the movie I agree, but 10/10?? Comon!! =P!