Children Of Men is a grim look into a
dystopian future that at times feels like a horrifying documentary
film thanks in part to the use of long takes. The film is brutal and
the world of this film seems to be drained and graying from the loss
of life and hope. Truly a top-notch sci-fi thriller, this film uses
very innovative techniques in filming some key scenes. Set in Europe
during a dark future in which mankind is, for some reason, no longer
able to produce, the story follows Theo (played by Clive Owen), a
worn down former revolutionary who drinks a lot, on a dangerous
mission to protect a pregnant girl named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey)
after Theo's ex-wife recruits him to help.
Color and joy seems to be almost
completely missing in the world Alfonso Cuaron has created in this
film. This gray, violent and childless world draws us in and doesn't
allow us to look away or escape the incredible tension it creates.
The film explores a horrifying scenario and looks at the different
ways mankind's inability to have children and experience the joy and
innocence they show us would change our world. The film shows us a
cold, childless, heartless future. The scary thing is the way it
holds a mirror up to the present. It manages to provide a thought
provoking commentary on present day society without seeming to
preachy.
One of the most interesting moments in
the film is when Theo meets with his cousin Nigel who lives in a
fancy home surrounded by surviving famous art such as the future
remains of Michelangelo's David that have been saved. Nigel
surrounds himself with these prized possessions of the past in his
attempt to ignore the current state of the world. When asked about
how bad things have gotten in the U.K. And in the world, he says, “I
just don't think about it.” While naming the boat which represents
Kee's deliverance “The Tomorrow” was a bit cheesy, the film was,
in my opinion, an absolute success. The ending, while optimistic,
certainly does not disappoint or feel like a Hollywood happy ending.
-- Jesse
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