Children of Men

First of all, this movie should be seen at the very least for the amazing cinematography. See it on as big a screen as you can, and sit close to the screen. The scenes are not pretty--it's a grim, dirty and decrepid vision of the future. But the amazing camera work and excellent action sequences keep you spellbound. (Go to the restroom before the movie starts!)

Although this is a fast-paced action movie, it is also very thematic and full of political and social commentary. I doubt that any two viewers will be affected in the same way, but this movie will definitely stir up some conversation. Reviewers and bloggers are all over the map about this film's content and meaning.

One obvious theme is the symbiosis between repressive, fascist governments and ruthless terrorists posing as freedom fighters. As in most real wars, there are really no good guys except for maybe Theo (Clive Owen) who is a sort of anti-hero to start with.

An interesting paradox in the film is that there is an utter disregard for human life while at the same time there is a recognition of its ultimate preciousness. Both the government and terrorists exterminate human beings like insects, yet they all yield in awe to Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) and her baby representing the prospect for new life.

Although this is a futuristic, dystopic, cacotopian, Orwellian, anti-utopian, (and all that) sci-fi movie, it is excruciatingly realistic and believable. The characters could be people you see every day in real life. In fact, this is the first movie in which I see Michael Caine as the character he plays and not the actor. (He plays an old hippie pothead.) Adding to the realism are very believable wardrobe, sets, and special camera shots that simulate the movement of your head and eyes to follow the action rather than typical Hollywood-style cutting between scenes.

As grim and disturbing as this film is, it somehow does not depress. There is something noble about the characters' determination to continue through apparantly hopeless situations. Theo and Kee never seem to loose confidence in their ability to find a safe place for Kee's baby throughout what appears to be impossible antagonisms including terrorists hunting them down, SS-like soldiers, and extremely fierce battle scenes. That may sound like a typical James Bond movie, but it is done differently here. The situations are more realistic, and their quest is more about necessity than heroism and adrenalin rushes.

This movie is different. There is nothing to compare it to. You have to see it. You may not like it, but your senses will be stimulated and your intellect will be provoked.

http://www.childrenofmen.net/

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