A beautifully crafted story about despair and hope

Rating: Null/10 (15 December 2006)

This is a film for the ages. It is a very unpleasant film, very bleak. But once it draws you in, it leaves a lasting mark. You can't help but think about it and its message...
I have now seen it twice. And while it gets more interesting with each viewing, it also gets more bleak, and you start to think about the chaotic world portrayed in the movie in such great detail. Cuaron's world of the near future may be dystopian but certain aspects of it ring true with where we, in our own real world, may be headed towards. So I guess this is a very political film too. People will either agree with it or completely disagree with it. There is no middle path.
As a filmmaker and a student of film, this is a film which stands out for me in 2006. It is a fantastic example of thoughtful film-making. There are some problems with continuity and whatnot, but overall this is one that demands repeated viewing. I loved Michael Caine in this film. This guy is getting better with age :). Clive Owen should get a nod for an Oscar for this, but considering how political this film is, it may not happen. The Academy is just a bunch of old, cowardly sissies in any case, so who gives a hoot whether it is nominated or not for an Oscar.
All in all, an enthusiastic 8 out of 10 for this really good piece of film-making by Alfonso Cuaron! 2nd best film of the year, after Severance :) .