What's left to hope for? Movies like this!

Rating: 7/10 (16 January 2007)

'Children of Men' paints a disturbing picture of a not-to-distant future (the year 2027), concentrating on a world's civilization that has been dealt a very harsh reality: the human race is on the brink of extinction. Women have come to acquire an inexplicable fertility defect and can no longer procreate as they could 20 years ago. As the rest of the world has fallen to ruins, hapless souls from all over the globe attempt to immigrate to the one and only place that has managed to survive: London, England. The once prosperous and renowned city has turned into an oppressive and highly controlled environment, yet by the same token it has become the only safe haven left on Earth that's still alive and kicking.
Soon we are introduced to Theo, a former activist turned bureaucrat, and his ex-wife Julian, a big name peace advocate. The two are compelled to reconcile by forces bigger than them because, as it turns out, there's a young woman by the name of Kee who is miraculously with child. A difficult but worthwhile mission thus ensues in order to safely transport and protect Kee and take her to a safe place off the coast where scientists can learn from this remarkable miracle.
I must begin by saying that, even if it's only January, this is the most absorbing movie that I have seen this year. The overall concept proposed in the storyline is not entirely implausible, which makes it all the more frightening. And although we as viewers are never really given a concrete explanation as to why women have become infertile, the notion is no less worrisome. But one of the things that especially impressed me about this film was its visuals. Artistically speaking, it is masterfully shot and constructed and does nothing short of take your breath away. I was absolutely blown away by the incredibly long and action-packed single takes that were interspersed throughout. That sort of approach successfully aids in giving the film a gritty and guerilla-like tinge to it. It puts you on the edge of your seat and makes you feel like you're down in the trenches right along with the characters; extremely effective and transfixing.
And with a cast like this, it comes as no surprise that the film was chock-full of excellent performances across the board. Clive Owen is certainly continuing to prove himself as a hot commodity, even if success didn't greet him with open arms until he was well into his 40's. His classically handsome look paired with his undeniable talent make him nothing short of luminous when projected on screen. As usual, Julianne Moore is excellent, though a bit understated here. Her role is not a very large one, despite what the trailers and previews on TV lead you to believe. And Michael Caine, who never disappoints, turns in a cheeky and chuckle-inducing performance as a former political-cartoonist turned reformed hippie.
All in all, this film is definitely worth checking out and hopefully you can appreciate it for not only being a thrilling science fiction piece, but also a deeply moving drama with hints of light comedy to break the tension every so often. I hear a lot of people label it as being the 'Blade Runner' of the new millenniumI'm not entirely sure I agree with that because they are two entirely different movies, advocating completely different ideas. Nor do I believe this film will have as much of a culturally significant impact as 'Blade Runner' did, but that's just my opinion. I do urge you, however, to check out 'Children of Men' so you can judge for yourself!