Absolutely Fantastic

Rating: 10/10 (29 August 2013)

There is no praise too lofty for this masterpiece from Alfonso Cuarón. Every aspect of this movie is flawless and absorbing. I can't say a single negative thing about this movie - it is perfect and brilliant.
The atmosphere and tension of the world Cuarón creates is captivating. Every setting is carefully adorned with hints at the past of the world and realistically given a feel of wear and age. From the chaotic battlefield city to Jasper's house, every set is painstakingly crafted. This believability is compounded by the long takes (spliced, yes, I know. They are nonetheless amazing to watch), which make the tension and horror of the events palpable and visceral. Every ping of a bullet, cry of a dying soldier, bark of a dog is perfectly mixed to create a thorough and captivating atmosphere.
The acting and characterization are wonderful. Michael Cane (once you get past the fact that it is Michael Caine) is fantastic as the Zen- loving, pot-smoking jokester Jasper. Clive Owen is also wonderful. The rest of the cast are all great, playing multifaceted and realistic characters.
The story is heavily changed from the original novel, which I have not read. Cuarón's version is not uplifting, or not overtly so, and is not typical of most movies. But this to me, is a very good thing. To finally get a dose of the world as it usually is, a world that is entropic and cruel, is refreshing and is all the more captivating as it reflects the world we live in. This plot is not the synthetic, traditional, too-good- to-be-true plot so typical of Hollywood movies, particularly sci-fis. It makes fascinating references to the Nativity Story without being overtly devoted to Biblical events, it provokes thought on war, motherhood, immigration, government, and heroism. Some complain about how it is depressing, but this is because it is drawing attention to some of the more terrible aspects of human nature and history. It references the Holocaust, the time of the Black Plague, terrorism, and war that is not unlike the recent wars of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Overall, this film is a thrilling and thoughtful adventure. It is harsh and dark, but captivating and wonderfully rendered. 10/10, one of the best films ever made.