Enlightening Film

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2007)

There are few films among the masses that grant the viewer a long-lasting impression. Children of Men delivers a unique apocalyptic view into the future. Imagine a world where humans could no longer reproduce and the youngest man on earth is eighteen years old. Every country except your own has either collapsed or is in a violent civil war. Every human in your country is pushed to work for a future that may not even exist. Every day counts closer to the end of man. This is the vision that director Alfonso Cuarón brilliantly displays on screen. Set in the year 2027, Children of Men takes place in Britain after a full 18 years since the last baby was born. Theo Faron, Clive Owen, is trapped with a moral dilemma to continue with routine life or join an old friend in saving a woman with the key to the future. Either way Theo must face the end of man with courage to persist with habit or risk the little order remaining. Michael Caine and Julianne Moore both play excellent supporting roles and make the most of their screen time. Children of Men is full of striking emotion, cinematography, and meaning.
The emotion given by the characters is extraordinary. You feel that each character believes their position to the crisis in the world and will die protecting it. The actors bring out the personality of their characters whether it is humorous or stern. You feel connected to the story and pray for resolution all the way to the end. Owen's performance is in tune with the environment from start to finish. Theo is forced to run through and interact in prison camps, war-zones, and forests. Theo speaks to other characters about his concerns and worries. As you travel through the movie you develop your own feelings and attitudes towards each character praying for resolution.
The cinematography is astonishing from start to finish. The scenery and setting are beautiful with complete attention to detail. The viewer is completely entrapped and believes they are part of this futuristic Britain. Broken down buses, buildings, and trains all add to this. You really feel that if the world continues downhill that the cities will become bleaker and rundown. The camera captures all the emotion the characters produce through each sign of dialogue. The movie also contains two long-shots that are possibly the best camera-work I have seen in a single camera pan. One shot was possibly one of the greatest and most believable action sequences as well. The message and meaning of the movie also present a great addition to the movie's analysis. I spent a long time reflecting over the ending and the message the director is trying to convey. The entire film is full of insightful dialogue and shows the relationships we are capable to build with our friends along with our enemies. It shows the will of people in sacrificing themselves for what they believe. Most importantly it shows how man must stand together in order to create a secure future. The selfless actions that Theo Faran learns to accept show how man can change in order to protect the human race are complex and believable. It comforts you knowing I would come to the aid of others.
After witnessing this great film, I say it's a must watch for anyone who appreciates insightful movies. Alfonso Cuarón does an excellent job of leading you down a path towards enlightenment. After an in depth viewing of this film you will feel the need to reflect upon it for awhile and possibly watch it again. The effort put forth by the actors shows the whole cast and crew put their whole attention to creating a truly special film. Future movies will take note of the excellent camera-work and cinematography to try and recreate these brilliant shots. I am unable to stress the wonders this movie has brought to my eyes. Some may complain about straying from the novel, but as a film this is excellent.