A fantastic achievement

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2007)

A classic masterpiece in every possible way, from story to direction to acting to visuals. Given the hype this has built up, I was afraid I would be disappointed, but it more than lived up to my expectations. A brilliant concept heightened by a fantastic execution. One of the best films I've ever seen.
One of the better things about the script is that you never hear exactly why the world has fallen apart. It wouldn't make sense for the characters to explain to each other what everyone already knows, and no explanation is really needed. This is not a straight sci-fi film, it's a war drama in a sci-fi environment. The story, then, focusing on just Theo, is perfect. No long tales of future history are told, only snippets, and that's perfect for this film.
I really can't do justice to the amazing technical aspects of this film. The camera work is simply jaw-dropping, combining long takes with fluid movement, so that one becomes a part of the action without becoming nauseous. The visual effects are great but subtle - similar to Cuarón's Prisoner of Azkaban - and are effective at presenting a believable future society. The music choices are perfect, and the production design is stunning. Not to mention the fantastic direction. There are several shots that had my head spinning. Visually, a superb achievement.
Clive Owen was by far the star of this movie, both as an actor and as his character. His quiet performance contrasts perfectly to the scenes he's in, and it drives the film. All of the other performances are solid - especially Michael Caine and Claire-Hope Ashitey - but this is Owen's film, and he excels. I enjoyed all the little touches to his character - his lack of shoes throughout, his talent with animals - that just add to the greatness of his performance.
I've no doubt this will be remembered in many years time as one of the best films in recent memory, and certainly of 2006. It definitely deserves it.