Great effort, doesn't work completely though

Rating: 7/10 (20 November 2006)

I was really looking forward to see this film. The plot sounded like one of the most interesting in a long time and Cuaróns "Y tu mamá también" is one of my favourite movies. I'm kind of sorry to admit that the film itself didn't work out as well as I expected. "Children of Men" is great as a cinematic experience. It's beautifully shot in depressing colors, painting a future that has maybe already begun. Even if there might be one "Report Illegal Immigrants" sign too many, this future vision works as a thinking experiment and lets us all reflect about the time we are living in.
What did not work for me is the story itself. I can't help myself, but this whole birth/pregnancy/baby protecting/hunting thing could just never compete with the look and the setting of the movie. Even if all the actors do a great job (especially Clive Owen), the story just lacks credibility within Cuaróns 2029 world. Nevertheless, I would recommend the movie because of its courage, the acting and the beautiful look. It just could have been so much more...