This movie CHANGED me...

Rating: 10/10 (28 April 2010)

I apologize for the seemingly unnecessary cliché of describing a work of art, but I have not had a cinematic experience like this one...
I watched this film a few years ago. I appreciated it for its action, and metaphor on humanity coming to a close. But other than that this movie had no effect on me. Only when I started to study existentialism, absurdism, and themes in global issues did I start to open my perception on REAL evils in the world. And, no, humankind ending is NOT the greatest evil...
If you can grasp that, then you already understand this movie. The trailer promotes it as a futuristic sci-fi with intense scenes and renowned actors. Yet the experience of Children of Men takes the viewers on a wholly different level of politics, literature, poetry, and spirituality. I will not waste your time putting this film on a pedestal (although it deserves much more) I will take the liberty of this review to describe the film through a few exemplary scenes which stand out most:
We are introduced to a (not so improbable) country run by a wealthy minority who controls all aspects of life. Some aspects that struck me most were the use of Quietus (a government funded suicide kit to "help" people out of their misery); Theo's affluent cousin who keeps his son (who, from the looks of the tattoos on his neck, looks like he was a former rebel without a cause, so to speak) sedated, lives in the most extreme case of self-centeredness; and one particular sign that orders citizens to turn in those who do not take fertility tests; the burning crop and farming fields; just to pick a few from many.
Nevertheless, the responsibility that we, the viewers, have is to take the important lesson from the film: to never give up hope, and keep fighting for it with all the faith you can muster.
Not only is this film greatly shot and edited but is one of the most important forms of theatre I've had the good fortune to come across.