Powerful and controversial - our future?

Rating: 7/10 (4 February 2010)

In 2027 an infertile world is being run by a brutal Britain, enslaving immigrants dishing out punishments and when ordinary bored worker Theo (Owen) finds his ex girlfriend he is sent on a mission to help a young pregnant girl.
Based on P. D. James' novel, Children of Men is a controversial drama that is as enthralling as it is positive of humanity's own demise, a film worth watching for the x factor of drama, the inappropriateness of glorifying teenage pregnancy for the possibility of saving humanity.
The prejudice and storm this film and the book have generated divides many, as does Combo in This is England, and with both dramas, both have a strong point on nationalism and our future.
The opening to this Oscar nominated picture is a silent shock to the system. As Clive Owen's Theo exits a shop to the news of the world's youngest person (18 years) dying a bomb detonates and he is left with a ringing in his ears and a startling reminder of what is happening to Britain. As the plot gathers pace into its discussion of its current time we learn from a long haired Michael Caine and a secretive Julianne Moore how the world is shaping up and how a miracle is needed to revive the world from slavery and control, and along comes a mission for the unexpected hero. Theo must attempt to take Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to a place where scientists may have a chance to perform experiements in the hope of finding a cure for infertility.
Set in 2027 the scary nature of this probability is showcased through a touching story involving Theo's deceased child, the dull cages packed with immigrants and the lack of romance left in the world. The drama of these troublesome issues is never far away from our attention. The screenplay, dramatically scripted, dives deep into the world's issues.
The constant discussion over the miraculous pregnancy, the implemented armed forces are showcased through a tremendously staged mini war, and the fact the plot doesn't shy away from killing anyone who it signifies will improve the ideology of the future.
Already set almost 30 years into our future the idea our economy, we Britons could sink so low made me personally nauseous when seeing any slavery scene, and this is all for the greater good, to showcase how ignorance and power can subject us to the worse of ourselves and others, and this clever motive is all done through some unashamedly brutal stylistic direction.
If I'm honest I wasn't a huge fan of the man who made Harry Potter 3, unsure about his face cutting and hyperbole use of standard settings. However here it all feels relative to convey the moment and issues. The boat scene is well shot whilst the terrible scene in the car is terrifically handled, as is the powerful long cut building rescue.
Problems with this film included its long winded approach, its neglect over tricky moments, such as bypassing security and easy rescue venues.
Nevertheless this feels an important message that should help us derive away from a terrible future.