At a loss for words....

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2007)

When I first saw the trailer for this film and subsequently heard the title, I didn't get the "have to see this" reaction initially. It seemed interesting enough, something I could wait to see on DVD, but after hearing initial reviews I thought I'd give it a go. Thankfully I chose the latter - because I was blown away by this film.
The best way I can describe it is "Eraserhead" meets "Blade Runner" meets "1984". It is undoubtedly a bleak look at a future world mired in violence and hopelessness. Each scene is beautifully framed by Cuaron; who illustrates a world that only a visionary could create.
There are two scenes which clearly stick out in my mind and will most certainly be long remembered, which I won't go into detail on. I will say one scene contains one of, if not THE most incredible tracking shots I've ever seen. Some of the hand-held shots are done in such a way that you get absolutely lost in the action. The camera angles and perspectives Cuaron chooses aren't truly innovative but somehow they feel as though they are. The film has some truly poetic moments which contrast the beauty of new life against the gritty, tough and violent backdrop.
Clive Owen proves yet again he is one of the most gifted modern actors. He balances the action sequences with the quieter, more dramatic moments in a seamless fashion; his performance is powerful to say the least. Owen is surrounded by an ensemble cast of unique characters headed by an interesting portrayal by Michael Caine, his ex-wife/activist leader Julianne Moore and a nice performance by Claire Hope Ashity, who plays "Kee", the one light in a world of hopelessness.
Unfortunately there will be those that lump this into the "leftist propaganda" mess, political jargon, blah, blah, blah. You can't deny the statements that the film makes but this movie is so much more than a simple political statement. It is a work that will be looked at years down the line as one of the more amazing and noteworthy accomplishments of the last several years.
Do yourself a favor and go check this film out.