Shantih, Shantih, Shantih!

Rating: Null/10 (29 August 2011)

Alfonso Cuarón directs an exhilarating film set in the not too distant future where ... (spoiler)... Admittedly I have not red the book but as a standalone, this one is superb. The film is exceptionally well crafted. Cuarón's detail to atmosphere is intriguing. His use of lighting, sets and props successfully create that atmosphere of gloominess and complete isolation.
The film is also storydriven and it grabs the viewer's attention from the very beginning. Cuarón starts with portraying the differences between this future and the current present. Much of the subthemes (particularly that of xenophobia) are a reflection of what's happening today, especially in Europe.
When the action starts, the story moves at a steady pace. The action sequences are excellently executed (with first-rate sound) and Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is wonderful, especially the tricky single shots that couldn't have been easy to carry out. The effective soundtrack is another huge plus and just wait till the end credits to listen to the last song that funnily rounds it up.
The energy and level of tension is very well maintained. The funnier moments provide some great comic relief (especially the sequences with Michael Caine). The dialogues are very well written mixed with irony and witticism.
Clive Owen does a fine job. This is perhaps among his best performances. Clare-Hope Ashitey and Pam Ferris are brilliant. Chiwetel Ejiofor is adequate. Julianne Moore is marvelous and Michael Caine is splendid. I was a tad disappointed that Caine and Moore had so little screen time but then again, they had to keep the story moving. The rest of the cast do well.
It's best to watch it without having any expectation and knowing as little as possible about the plot, letting the film unfold itself. Dark, suspenseful, gripping and emotionally engaging, 'Children of Men' is a remarkable film.