Superlative camera work lifts this above most

Rating: 9/10 (6 May 2015)

No spoilers here as ever, if you have the DVD then beware of the title screen! It shows you a dramatic development which you'd rather discover spontaneously.
Children of Men has a lot going for it: excellent cast, intriguing premise, expert use of sound and very effective editing. Most of all, the film shines with its use of that most valuable of all tools: the camera.
Remember that legendary tracking shot in Goodfellas, where Ray Liotta and his girl walk through the busy restaurant kitchen? Take that scene, lengthen it, add dramatic action and use appreciably-different variations about 3 or 4 times during the movie. Absolutely riveting stuff!
Just as important are the cast, and without exception they're all brilliant. I was never that keen on Clive Owen but he plays a blinder here: one of the best (and most realistic) heroes I've seen on-screen. Michael Caine is surprisingly-effective as his hippy mate. Clare-Hope Ashitey plays Kee pitch-perfect. The support cast are all memorable: especially Pam Ferris & Peter Mullan, but also kudos to everyone else. They all create believable stock which was vital in suspending disbelief of the sometimes-unreasonable plot development.
Also big plus points go to the realised near-future London the production created: subtle & effective.
Just go with the flow (it's essentially a chase/escape movie rather than science-fiction) and enjoy the superlative action.