Claim: Michael Caine starred in a movie.

Children of Men is a 2006 British-American dystopian science fiction drama-thriller film directed and co-written by Alfonso Cuarón . The screenplay , based on P. D. James ' 1992 novel of the same name , was credited to five writers , with Clive Owen making uncredited contributions . The film takes place in 2027 , where two decades of human infertility have left society on the brink of collapse . Illegal immigrants seek sanctuary in the United Kingdom , where the last functioning government imposes oppressive immigration laws on refugees . Owen plays civil servant Theo Faron , who must help a refugee -LRB- Clare-Hope Ashitey -RRB- escape the chaos . Children of Men also stars Julianne Moore , Michael Caine , Chiwetel Ejiofor , and Charlie Hunnam .   A co-production of the United Kingdom and the United States , the film was released on 22 September 2006 in the UK and on 25 December in the U.S. Critics noted the relationship between the U.S. Christmas opening and the film 's themes of hope , redemption , and faith . Despite the limited release and low earnings at the box office compared to its budget , Children of Men received wide critical acclaim and was recognised for its achievements in screenwriting , cinematography , art direction , and innovative single-shot action sequences . It was nominated for three Academy Awards : Best Adapted Screenplay , Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing . It was also nominated for three BAFTA Awards , winning Best Cinematography and Best Production Design , and for three Saturn Awards , winning Best Science Fiction Film .