With a powerful, harrowing story and a strong visual style, Children of Men stands as one of the most influential sci-fi movies of the last decade. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, it follows the struggle of a dysfunctional society in 2027, where no child has been born for 18 years and humanity is on the verge of extinction.
The story follows a disillusioned Clive Owen as Theo Faron, a former political activist who is now resigned to his mundane life. But when his chance encounter with a young woman forces him back into action, he gets embroiled in an audacious plan to get her out of England and to the only country still allowing refugees.
Cuarón’s use of long, extended shots and his liberal use of slow motion all contribute to creating the feeling of desperation that permeates the movie. His skilled direction perfects the film’s realistic feel so that it feels intimately human despite its dystopian vision.
The bleak yet hopeful tone of Children of Men is accentuated by its stellar cast. Owen is stoic yet heartbreaking as Theo, while Julianne Moore, Michael Caine and Claire-Hope Ashitey all deliver excellent performances as his allies.
Children of Men manages to be both absorbing piece of cinema as well as an eerie warning about the consequences of our actions. In a time where climate change, immigration and overpopulation are increasingly topical issues, this thought-provoking movie is as relevant today as it was when it was released in 2006.
Quotes from Children of Men
1. “The only hope is to believe that they don’t understand the darkness they are creating.” – Theo Faron (Clive Owen)
2. “If we stay here, we’ll die. If we leave, we might die, too. But at least we’d die together.” – Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey)
3. “We know the world is messed up, but the idea is to survive.” – Julian (Julianne Moore)
4. “Despair is a weapon of the enemy and it must be kept at bay.” – Jasper (Michael Caine)
5. “Is this what you want, is this what you fought for?” – Theo Faron (Clive Owen)
Children of Men Trailer
