Children of Men (2006) – Review

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron

From the heart of the independent filmmaking world comes Children of Men starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Set in 2027, a chaotic society where humans can no longer procreate, a former activist (Owen) helps to escort a pregnant woman to a sanctuary at the sea, her child who will be the future of man kind.

Set in an unforgiving, violent and warring backdrop, Children of Men is an eye-opening film that touches on many issues including racism, immigration, the treatment of refugees and religion. Many of the scenes were filmed in the heart of London including Fleet Street and the Tate Modern, and it was amazing how the design team had transformed London into a futuristic place riddled with poverty and disorder. The film is very realistic with its design, a look with very little colour in the images giving the overall image a soiled, gritty and dark look.

Clive Owen puts in a very honest and sincere acting performance who carries the film along and is perceived as an ordinary man put in an ‘extraordinary’ situation having to help this woman out of duty and responsibility. The supporting actors help to build the story, and the script is written so that we reveal more and more about the characters as the film progresses. As a result, the film has a good balance of conflict and action.

The film covers current issues and reveals what could be a very possible future. It’s an excellent premise for a film that was greatly needed to once again show us the power of movies, where by we can be drawn in by the plot and our emotions, and can inhabit a world or possible future.

9/10