Children of Men

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Children of Men (Alfonso Cuarón, UK/US, 2006) ★★★★

Around 20 years later from now, humans have faced a desperate situation of unable to breed. So every country collapses one after another, people already have no hope for the future. England, which is the only one keeps order, holds a policy of totally isolating the illegal immigrants. Some of them couldn’t do anything about it, some try to fight, but they all are waiting for the appearance of a miracle of life.

Adapted from P. D. James’ novel, humans suffer from themselves because of the fast progress of technology is already not a fresh subject, but a few English producers and a Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón were fond of its bright side of human beings can be moved by a life, even sacrifice for it when being despairing, and made this extraordinary film both brilliant in storytelling and technical level.

Once there was an aggressive reactionist who later lost hope after losing his son, Theo only has an old friend Jasper who reminds him of the meaning of living in a senseless life day after day. Until his ex-wife Julian who still is the leader of a reaction group appears and brings a woman who could change the future of mankind but is an illegal immigrant, a great task makes him realize the unique mission that fate brings him.

After “The Little Princess,” “Great Expectation,” “Y Tu Mamá También” and“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the acclaimed Cuarón improved his good vision again by picking this classic story that has profound meanings to human beings. Adding the experimental creation that he tried continuously, Cuarón collaborated with his old partner cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki, and presents the camera-moving skill that has never been seen before. No matter the shooting in a narrow space or the accomplishment in a long shot shows his focus on details.

Clive Owen played this very important role with his solid acting skill and gave a attentive performance that won’t let the audience down. It’s a huge pity that the roles of the excellent actors, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine, are very small but still are the parts that make the film glow.

Of course it’s an impossible story to look from now. At least it won’t happen in the next 20 years. But a life can make humans turn against each other only over different interests, and it also can make humans arouse the spirit of equality. The story provides a profound moral that worthy thinking over and over in this world that has received red lights in many levels.