Review of CHILDREN OF MEN

January 13, 2008

"Lord, thou hast been our refuge: from one generation to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made: thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.
Thou turnest man to destruction: again thou sayest,
Come again, ye children of men.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday:
Seeing that is past as a watch in the night."

 From that Psalm 90 passage comes the title of this movie, loosely adapted from the novel by P.D. James. In the beginning it is quite difficult to get into the whole apocalyptic London scenario in 2027, where the world lies in ruin. But one of the major concerns of the world at that time is the fact that for the past 18 years, humankind had been infertile.

We follow the adventures of Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a former peace activist, as he is recruited by his ex-wife Julianne (Julianne Moore) to help a certain girl named Kee get out of the country. But once the story becomes clear in that barn where Theo later finds out that Kee is actually pregnant so her safe passage is of utmost importance, you are sucked in and you would not want to miss another second until the film ends. You go along a bumpy ride as Theo and Kee go through hell and war, where people around them either get killed or are revealed to actually be enemies. Will they be able to achieve their goal to reach the purported safe haven of the cryptic overseas organization known as the Human Project?

Clive Owen is very effective as the accidental hero in this adventure for the future of humankind. His sad eyes draws you into his predicaments. The screen appearances by Julianne Moore and the irascible Michael Caine as Theo's old pal Jasper, were also vital, but shockingly brief.

But even more amazing than the script and acting is the cinematography and direction. Through all those scenes depicting realistic violence and senselessness of war, director Alfonso Cuaron still manages to capture moments of beauty and serenity. The seamless, seemingly single take of Theo running through the streets, going up an embattled building to search for and rescue Kee and her precious package amidst trigger-happy gunmen, wailing immigrants and flying bullets was breathtaking, exciting and heart-rending all at the same time.

While this film may not be for all tastes, but I would definitely recommend to watch it. As contradictory as it may seem, it is worth you time to take this action-packed yet sensitive ride.