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‘Children of Men’ explodes on screen,shocks audiences
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Story
“No Children. No Future. No Hope.” This is the tagline for the latest high-intensity blockbuster playing at cinemas across the globe. “Children of Men,” based on the novel “The Children of Men” by British mystery writer P.D. James, takes audiences on a mind-shattering journey in attempting to preserve the human race.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (the mastermind behind “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Y tu mamá también”) along with a dynamite cast, which includes Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine, the movie affects viewers emotionally while raising questions about the future of human existence.
The year is 2027 and the youngest person on Earth dies at age 18. I repeat, the youngest person on Earth. Humans can no longer procreate. The world resembles the war zones of third world countries and Eastern Europe during World War II. Violence occurs on every street corner. The English society continues to live on as the only country not entirely overcome by war, poverty and immigration.
Theodore Faron (Owen), a former activist, takes viewers on a dangerous mission after joining forces with his ex-wife Julian Taylor (Moore), who asks him to help transport a young girl to a sanctuary at sea, known as the Human Project. What started out as a simple-sounding task becomes complicated when audiences discover along with Faron the girl being transported is actually a pregnant immigrant.
After discovering the possibility of new life, the movie becomes an intense plot line involving not only deceit, terrorism, injustice and sabotage, but also love, beauty and the overall human experience.
At times it may illustrate the darkest sides of our existence, but it also shows the most positive and heartwarming qualities of our being.
Though the spiritual symbolism is not evident, the film does address a certain religious aspect and viewers can choose whether or not to further investigate that specific area of the picture’s story line.
Besides an incredible story, the use of special effects and certain camera techniques bring “Children of Men” to a new level of quality and cinematic excellence.
The graphic images of war-torn societies, gun violence and the landscape setting add to the tone and overall mood of the movie, leading to a common Cuarón theatrical theme seen in his movies: hope.
Audiences are overcome by their own adrenaline watching the movie unfold with all odds against the salvation of one girl and her child. Nineteen-year-old Clare-Hope Ashitey landed the role of Kee (the young pregnant girl) after rumors of Emma Watson (known as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series) turned down the role because of scheduling conflicts. However, Ashitey’s performance resembles that of an A-list star, with her brutal honesty and overall character she presents on film. She made audiences connect with her character and hope for her and her child’s survival.
The music also adds to the experience of watching the film and breathes rich energy into moments when beauty and life overcompensate for the tragedy of the suffering and turmoil surrounding the leading characters. With operatic overtones, rich chords and fast-paced melody lines, the music fastens viewers in for a movie they won’t want to turn away from until the final credit.
From an award-winning director, along with an outstanding ensemble of talent, “Children of Men” makes for one colorfully original film full of devastation and complexity that is none other than a rewarding, eye-opening experience about the essence of human nature and what happens when a society loses hope.
Daniel Kedish
