Children of Men (2006)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Bob S

  
  Nope, I didn't like it. And yes, the elaborate single takes annoyed and distracted me to no end. I thought the film was a murky mess. Pull my finger. Exactly

• Spencer S

  
  An almost futuristic dsytopian society, yet realistic and seemingly true, Children of Men is an engaging and fraught with tension thriller that pushes the boundaries of acceptable worlds. Though many films misuse the term futuristic to include out of this world inventions, cataclysmic… More
  An almost futuristic dsytopian society, yet realistic and seemingly true, Children of Men is an engaging and fraught with tension thriller that pushes the boundaries of acceptable worlds. Though many films misuse the term futuristic to include out of this world inventions, cataclysmic empires that reach vast lengths, ruled by some evildoer, and an inconceivable universe Children of Men takes place only a bit down the line, knows when to keep cool under pressure, and advances its plot based on the characters and not a contentious ideal of what the future will be like in twenty years. Some amazing acting from a cast that reaches down deep, including an activist Julianne Moore, scientist Michael Caine, and our lead Clive Owen, a man who has given up hope though in his youth he was just the same wild idealist as his former partner. The film moves at a fast pace, and explains itself as it goes. The main idea seems to be that human life, however eroded by greed and corruption, is worth preserving, and even in a world that seems to have ordered chaos, there is always a hand climbing out of the darkness to capture you. I thought the performances were the best part, especially that of Michael Caine who plays a role so unlike him, and yet works well with his own talents. Owen is usually the brash action star or the quiet man behind the scenes, but here he downplays his entire involvement, conceding that the mother of the first child in the world is obviously the hero of the story, and leads her to Earth's victory, however bittersweet. I loved the cinematography, the one shot action scenes of explosions and subterfuge, and the story itself, which stands as one unobstructed by petty villains, insidious government actions, and high brow heroes with inferiority complexes. Though cultural and political differences are shown in an almost heavyhanded approach, I liked it still, because it was somewhat honest and looked to the future with a broad understanding of socio-economic ties, as well as the intentions of the media and the roles of poor individuals and their motives and ensuing actions. Really a stark realization of what lies ahead.

• Albert K

  
  "Children of Men" has breathtaking cinematography; the camerawork is reminiscent to "Saving Private Ryan" and the attention to detail reveals how colorful - though it is a world coming to its end - the world is. This is an incredible tense-filled thriller. This… More
  "Children of Men" has breathtaking cinematography; the camerawork is reminiscent to "Saving Private Ryan" and the attention to detail reveals how colorful - though it is a world coming to its end - the world is. This is an incredible tense-filled thriller. This movie may not answer many of the questions it brings up but the direction the movie goes is not for the sake of concept. This is an incredible movie.

• Eric A

  
  This is honestly nothing less than a masterpiece, and I rarely use that word to describe films. Don't want to spoil that much, but the themes and ideas used in this film are genius. It really gets you thinking and asking yourself what the world would be like if something like… More
  This is honestly nothing less than a masterpiece, and I rarely use that word to describe films. Don't want to spoil that much, but the themes and ideas used in this film are genius. It really gets you thinking and asking yourself what the world would be like if something like "this" happened. Aside from the themes, the most astonishing aspect of this film is its cinematography. It REALLY puts you in the film! Probably one of the best chase/climax scenes that I have ever seen in a movie. Truly one of a kind and definitely a must see!

• Chris W

  
  Based on an acclaimed novel by P.D. James, this is a film adaptation about a near future dystopia that posits a scenario that is actually (and this is what's scary) rather plausible. It is 2027 and the world is plagued by infertility. It's been 18 years since the last… More
  Based on an acclaimed novel by P.D. James, this is a film adaptation about a near future dystopia that posits a scenario that is actually (and this is what's scary) rather plausible. It is 2027 and the world is plagued by infertility. It's been 18 years since the last child was born, and, as a result, the world has crumbled into a chaotic mess. England has managed to be the last remaining society that hasn't totally collapsed, but even it is ravaged by a fascist government and the activites of violent protestors and resistance groups. On top of that, the government is severely cracking down on immigration, only further adding to the mayhem and collapse of society. All of this madness really gets otu of hand when a former protestor turned civil servant, is tasked by his ex (the leader of the resistance) to escort a young woman to safety out of the country. The kicker: not only is she an immigrant, but miraculously enough, she's pregnant. Plot-wise, that's pretty much it. This is some very high concept stuff, but the film is deceptively simple with it all. Not a whole lot really happens, yet we really feel like we know this world, thanks to the brilliant mise-en-scene. Most of the plot is given in spnippets, and not always through dialogue. I thought this was an excellent way to get the audience involved in the film, and indeed, this is a very engaging and absorbing piece of work. This film is one of the greatest directed and shot films I've seen in quite a while. This is a powerful film, but it's even more effective because the world of the film is grounded in reality, influenced by contemporary events and society, and unlike similar films, doesn't get too futuristic or too low tech (a la Mad Max). The casting is great, and I think that I'm officially a Clive Owen fan. I've liked the guy for a few years now, but I think he's really become a guy whose films I'm gonna start following more closely now. Probably the most fun part in this film is the one played by Michael Caine- an aging hippie and former political cartoonist. It's a new sort of role for him, and he does a great job. Julianne Moore is one of my favorites, and she too also does a really good job. Hell, basically there's not really a bad performance to be found. The real star of things, besides the world building, is the cinematogrpahy. There are a few really superb long takes throughout (particularly, but not exclusively) during action scenes, and they actually benefit the film by serving the story and not sticking out as being flashy just for the sake of it. I'm in awe of how they got these scenes choreographed and executed. Also, there's some killer needle drops as well, and those too feel like they have a purpose. This is a really intense film at times, and it fills me with dread, but this is a film I'm in awe of, and really think is worth thinking about and discussing. This is an action movie, yes, to a degree, but not in a real conventional sense. It's done with care, intelligence, style, and a great sense of skill. I can't belive it too me this long to finally see it, but I'm so glad I finally did. This is some truly excellent stuff, and there's some wonderful stuff going on. I can definitely see this one becoming something quite important and hailed as one of the greats.

• Raymond W

  
  Alfonso Cuaron is a great director and with Children of Men which takes place in the year 2027, where society is without hope since humankind can no longer procreate, he brings the desolate world to stark reality. It blew me away from the very beginning. It's beautiful… More
  Alfonso Cuaron is a great director and with Children of Men which takes place in the year 2027, where society is without hope since humankind can no longer procreate, he brings the desolate world to stark reality. It blew me away from the very beginning. It's beautiful cinematography juxtaposes all the violence in the world, and the script brings it closer to home, but I had to watch it twice to fully understand the reasons for the major events in the story, and there were some story lines that met dead-ends that I would have liked to have seen completed. It's definitely a powerful, beautifully shot film.

• Tim S

  
  Children of Men blew me completely away when I first saw it, and it still does everytime I see it. Nothing compares to seeing it on the big screen with the amazing sound. It's quite an experience. Alfonso Cuaron is one of modern cinema's true greats. His body of work is… More
  Children of Men blew me completely away when I first saw it, and it still does everytime I see it. Nothing compares to seeing it on the big screen with the amazing sound. It's quite an experience. Alfonso Cuaron is one of modern cinema's true greats. His body of work is sparse but the output rate isn't as important as the quality of the work that he does. This was my favorite film of 2006 and it's still one of my favorite films today. Absolutely powerful filmmaking.

• Dean !

  
  A very good bleak look at the future. A well made film, with a good cast. I found it a little slow to get going, but the modern look of London was interesting and technology. The best scene was a battle scene in a run down part of town as the activists clashed with the military. All… More
  A very good bleak look at the future. A well made film, with a good cast. I found it a little slow to get going, but the modern look of London was interesting and technology. The best scene was a battle scene in a run down part of town as the activists clashed with the military. All the while Clive Owen is dodging bullets and trying to protect the only child on earth. It really draws you into the thick of a battle, caught in the middle trying to stay alive. After all the build up I felt the film finished a bit short, not the conclusion I was hoping for.

• Bethany M

  
  Great film! Full of suspense and action! Great story! A must see!

• Brad W

  
  What a tremendous and original film. I had only recorded this film on TV, and as I watched I loved it more and more. Clive Owen is a great actor, he is truly rising as one of the best. The plot keeps giving us more and more to watch and never stops being cool, its not a futuristic… More
  What a tremendous and original film. I had only recorded this film on TV, and as I watched I loved it more and more. Clive Owen is a great actor, he is truly rising as one of the best. The plot keeps giving us more and more to watch and never stops being cool, its not a futuristic action like Minority Report, it a futuristic drama with a lot to say. They really go all out with production and truly do a great job on making it feel in the future, and they realize that technology wont be as advanced as we hip in 20 years. The cast is great, original plot, a few slow parts, great music and camerawork making it one of the most inventive films ever.

• Jameson W

  
  A great film! Very unique and interesting. I loved the action scenes, they were realistic and intense.

• moon r

  
  Engaging future take (society gone mad, the world gone mad and all that jazz) about the miracle of childbirth ... made entirely accessible by warm human portrayals.

• Shawn E

  
  This film's strengths don't come from the story but from the brilliant cinematography. The use of single shots and hand held camera makes you feel very immersed in this film. If the ending in the story had of been better, it would have made this film much stronger.

• Kase V

  
  In my humble opinion, this is Best Cinematography of the Decade. I don't understand how it didn't get the academy award, but thank God it was nominated. Such an awesome film, with truly talented direction. The first scene alone is a work of art. Caine gives a great… More
  In my humble opinion, this is Best Cinematography of the Decade. I don't understand how it didn't get the academy award, but thank God it was nominated. Such an awesome film, with truly talented direction. The first scene alone is a work of art. Caine gives a great performance, especially when his goofy character gives way to a truly touching scene between him, his wife, and there last moments together. This is my vote for best movie if the year (2006).

• Unknown H

  
  Still one of my most loved films. I am not a great fan of Clive Owen or Jullianne Moore, and would ever go as far as to say that they are two of my least favorite actors, even though they both appear in many of my favorite films. However in this movie they both delivered a performance… More
  Still one of my most loved films. I am not a great fan of Clive Owen or Jullianne Moore, and would ever go as far as to say that they are two of my least favorite actors, even though they both appear in many of my favorite films. However in this movie they both delivered a performance that was not only real, but hauntingly so. Set again in the future where the human race have become infertile to the point of hysteria, a pregnant refugee emerges and its Owen's job to deliver her to safety. An eye openingly real look at the future of the world, refreshing void of aliens, natural disaster and nuclear war.

• Al S

  
  A riveting, brilliant and absolutely breathtaking thriller. Stunning, teriffic and original. An outstanding, witty, astonishing and mind-blowing vision of the future that shows the devestation and political drama. A spectacular and exhilerating sci-fi action-thriller. Fuelled with… More
  A riveting, brilliant and absolutely breathtaking thriller. Stunning, teriffic and original. An outstanding, witty, astonishing and mind-blowing vision of the future that shows the devestation and political drama. A spectacular and exhilerating sci-fi action-thriller. Fuelled with intelligent and exciting action sequences, which are done in a very artistic way rather than being stylized. A flat-out great experiance that will blow you away and keep you on the edge of your seat. It's deeply moving, frequently thrilling and truly unforgettable. A grim and chilling scenario that knocks you out. One cool and endlessly entertaining movie. An extroadinary piece of cinimatic art. A masterpiece. A stroke of genious by Director, Alfonso Cuarón. A real classic. A fantastic call-star cast. Clive Owen has never been better. Michael Caine is wonderful. Julianne Moore is teriffic. Chiwetel Ejiofor is marvelous.

• Jens S

  
  This dystopian yet uncomfortably realistic future scenario is disturbing and dark, touching and thrilling, yet sometimes bitterly funny. The cast is excellent, so is the camera work and direction. One of the few action sequences towards the end, shot without a visible cut for minutes,… More
  This dystopian yet uncomfortably realistic future scenario is disturbing and dark, touching and thrilling, yet sometimes bitterly funny. The cast is excellent, so is the camera work and direction. One of the few action sequences towards the end, shot without a visible cut for minutes, reminds of the almost unbearable inevitability of the first minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" and has you clenching your hands into the seats. Same goes for several terrifying scenes throughout the movie where you'd rather be anywhere else but in this film and yet can't turn your eyes away. Intelligent, thought-provoking and enthralling movie-making, far away from Hollywood stereotypes.

• Richard C

  
  B+

• Mark W

  
  Based on the novel by P.D. James and filmed with brilliant intensity by director Alfonso Cauron. "Children of Men" is set in an apocalyptic London in the year 2027 where society has been plunged in chaos and the future of humankind is in danger due to not being able to… More
  Based on the novel by P.D. James and filmed with brilliant intensity by director Alfonso Cauron. "Children of Men" is set in an apocalyptic London in the year 2027 where society has been plunged in chaos and the future of humankind is in danger due to not being able to procreate. Out of the blue, journalist and former political activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is approached by his ex-wife and entrusted with helping a woman to saftey from the turmoil of the city. Theo soon finds out that the reason why, is because she is the worlds only pregnant woman and may be the only hope humanity have left for survival. Director Cauron paints a horrific yet entirely believable vision of a bleak, not too distant future with brilliantly realistic action scenes and the cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki (Burn After Reading) is the most intense and gripping I've seen in recent years. Clive Owen is perfectly cast as the rugged, world weary Theo and Michael Caine adds a welcome touch of humour as his aging, hash smoking hippie friend Jasper. An absolutely harrowing and hauntingly realistic vision of a dystopian world and impossible to take your eyes of the screen. Easily one of the best films of recent times. Powerful stuff.

• Dan S

  
  One of the best apocalyptic thrillers to date, with roaring action sequences and two lead characters you pull for all the way. Owen is very convincing as a man who has little to live for, but rediscovers himself once he stumbles upon the woman who could save humanity. There is some… More
  One of the best apocalyptic thrillers to date, with roaring action sequences and two lead characters you pull for all the way. Owen is very convincing as a man who has little to live for, but rediscovers himself once he stumbles upon the woman who could save humanity. There is some great character interaction, as well as one dynamite action sequence near the end where the camera keeps on running through all the chaos and debris flying everywhere.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings