Children of Men

Went to see Children of Men today. Go see it. I thought it was fantastic, made really well. It was directed by Alfonso Cuaron, the director of the most recent Harry Potter, and has a similar dark atmosphere. The use of humour to lighten and highlight the desperation is perfect. I can't say how it compares to P.D. James' novel, although I intend to find out soon!

Clive Owen plays Theo, a former activist, living in 2027 when all women are sterile. The world is going insane as a result, with the government handing out suicide packs and anti-depressants. Theo is put into the situation of feeling obliged to escort a miraculously pregnant woman (Claire-Hope Ashitey) to a safe haven.

The scenes of the refugee city are especially poignant when one considers the war-zones of today, and part of the power of the movie is that this 2027 world is so similar to our world today. Cuaron does not distract the audience with unfamiliar technology, the little that we see can be recognised as simply a more advanced version of today's technology.

I was a little confused at times about who was fighting whom, but I think it was the government fighting the rebels standing up for the refugees (anyone not a British citizen is forcefully removed from Britain).

Go see it. It is a violent at times, but not to be would contradict the position of the world at the time.