The year is 2027. It’s been 18 years since a woman has given birth. The fears of a controlling government, terrorism and human extinction are magnified and paralyzing society. Forgoing the flying cars and silver jump suits, the futuristic thriller “Children of Men” portrays an eerie, realistic depiction of how society could evolve if it stays its course, and will please a variety of audiences.
This controversial movie, which takes what Al Gore began with his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” and adds the heart of human character, is a story line George Orwell would be proud of. Set in England, the only hope for the human race lies within the womb of Kee (Claire Hope-Ashitey), who is an immigrant. Faced with an uprising, England is deporting all immigrants, and if Kee is found her baby could be taken by the government. Her situation is further complicated because a group of revolutionaries (led by Julianne Moore) want her baby to be the uniting factor for a revolution. The only hope for Kee’s survival is Theo Faron (Clive Owen) and his pot-smoking, John Lennon-loving father Jasper (Michael Caine). Theo begins the film indifferent to the problems around him. His drive is to stay alive and drink away his troubles. His awakening is the same that the audience leaves the theater feeling: no one is indifferent, no one can just survive. The problems of the world belong to everyone.
With a soundtrack including several popular Beatles hits and action scenes that look like they’re straight off the evening news, this movie is not only entertaining but also believable.
Clive Owen and Julianne Moore are a dynamic team whose on-screen chemistry provides some light-hearted moments in a deep film. It is a must-see for liberals and conservatives alike. Despite the viewer’s feelings on war and the direction the world is headed, this movie ends with a scene that judges one’s own hope. It made me want to recycle more, and made me appreciate living in a world full of children-a world with a future.
HBS Grade Rating: 2
