Retrospective: Children Of Men (2006)

[Kam-Hung Soh]

In 2027, mankind is on the path to extinction because no children have 
been born in 18 years. While the world descends into chaos, Great 
Britain remains relatively calm but has become a police state. The 
government regularly extradite refugees (nicknamed 'Fugies'), though 
some citizens, the 'Fishes', are opposed to it. Some protestors take it 
a step further and become terrorists.

Theo (Clive Owen), a public servant, is contacted by members of the 
Fishes, his ex-wife Julian (Julianne Moore) and Luke (Chewetel Ejiofor) 
to obtain some exit papers for a refugee, Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey). When 
the Fishes' initial plan to steal Kee out of the country fails, Theo, 
his mentor Jasper (Michael Caine) and Kee's companion Miriam (Pam 
Ferris), find an alternative route.

After previously directing possibly the best Harry Potter film, 'The 
Prisoner of Azkaban', I expected Alfonso Cuaron would make 'Children of 
Men' another exceptional film. The production and technical aspects of 
the film are fantastic; London feels like city under seige from within 
and there's some tour de force single-shot camera work by DoP Emmanuel 
Lubezki.

However, other than one scene in a refugee camp, the film lacks 
emotional punch. Ironically, while the single-shot scenes are 
impressive, they removed instead of involved me because I spent more 
time admiring the technique rather than getting swept away by the story. 
Characters have rather predictable roles (Theo is the everyman hero, Kee 
the package, Miriam provides some exposition) or are discarded too 
quickly.  The most annoying issue is that Luke's motivations, which 
drives most of the plot, are unclear.

Good film, lots of technical aspects to admire, but too studied for me 
to fully enjoy.

3 out of 5 stars.
11 March 2009
Kam-Hung Soh
http://morvahouse.blogspot.com