Children of Men depicts our world in the year 2027. Human beings are facing extinction because of an unexplained fertility defect. No children have been born for 18 years
England appears to be the only nation on earth that is still functioning and they are not doing it all that well. There is extreme pressure to keep the fugees (refugees) out so they are arrested and put into cages and camps. Even facing extinction, humans have not learned to get along so there are clashes between the police and the FISHES, an underground group trying to win rights for refugees.
So hopeless are the citizens and the leaders the government passes out suicide packs and encourage folks to take the painless, soothing way out of the misery of the moment.
The movie starts with Theo (Clive Owen) as a burned out, used up worker in this meaningless world. Then he gets caught up in a plot with his former wife (Julianne Moore) to save a young fugee who has amazingly become pregnant. I can’t tell you much more without ruining the story.
MPAA RATING
R, for strong violence, language, some drug use and brief nudity
Can you imagine a world without children? This movie makes it real. No noises, no strollers, no playgrounds. The world is not simply without children, it is without hope and Theo is a great example of that, even though his name actually means “God”.
The movie felt very religious to me even though there is little talk of religion other than making fun of the lunatics. But it is a movie about hope and promise and trust and all those religious themes. When Theo and Kee walk out of a massive gun battle and the crowds grow silent and part for them, old men and women reach out to touch the baby, soldiers cross themselves, you can’t help but see Mary and Joseph and the baby. It was the best depiction of the Prince of Peace I have ever seen.
The language is foul and the movie is violent and dark but it seems to all fit in the story. It really is a Christmas story- the arrival of a baby who changes the lives of individuals and altars the course of the world. This movie probably won’t make you feel good but it should make you think.
The only inkling of hope offered in the movie is supposed to be a boat- The Human Project- posing as a fishing boat- creating a new world. Fishers of men, boats, seas, more religious themes and oh, the boat’s name? Tomorrow.