Children of Men

Children of Men

Premise-In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.

Review- When I had first heard that Alfonso Cuarón was planning on making a science fiction film, I was stoked. As information started to leak in about the project, I wasn't too happy to find out that he had cast Clive Owen in the lead role.I have never been a fan of Mr Owen. Still, a Cuarón film wasnt something to be missed.
I know, yawn, another sc- fi film set in the near future. Here comes the uncalled for money shots and slow motion extravaganza. Hollywood flexing it's CGI muscle. Surprisingly, this film doesnt have any of those flaws. This film very cleverly refrains from spoon feeding the audience with huge dollops of "why it happened" flashbacks.Those expecting lots of CGI and sweeping action will be immensely disappointed. The director has consciously avoided putting anything remotely CGI-ish. From the very first scene, the film sets the mood and tone( a no nonsense, no fluff one). Unlike most science fiction films which tries to explain what has happened throughout, this film, under Alfonso Cuarón's deft direction just sets out to tell the core story. And that it does,with flair. Clive Owen finally redeems himself in my eyes. He plays the tired cynical man's role very believably. All the others actors do their jobs fine. It is a special treat to watch Michael Caine. On another note, the films portrayal of the governments racial stance and futuristic ghettoes is praiseworthy. Although, to be honest, it reminded me strongly of V for vendetta(the graphic novel, not the film).Maybe that was because the film was also set in a futuristic world in Britain.

If there are any minor grouse with the film? Then there can only be 2 worth mentioning. The number of handheld shots in the film felt a tad too much. And is it just me, or the birthing scene was a little too graphic than required? Oh well, these are ultimately extremely minor stuff. In the end this is definitely one of the best movies of 2006. Kudos to Mr Cuarón on a job well done. Put it on your must watch list, if its not there already. What you will get, is a film which sets itself apart from nearly 95% of most sci-fi films out there.

In other news, the oscar nominees list have come out and I must say, it had quite a few surprises. No nominations for Jack Nicholson for his menacing portrayal of Frank Costello? And Mark Wahlberg up for best supporting actor?? Seriously?? And sadly, nothing for Volver other than best actress? But on a happier note, I am so stoked that Pan's Labyrinth is one of the finalists for best foreign language film. Yay!