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Movies / On DVD / Children of Men
Children of Men

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Children of Men (2006)

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Reviews Counted:199

Fresh:183

Rotten:16

Average Rating:8/10

Consensus: Children of Men works on every level: as a violent chase thriller, a fantastical cautionary tale, and a sophisticated human drama about societies struggling to live. This taut and thought-provoking tale may not have the showy special effects normally found in movies of this genre, but you won't care one bit after the story kicks in, about a dystopic future where women can no longer conceive and hope lies within one woman who holds the key to humanity's survival. It will have you riveted.

Rated: 15

Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins

Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy

Theatrical Release:22-09-2006

Synopsis: CHILDREN OF MEN is not a popcorn movie. With its almost relentlessly bleak perspective on the future, Alfonso Cuarón's film doesn't make for pleasant viewing. But it's an exhilarating experience... CHILDREN OF MEN is not a popcorn movie. With its almost relentlessly bleak perspective on the future, Alfonso Cuarón's film doesn't make for pleasant viewing. But it's an exhilarating experience because the picture is an amazing dystopian drama that lacks all the typical trappings of the genre. Set uncomfortably close to the present, it paints a frighteningly realistic picture of the future. In 2027, every woman on earth is infertile. With the loss of the ability to have children, the world has also lost hope. Clive Owen (CLOSER) plays Theo, an Englishman attempting to make a life in a hellish world. His estranged wife (Julianne Moore) convinces him to help transport a young woman to safety. When Theo learns that the woman is pregnant, their journey takes on a significance--and a danger--he never imagined. This is Cuarón's best film to date, a strong statement considering his wonderful HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN and Y TU MAMA TAMBIÉN. Filmed using a handheld camera, the action draws the audience close, making the horror that much more real. In addition to its remarkable car-chase scenes, the film features impressive acting. With his expressive face and voice, Owen gives a nuanced performance that ranks with the best of his career. As a reclusive hippie, Michael Caine shares a charming counterculture view of the crumbling world. Chiwetel Ejiofor (DIRTY PRETTY THINGS) brings gravitas to the role of a terrorist. Just when the film threatens to overwhelm with its sense of dread, small moments of comedy show through in Owen's wry sense of humor and Caine's perfect delivery. When the credits roll, CHILDREN OF MEN leaves the audience feeling shell-shocked, not only because of its brutal prophecy, but also because of its brilliance. [More]

Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chjwetel Ejiofor

Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chjwetel Ejiofor, Peter Mullan, Charlie Hunnam, Pam Ferris, Danny Huston, Jacek Koman

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Screenwriter: Timothy J. Sexton, Alfonso Cuaron
Producer: Hilary Shor, Marc Abraham, Tony Smith, Eric Newman, Iain Smith
Composer: John Tavener
Studio: Universal Pictures

[See More Credits]

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Reviews for Children of Men

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Reviews
Tomatometer Critic Review Category
tomato

Philip French

What the narrative demands, and what Cuaron provides, is moral ambiguity and a teasing hopefulness that suggests the possibility of redemption.This is quite an achievement.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 20 2007 06:49 AM

Observer [UK]

tomato
5/5

Rich Cline

This futuristic London thriller is so well filmed and acted that it grabs hold of us and never lets go.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 30 2006 04:37 AM

Shadows on the Wall

tomato
3/5

Stella Papamichael

The real power is in the simple contrast of despair and hope, the latter embodied in a pregnant woman who seeks protection from a typically world-weary Clive Owen.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 26 2006 03:16 AM

BBC

tomato
4/5

Peter Bradshaw

This explosively violent future-nightmare thriller, directed by Alfonso Cuarón and adapted from the novel by PD James, has simply the most extraordinary look of any movie around.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 23 2006 04:06 AM

Guardian [UK]

tomato
4/5

Damon Wise

A visually stunning Swiftian satire, Children Of Men may appear clumsy, but its message is simple, heartfelt and ultimately rather moving.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 22 2006 03:16 AM

Empire Magazine

splat

David Edwards

It’s a movie that only sci-fi nerds are going to enjoy.

Full Review Source: | comment 8 Comments | Sep., 22 2006 03:16 AM

Daily Mirror [UK]

tomato

Dave Calhoun

This is as real and as provocative as the future gets on screen.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 21 2006 11:10 AM

Time Out

tomato
4/5

Matthew Turner

Clive Owen is simply terrific in the lead - he seems to get better and better with every film.

Full Review Source: | comment 2 Comments | Sep., 21 2006 11:10 AM

ViewLondon

splat

Fernando F. Croce

Few recent films have so stunned me in segments, and so frustrated me as a whole

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 28 2009 12:13 AM

CinePassion

tomato
A

Amy Nicholson

Cuaron asks us to find hope in a grim nativity story where a reluctant hero and scared would-be mother try to find shelter in a land that desperately needs a newborn savior.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 15 2009 07:17 PM

I.E. Weekly

N/R

Peter Keough

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 23 2009 03:16 AM

Boston Phoenix

tomato
2.5/5

Tony Macklin

Children of Men is a glorious mess. It's a Frankenstein monster of a movie. Part sci-fi, part thriller, part action genre, part religious allegory, it flays and lumbers after meaning-- sending off occasional sparks of style.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 02 2009 09:01 AM

Fayetteville Free Weekly

tomato
B

Steven D. Greydanus

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 29 2008 03:15 AM

Decent Films Guide

N/R

Bob Mondello

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 18 2008 05:58 AM

NPR.org

tomato
3/5

Jonathan Kiefer

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 07 2008 03:16 AM

Sacramento News & Review

tomato

Steve Biodrowski

This is an astounding piece of work - easily one of the best films of 2006.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 07 2008 12:15 AM

ESplatter

tomato
9/10

Brandon Fibbs

I was entranced by this movie. Hypnotized. Spellbound. In a thrall. The final quarter of the film is nothing short of an evolutionary leap forward in filmmaking.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 28 2008 12:25 PM

BrandonFibbs.com

N/R

Garth Franklin

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 15 2008 03:15 AM

Dark Horizons

tomato
4/4

Roger Ebert

Cuaron fulfills the promise of futuristic fiction; characters do not wear strange costumes or visit the moon, and the cities are not plastic hallucinations, but look just like today, except tired and shabby.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 05 2007 12:01 PM

Chicago Sun-Times

tomato
4/5

Rob Gonsalves

It does the job, it does it well, and the fact that it's being called a masterpiece for doing so speaks unwell of the current state of movies.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 24 2007 04:48 PM

eFilmCritic.com

 
 
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Latest News for Children of Men

June 28, 2009: Five Favourite Films with Diego Luna
Diego Luna is bristling at RT's suggestion he pick just five favourite films. "It's really unfair to have to say only five films," he complains as he picks his final choice.... More...

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Brother of Children Of Men helmer Alfonso Cuaron and Oscar-nominated screenwriter of sizzling Mexican roadtripper Y Tu Mama Tambien, Carlos Cuaron makes his directorial debut... More...

March 26, 2009: Exclusive: McG Talks Terminator Salvation
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