Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Children of Men's key element is its relevance. There have been plenty of apocalyptic releases over the past few years, among them V for Vendetta, Code 46, and 28 Days Later. But none of these connect with the year 2007 as much as Children of Men.

The film is set in Britain 2027-----the setting couldn't have been more perfect, as Britain is accelerating toward fascism more than any other Western nation (for example, they're considering installing security cameras to watch over vandalized speed cameras (1)). Every human woman has unexplainedly become infertile (many say that this is God's punishment for humanity). The media works closely with the government, constantly flashing reminders to British citizens that Britain is now the world's key state, as other countries have fallen into disarray. Immigrants are placed in internment camps and shipped off or executed. Terrorist groups constantly battle the country's military, demolishing once healthy cities.

Former activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) finds himself in the center of all this, having recently been kidnapped by The Fishes (a "terrorist organization"), who ask him to acquire some arcane transit papers. Knowing that cash is involved and encouraged to act by his ex-wife Julian (Julianne Moore), Theo accepts the mission. Yet this task leads him to become entangled with the Fishes, who must house him in case he would give any information to the government upon capture. Through a series of events, Faron discovers that the character Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) is pregnant (which would make her the only pregnant mother in the world, due to the universal infertility), and because she distrusts The Fishes, he must transport her to the esoteric "Human Project."

The amount of detail which the producers place in the film gives it a special touch-----the allusions are ubiquitous. In one scene, inflatable pigs are seen floating in background by smokestacks, which references Pink Floyd's moralistic concept album, Animals. One scene features Pablo Picasso's Guernica (inspired by the Nazi bombing of Gernika, Spain) in the background. There are constant references to anti-fascism/government oeuvres throughout the film, and this gives it more meaning.

Alfonso Cuaron's direction is also particularly strong. The nine-minute, one-shot climax absorbs a technique seen in films such as Boogie Nights and applies it to war: this isn't merely popcorn-chomping fare; this is true art, and Cuaron wields his camera wisely. That same intensity is maintained throughout the film. Owen has been a renowned talent since Closer was released in America, and he doesn't falter here. Ashitey also appears to be a powerful new actress; hopefully she changes her last name for the sake of her career.

Children of Men's only flaws are found in imbalance-----this film is stocked with action sequences, and while they all serve a purpose, the lack of refrain can lead viewers to feel a tad exasperated-----a scene or two documenting the characters' feelings about the surrounding events would have certainly bolstered the overall quality. Regardless, the film's depth and pertinence ensures that filmgoers can walk out satisfied. This is not a perfect film, but it is great.

Rating: B+

1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/6293823.stm

Recommended: Yes

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