Seriously, how good was this movie? Twenty years later, it still holds up. Their depiction of 2027 didn't have flying cars or any crazy shit like that, in fact, it seems pretty spot on in terms of how the world actually looks from a technological standpoint. Less people glued to their phones, but perhaps the director was more optimistic than the movie let on.
That said, the film certainly did have its own flavour. The shaky cam shots and tracking sequences were just as cool and engaging as the first time I'd seen the movie 15 years ago and brought about a sense of realism. True to this theme, the characters were human through and through, flawed, likeable, and relatable.
Clive Owen is a cynical alcoholic with a sad past, but as we see, is incapable of being anything short of a good man. His pot head friend in Michael Caine is similar in this regard. Serving both as comedic relief and the voice of reason despite being a stoner who lives in the woods. Kee, the first mother in over 18 years, is a far-cry from the Virgin Mary. Not only does she not know who the father is, she doesn't know "who any of the wankers were."
Then we have that ceasefire scene where we see the human side of a government that is initially portrayed as inhumanly cruel and oppressive. For as long as it lasts, it's a touching moment (and one of many scenes that makes great use of contrast -- the bombing at the beginning, Julie Anne-Moore being killed out of nowhere... there was never a moment where you could allow yourself to relax).
I'm gonna leave the depictions of anti-immigrant sentiments alone, but you're free to discuss the relevance of that part amongst yourself.
Anyways, what did you think of Children of Men?
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