Set in 2027, when no child has been born for 18 years and science is at loss to explain the reason, African and East European societies collapse and their dwindling populations migrate to England and other wealthy nations. In a climate of nationalistic violence, a London peace activist turned bureaucrat Theo Faron (Clive Owen) joins forces with his revolutionary ex-wife Julian (Julianne Moore) in order to save mankind by protecting Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), a woman who has mysteriously become pregnant.
Damn, this is a bleak movie. And yet, it continues to show optimism throughout. In some ways, it's a re-telling of the Nativity story (pay attention to people's reactions towards Kee). Owen and Moore give excellent performances, as does Michael Caine (who is almost unrecognizable). I'd be more pleased had Owen gotten more noticed awards-wise for his performance. The cinematography is breathtaking and Alfonso Cuaron's direction is outstanding. One of the best movies of its kind.
My Rating: *****
One of my favorite movies. Didn't even notice the nativity imagery. This is gonna keep me pondering all day. May have to write on this fact myself.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe I havnt seen this movie, off to Amazon now to order it! Love Clive Owen think he is brilliant
ReplyDeleteA great dystopian movie indeed and one of my favorite film of last decade. Dempsey, you need to see this soon!
ReplyDeleteReally good film - one of the reasons I think it works so well is because it feels like it could happen. It all feels very authentic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Castor: Dempsey this is a must-see movie! It has great flavours: a little bit of action, a touch of drama, a spoon full of sci-fi, a glass of mystery... Cuaron is a great director.
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