Children of Men
One word review: Realism
Children of Men is a story set in the near future. In this future, the human race has become sterile. The world has mostly fallen into chaos, but England, with its geographic isolation, managed to maintain a sense of order. However the refugees of the rest of the world are trying to get into England. This has caused a rise in militarism and authoritarianism. Any illegal refugees found within England are rounded up and shipped into camps. Some have decided to fight against the authoritarian rule, using terrorist tactics.
Our hero, Theo Faron, played by Clive Owen, starts off as a typical member of society. The bleak world (and a troubled past) has crushed is spirit leaving him empty. He is pulled out of his stupor by his ex-wife, now a leader of one of the terrorist organizations, when he is asked to help her smuggle a young woman out of the country. A woman who is pregnant.
The main theme of Children of Men is the power of hope. In a world with no future (because there are no children) there is no hope, thus chaos reigns. The discovery of the pregnant woman begins to bring hope back into the world.
Children of Men was nominated for 3 oscars, but did not win any. In one category at least, Editing, I think it was superior to the actual winner The Departed. I also think that Cinematography was good, although I'm not sure I'd argue too much with giving the award to El Laberinto del Fauno. The way this film was shot gives it a very realistic feeling, almost documentary. This is most obvious in the last section of the film, where there is a very realistic urban battle sequence.
I liked this movie a lot. I think you should see it.