The film Children of Men was not nominated for Best Picture in this year's Academy Awards but it was probably the most provocative and gripping movie we saw last year. It is loosely based on a P.D. James novel of the same name. It is an apocalyptic, dsytopian vision of a planet 20 years down the road. No babies have been born in 18 years and there is no explanation as to why. Some religious groups claim it is God's judgement. Terrorists and dissident groups are at work in even the more stable nations.
The central character, Theo, is drawn back into one of these organizations, essentially against his will. He meets a young woman in a barn and realizes that she is pregnant, a situation which should be cause for joy but has so many political implications. He exclaims "Jesus Christ!" as he realizes her condition. An oath, or the possibility of a saviour? The expectant mother's name is Kee. Is she the "key" to the revival of humanity? Theo's mission becomes delivering Kee to the rather nebulous Human Project.
Intriguing? I won't offer more, since you are all going to see the film now, but Children of Men offers hope in a bleak world. I believe the title is a reference from a Psalm in the King James Version of the bible, "For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men."
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