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Capone says CHILDREN OF MEN is required viewing!!!

First! by quintasphere	Dec 24th, 2006 01:02:59 PM
I'm looking forward to this film.
when is this being released? by KennyKilo	Dec 24th, 2006 01:03:13 PM
This movie looks incredible. I remember watching the trailer during the summer and have waited ever since! Box Office Mojo says its coming out Christmas Day, but what is the release pattern for it to go wide. (0r come to my big city?)
Believable my ass by Al_Shut	Dec 24th, 2006 01:05:50 PM
To be any believeable the movie would have had to explain what caused the infertility or how it led the world to be in the current state in the last 18 or so years.
KennyKilo by quintasphere	Dec 24th, 2006 01:08:04 PM
The wide release date is December 29th in the United States according to Wikipedia.
Quality movie by Col. Tigh-Fighter	Dec 24th, 2006 01:08:07 PM
Great tracking shot right through the middle of a war zone. Bit of bleak world view.
Balck Snake Moan. by vivavitalogy	Dec 24th, 2006 01:09:04 PM
That is all.
Black. by vivavitalogy	Dec 24th, 2006 01:09:31 PM
typo
so how many times.... by mr. brownstone	Dec 24th, 2006 01:10:23 PM
does Michael Cane give the E.T. love finger in this? I counted 3 in the trailer alone. Just curious.
Caine. by mr. brownstone	Dec 24th, 2006 01:12:14 PM
typo
Saw this a few weeks back here in Mexico by Huevo	Dec 24th, 2006 01:16:24 PM
Unfrickinbelievable is all I have to say...an incredible film which lingers with me still to this day...one of my personal favorites with out a doubt.
Al_Shut by quintasphere	Dec 24th, 2006 01:16:46 PM
There probably lies an adequate explanation for global infertility in there somewhere. I don't think it's really necessary, though. The absence of one wouldn't detract from my enjoyment of the film. Of course, it hasn't been released yet, so how could one really know?
Seen it - see it by zufflezipperfish	Dec 24th, 2006 01:23:32 PM
Seen it a while back over here in the UK. Worth seeing, although I always prefer Blade Runner as my scary vision of the future film. Father Christmas is on his way kiddies!!!!
Hope Cuaron returns for the last Potter by performingmonkey	Dec 24th, 2006 01:24:12 PM
He really is the only director that's made Harry Potter movies worth doing (OK, there are some great moments in Goblet of Fire, but it doesn't match Cuaron's Azkaban). The first two Potter flicks are like bad kids movies but with a massive budget and a great cast (who are wasted). For the third, suddenly Cuaron was there to make a real movie, and the results are easily the best so far. If ANYONE else can better Azkaban I will be surprised. The guy directing Order of the Phoenix has never directed a motion picture before, only TV movie. And I just get the feeling they're gonna go with someone obvious for Half-Blood Prince like Tim Burton, and that will SUCK donkey balls. Get Cuaron back.
That review is absolutely dead on by IndustryKiller!	Dec 24th, 2006 01:28:35 PM
I guarantee that if you go to see this film you will be glad you did. I heard Richard Roeper describe this as an action film, a description that only fits on the most shallow of levels. Never has action been used so spectacularly for the forces of good. Every "action sequence" is shot with unflinching realism and just serves to portray a world gone mad. Caine has another brilliant character performance and Clive Owen, saying very little and with very little background given, through his actions alone, justifies every turn his character takes. When he wrecklessly risks his life running literally past armies of men to save a child you never question what he is fighting for and why this man, who was once so cynical and hopeless, is doing it. Possibly the best film of the year.
quintasphere by Al_Shut	Dec 24th, 2006 01:37:15 PM
I never questoned the overall quality of the movie, feel free to watch and enjoy. I found the movie to be unbelievable wich lowered it to a good/okay level for me.
Damn non-US people by Fried Gold	Dec 24th, 2006 01:39:55 PM
We've been saying this for months.
Damn non-UK people by Fried Gold	Dec 24th, 2006 01:40:16 PM
We've been saying this for months.
The infertility thing by King Sweyn Forkbeard	Dec 24th, 2006 01:54:31 PM
The way they approach it in the film is as a total mystery. Nobody knows why it's happened, so nobody dwells on it. It's simply something that the average person has no control over. It actually works better without the excuse of a virus, meteor or whatever other Maguffin they might come up with.
how is del toro great? by Lane	Dec 24th, 2006 01:56:28 PM
has he even made a single film worth watching? blade 2? hellboy? a great film maker? seriously???
cuaron is a master by welbrick	Dec 24th, 2006 01:57:21 PM
he makes all of the expository scenes feel emotionally genuine. then he executes the action w/ such long takes, you can't help but be immersed in the environment. the tension is created by the scenario itself; he doesn't cheat & try to rattle the viewer w/ quick cuts. it's so refreshing. please support this film!
Saw this a couple of weeks ago... by movieman742	Dec 24th, 2006 01:59:10 PM
And I agree whole-heartidly with him. This film is amazing. The acting is the best ive seen from all the actors involved and the story matches it. It doesn't feel at all like sci-fi, he sets it in a reality that is almost too real to see. I loved how he uses one continuing shot for several of the action scenes. There is a scene at the end where I didn't realize he hadn't cut intill about 5 minutes into the scene, and it looked like he didn't cut for another 8. Simply amazing movie and a must see for 2006.
exactly by AllieJamison	Dec 24th, 2006 02:19:47 PM
required viewing. that was one of the things concerning this film that possessed my head for days after I watched it. i thought that just like schindler's list this film should be attended by school classes. it was time that all the refugees of this world (especially today on christmas they're on my mind) are a major part of a film. but there are just so many other things in this film to love. the zen music, the flaws that are shown....the flip flops, that low key but ultra exciting car escape (ahhh...I LOVED it) . it's simply a magnificent film. so many scenes and images that are stuck to your brain, the end of the battle sequence and much more..... MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To Lane, Re: Del Toro by TheRealCapone	Dec 24th, 2006 02:23:46 PM
Spoken like someone who has never bothered to seek out Del Toro's non-Hollywood films. Check out CRONOS, DEVIL'S BACKBONE, and the about-to-be-released PAN'S LABYRINTH to see his highest-quality works. Do not doubt this man's abilities as a filmmaker.
Looks good. by Rakafraker	Dec 24th, 2006 02:31:11 PM
I'm looking forward to watching this when it comes to my little 'plex. Big fan of Cuaron. HP:PoA was the best Potter for me, also.
Amazing movie... by RaveX	Dec 24th, 2006 02:33:30 PM
saw it again just couple of hours ago. In my book, Children Of Men and Rocky Balboa go down in a veeeery close tie as best movies of 2006.
Half Life 2 by Driver8	Dec 24th, 2006 02:49:42 PM
This movie was absolutely great no doubt. But did anyone get the spot on Half Life 2 vibe from this movie? Maybe it's just me. Merry Christmas everyone.
Good movie by viranth	Dec 24th, 2006 02:59:57 PM
This movie is really good, extremely advanced scenes, which is a joy to watch.
The end of 2006 as been amazing by streakerfreak1983	Dec 24th, 2006 04:03:44 PM
So many GREAT films. I have never been more excited for film then now. Maybe this is turning point from the slump we were in the past couple of years
theory-wise, it could happen by holoholojoe	Dec 24th, 2006 04:11:35 PM
read this http://www.enviroliteracy.org/ subcategory.php/30.html , human population growth actually is on the decline in terms of percentage of growth, yes there will be a lot of of humans on earth in the next 2 decades but overall, mankind's growth rate has slowed a LOT. and places like Japan as of this year is actually recording a population DECREASE. which makes this movie all the more "less-sci-fi"
the right website..human DE-population by holoholojoe	Dec 24th, 2006 04:13:42 PM
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/ subcategory.php/30.html
try this...finally by holoholojoe	Dec 24th, 2006 04:18:16 PM
enviroliteracy.org/subcategory .php/30.html , get rid of the spaces after org./ , i think that's what's causing the bad link..
I saw this film... by emeraldboy	Dec 24th, 2006 04:18:48 PM
and while though it was great looking visually and the production design team did oscar calbre work. The screenwriting team did not. I lost count of how many times they kept sign posting the human project, needless to say I was very annoyed at the abruptness of the end of the movie. Everyone seemed so disappointed that the first born child in 20 years happens to be a girl. I could see the potential of an immigrant backlash but in the movie Britain looks like some sort of nazi state where immigrants are put in cages. I thought peter mullan was very funny as the insane sid but overall I thought I thought the ending was terrible, The ideas that were put into this film seemed stacked up and piled on to the screen. I am very wary of films which have six screenwriters as this did but that single shot right to the very end is outstanding. To paraphrase Ursula k le Guin "they made a very good Sci-fi film, it is just a pity its not mine".
For the tracking shot through the war zone by emeraldboy	Dec 24th, 2006 04:22:59 PM
alone the film will be nominated. I dont like Moore and didnt like her in this film. Owen should lighten a little.
Sounds like- by playahatersball	Dec 24th, 2006 04:36:58 PM
A rip on Y the Last Man- I'll see it anyway though.
Population decrease by jbs0209	Dec 24th, 2006 05:02:10 PM
Correct, Japan and the EU are actually having population decreases. The EU's birthrate has fallen to about 1.4 per woman. Which means that the native population of Spain, Italy, France, etc will be cut in half over the next 20-30 years as people die and no one replaces them. Basically if you don't have 20 million babies in 2000, you can't have 20 million new workers enter the workforce in 2020. If you don't have a steady stream of new workers/taxpayers, you can't pay for the social system to support public healthcare, or welfare. The EUs solution is to let in floods of immigrants from Arabia/Africa. The US is holding steady with an overall replacement rate of 2.1 (although blue states are much lower and red states, specifically Utah, are higher. This is noted in the theory of the "Roe Effect".). Japan is interesting in that it is a highly xenophobic place. They are not having children and not letting in immigrants. Of course, the birthrates are not dropping due to medical reasons but because people decide not to have children. The birthrates drop by choice not by misfortune. Mark Styen's "America Alone" is probably a very good place to start if you are interested in this. Also, it has been noted that "The dark night of fascism is always falling on America, but always seems to land in Europe." Is any of this addressed in the movie? (I haven't seen it, and won't until it comes out on DVD.) It could be a very interesting social commentary on the suicide of European civilisation. I found it highly disturbing that the BBC "Have Your Say" on Europe's lack of births was that basically Europe deserved to die.
Incredibly powerful movie that is required viewing... by Alonzo Mosely	Dec 24th, 2006 05:05:16 PM
for anyone who loves movies... However, it has some seriously flaws in the actual story, which will alienate many people. Deserves Oscar buzz and nominations for direction and cinematography. That one sequence (you will know it when you see it) is plain fucking impressive. I mean Touch of Evil impressive. It will also make you think about the underlying themes long after the movie is over... I just wish the script had been given to someone else, they get the characters spot on, but there is just something lacking in the overall structure and the it was far too easy to see where it was going and what would happen. It was one of those rare movies where you actually want it to be an hour longer so you can get more back-story. Not on why there is infertility, but to what exactly has happened in those other countries that makes the Britain of this movie a place worth illegally entering. Still, as I said, I have recommended to everyone I know to see this movie, I just thought it had the potential to be one of the true greats, instead of just one of the best of the year.
sent to ghettos because they are believed to be incitin by Alonzo Mosely	Dec 24th, 2006 05:20:24 PM
I think Capone is a little confused. They are rounded up, like illegal foreigners are always rounded up in any country if there is a totalitarian government. I think the fact it is a Mexican director is telling as well. The UK and US and many other countries have camps where illegals are placed awaiting deportation, and in some places deportation is impossible, and you end up with shanty towns within camps, where people with no home or country live. That is what this movie is taking to the next dimension. Britain, with its stiff upper-lip, is proud that it continues, it soldiers on alone, when all the other countries have fallen. It's people have jobs, watch TV, and still exist, the English resolve, ala the blitz, keeps the country marching on, even as the rest of the world falls, and even as more and more people wake to realize they are living in the end days, and that humanity will be gone in just a matter of decades.
Damn you Michael Bay by MCMLXXVI	Dec 24th, 2006 05:41:13 PM
Damn you Michael Bay
Grando says Children of Men by Grando	Dec 24th, 2006 06:05:52 PM
Came out months ago and is old fricken news. That aside, it's a kick ass movie.
too many cooks spoil the broth by emeraldboy	Dec 24th, 2006 06:45:52 PM
too many screenwriters can fuck up a movie and this movie is a good case in point. What i would like to see is a film where the main story is the following. Scientists discover that what they thought would happen in millions of years time, that the sun would would burn out is happening more rapidly than they thought. leading to our extinction.
Saw it in Prague by Prague23	Dec 24th, 2006 07:45:47 PM
I's OK, I have a problem with the script, not engaging enough. There's two amazing sequences, tied together using 3D technology, kind of aparent to the trained eye, but continuous shots, going inside, lots of action, outside, while in a car.. if you've seen it, it's great. It's an OK movie but could have waited until the DVD.
Cuaron as a director by ye olde shiza	Dec 24th, 2006 07:59:57 PM
Wow. I can't wait. Y Tu Mama Tambien is easily one of my favorite movies of all time ... and I'm not sure why other people dig it. For me, it was the layers to it ... it wasn't just some surface death of innocence movie. It was this ridiculous, often funny roadtrip film that was constantly highlighted by these dark, loss-of-life, poverty stricken nuances ... small gestures by characters that really spoke more than words. Incredible.
Hahahahahaha! by King_Knut	Dec 24th, 2006 08:10:36 PM
Yah boo sucks. Saw this film twice onths ago, and already have the DVD on order. I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO pleased that for once the UK gets a major movie months before the US. By the way, the film's awesome.
Capone - the plural of woman is "women" by Fish Tank	Dec 24th, 2006 08:44:33 PM
Besides that - good review. Looks promising.
Read the book. . . . by Cymbol	Dec 24th, 2006 09:44:51 PM
back in 1992 or so. If this is an action movie, then they have deviated heavily from the book. Which is fine. The book was a decent read, but hardly a page turner. I don't even recall any action involving military men. And the only thing Sci-Fi about the book was that it was set in the future. And not very far ahead at that. Anyway, the trailer looks nothing like the book, which means I may find some surprises. Looking forward to it. Happy X-Mas all.
Good Review by batou85	Dec 24th, 2006 11:16:36 PM
Saw this a few weeks ago, can't say enough good things about it. Watch it if nothing else for the scene in the jeep and the long tracking shot in the warzone. Both unbelievable technical accomplishments. My favorite movie of the year, just above the Departed and Prestige.
it's not Theodore by Strabo	Dec 24th, 2006 11:25:45 PM
Owen's character's name is Thelonious. Moore/Julian says it clearly right after getting off the bus to start the trip. I, err, "obtained" a copy of this film a week ago...it is, quite possibly, the best film of the year. The cinematography is incredible (particularly due to the two aforementioned scenes). The acting from Owen and Caine is perfect. Owen's performance is subtle and finely nuanced (as is the character work given to him in the script). If this film doesn't get at least nominations for Director, Cinematography, Art Design, Adapted Screenplay, Sound Mixing/Editing, Editing, and Supporting Actor (Caine), it will be a fucking crime. I mean, it's time to fucking riot outside the Kodak Theatre with fucking pitchforks and torches. Of the best films this year...Babel, The Departed, Children of Men, The Prestige, etc, this was, undoubtedly, the most difficult to make. Given the final product, the craftsmanship involved is all the more remarkable. Do NOT miss this film on the big screen. If you can find it on a DLP screen, definitely don't miss that either.
for Cymbol....notes on the screenplay by Strabo	Dec 24th, 2006 11:32:37 PM
Wikipedia has a note saying that the screenplay was only loosely adapted from the original novel. Apparently they only took the most general elements from the novel in crafting the screenplay. Furthermore, I would venture a guess that the number of screenwriters is directly due to wanting to make sure that every second of screen time is used as efficiently as possible. There is literally not a single frame wasted. Every frame has _something somewhere_ that you need to be watching or reading. Read the bits of newspaper in the background. Watch the TVs. Read the graffiti on the walls (there's a lot of it). If you're watching Owen wake up and get out of bed, and you're thinking that nothing is going on, you're not paying attention. I've watched the film five times now, and I'm still catching little bits and pieces of information here and there in the background.
I don't know if it's the best movie of the year... by spectrebeeyatch	Dec 24th, 2006 11:40:55 PM
Not fully sure if I'd put it in my top 10. Script I think was a little bit of a mess. Still it is a must see.
stop the 'service Cuaron party' and get real by oscarbait	Dec 24th, 2006 11:51:27 PM
I saw this film a few weeks ago after I saw PAN'S LABYRINTH. I think everyone is getting a little too excited about a movie that really never explores its premise. Are we to believe that, without explanation, this world becomes infertile just because the screenwriter says it is? The film is a collage of sci-fi/X-Files/spooky futuristic genocide cliches under the captainship of a very skilled director. The film reeks of self importance and the few twists and turns that we didn't see in the trailer; telegraph themselves unsurprisingly quick. And I haven't even touched on the severe lack of effort into the script that throws aside any sort of character development so brazenly. If you want to see a truely original film...see Del Toro's masterpiece, it's the stuff of real imagination. 'Notes' and 'Letters' are also excellent and a better use of your time and moolah. MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANNUKAH! KWANZAA SALUTATION! to all!
Stopped taking this review seriously by Shivv	Dec 25th, 2006 12:09:20 AM
when Capone said this scenario was within the realm of possibility. Considering there was a 60 year old woman who had a kid this year, I would say we're on the complete opposite side of global infertility. That aside, I'll probably check this movie out on DVD. It does seem like an interesting premise, even though its kinda lame to not even explain why the infertility happened. Not to mention the fact that I don't quite understand why things would go hell and people would want to commit suicide.
answer to Shivv's question by oscarbait	Dec 25th, 2006 12:20:58 AM
They want to kill themselves because they all saw the movie a year before we did. I wanted to die. Not nearly as much as did at HAPPY FEET though. WTF was that?
i'd knock up bitches in future by greekopa	Dec 25th, 2006 12:54:35 AM
yea baby greek cum
perspective by welbrick	Dec 25th, 2006 01:31:06 AM
the film smartly does not attempt to deliver the answers of why women have become infertile. it is adamantly told from the protagonist's perspective, and he is just a humble cog in this nightmare reality. pulling away & objectively explaining everything would destroy the strength of the movie, which is its human perspective - a point of view which cuaron adheres to both thematically & visually. it's a ground level eyeline of a potential future landscape. it would be an easy & dumbed down movie if the script featured an objective expository character who explained the conflict.
Alfonso Cuarón/Guillermo del Toro Connection..... by movieman742	Dec 25th, 2006 02:39:36 AM
Capone kept saying that they were testing one another when making thier own movie. I know Children of Men comes out today, when does Pan's Labyrinth come out????
Best movie of 2006 by CuervoJones	Dec 25th, 2006 05:52:27 AM
Trust me
Best movie of 2006 by CuervoJones	Dec 25th, 2006 05:55:45 AM
Trust me
Cuervo.. by Evil Hobbit	Dec 25th, 2006 06:37:08 AM
I agree. Saw this months ago when it was released in the Netherlands. Extremely good.
There's a 5Mph car chase scene inthis movie by Preacher_mg	Dec 25th, 2006 06:40:56 AM
...that's more exhilarating than anything Michael Bay has ever shot. If it's only for the action sequences, this movie is required viewing. And then there's the whole anti-foreigner angle... This movie is a masterpiece.
Spot On Review by apersonofinterest	Dec 25th, 2006 10:35:33 AM
Watched this yesterday and it was excellent. I was a little dissapointed with the ending because it just...ends and you kind of want to hear the impact of news of the child on the world or some sort of closure on the girl's story. Otherwise the movie had me anxious and literally on the edge of my seat throughout.
Why is it so difficult to understand by Lovecraftfan	Dec 25th, 2006 11:10:07 AM
why the world would fall apart. No babies means that the end is not some vague abstraction but very much real. That would kind of depress anybody and most surely bring the world to its knees. Seriously people just think.
It's difficult by Al_Shut	Dec 25th, 2006 11:22:21 AM
because most people don't think like that. They don't care about the future or coming generations but focus merely on themselves and the present.
What about this film is excellent? by oscarbait	Dec 25th, 2006 02:57:23 PM
I've seen a lot of better films than this one. Why is everyone so gung ho on it? All I see is a bunch of people making excuses for a film that has been made before. There is nothing original about the script or story; so therefore the responsibility of making the rest of the film unique falls on Cuaron's shoulder. The film is jarring but not resonant. That's where Cuaron should have stepped in. He didn't. So see PAN'S LABYRINTH or LETTERS or NOTES if you really want an great time.
oscarbait- So many things by Lovecraftfan	Dec 25th, 2006 04:38:07 PM
It's amazingly well-filmed, exciting, relevant, moving, and well-acted. Why do you think people are making excuses? It's just a lot of people think it's just as good the other two you mentioned.
Still don't agree by Lovecraftfan	Dec 25th, 2006 04:38:22 PM
There's a really big difference between not caring about future generations and the end of the world being set for just around the corner. It would throw a whole lot of people in a panic especially young children who realize they will literally end up in a dying deteriorating world.
Sythetic Hormones by Almost_Human	Dec 25th, 2006 05:12:18 PM
You don't think this is a possible scenario, you know nothing about synthetic hormones.
A question for those who have seen it by FluffyUnbound	Dec 25th, 2006 05:25:34 PM
Other than the central conceit of the mass infertility, does the film present a reasonable vision of the future, or is there lots of absurdly excessively futuristic shit in it? Watching THE ISLAND on cable the other day, I realized that one thing about recent sci fi that pisses me off is that it's usually set only a few years into the future [to make set dressing easier, I guess] but usually contains a lot of stupid shit that couldn't possibly be developed and deployed in the next few years. I don't know what LA will look like in 2015, but I can guarantee you there won't be flying motorcycles and elevated maglev trains running down every street. So if this film is only 20 years in the future, I could buy something like quantum computers but if there are flying cars I'm just not going.
Another question for those who have seen it. by FluffyUnbound	Dec 25th, 2006 05:39:54 PM
Everyone is saying that the infertility isn't explained, but is there any implication made that it might be deliberate? Because I have to tell you, if there was some great big X Files style Illuminati conspiracy and I was involved in it, I would be working night and day to find a way to make the 99% of humanity not part of the conspiracy infertile, so that we could clear the Earth out a little for our descendants.
fluffy by snorfle	Dec 25th, 2006 05:48:06 PM
I don't recall any flying cars. The "futuretech" all seemed fairly organic. Better computer screens, heads up car displays, stuff like that (though the fact that everyone figured there wasn't going to be any humans around in 50 years or so probably put a bit of a damper on innovation)
Fluffy, the exact opposite... by Alonzo Mosely	Dec 25th, 2006 06:10:07 PM
People are driving modern cars with some kit added to them... I remember some little puke on the IMDb board screaming that it didn't have flying cars, and thinking it was retarded that they had modern cars with some extra fiberglass. I thought it was genius, in this world, there is probably very little car production, so people are just upgrading what they have, slapping on home kits to try and make them more fuel efficent or whatever. After all if the UK is soldiering on alone, then oil is going to be a pretty damn precious resource There is very little here that isn't of the right now, the TVs and computer stuff looks like a generation or three in front but that is about it...
The most futuristic element in "Children".. by theoneofblood	Dec 25th, 2006 06:53:13 PM
Is the weird holographic cube game that Danny Huston's kid is playing at the Art Sanctuary, but even that isn't ridiculous as it's quite small and seemingly controlled by sensor pads. Trust me, for a sci-fi, the tech is refreshingly non-fucking ridiculous.
Answering your other question Fluffy, by theoneofblood	Dec 25th, 2006 06:57:09 PM
No, there isn't any real serious discussion as to why humans have become infertile. It's been 18 years and I'm pretty sure it would have been talked about by everyone on the planet ad nauseum. Michael Caine and Clive Owen do have a brief discussion (while high on Strawberry pot), but it's a set up for a pretty cool joke.
Another thing on infertility... by Alonzo Mosely	Dec 25th, 2006 07:55:19 PM
For the person who called it unrealistic as there is so much fertility right now, in the movie it literally happens overnight. The character who used to be a midwife explains one day she just noticed while checking appointments that in 7 months time suddenly there were next to no appointments scheduled. There are also plenty of religious overtones in the movie that work very well. The idea that the infertility is a punishment from god, that the pregnant female is a virgin (although that is delivered as a joke) and then the whole idea of a man protecting and guiding a young pregnant female, with a child that isn't his, but is a child that could quite literally save the world. In reality though, the child is imporatant for symbolic and even spiritual reasons, but the woman and the unknown father are surely far more important for scientific reasons...
Just adding to that by theoneofblood	Dec 25th, 2006 07:59:49 PM
Whilst conception does appear to cease immediately, there are a spate of miscarriages first, lasting roughly three to six months.
Uh... Anarchy good? (SPOILER-TASTIC) by theoneofblood	Dec 25th, 2006 08:03:40 PM
I don't remember that theme running anywhere in the film. In fact, the terrorist Fishes are pointedly the enemy for most of the narrative. Yes, there are bad elements in the government, (what do you expect from a fascist autocracy, roses and lollipops?), but people just largely get on with their lives. AT NO POINT IN THIS MOVIE IS THERE A CONCERTED EFFORT BY THE MAIN CHARACTERS TO DESTROY THE GOVERNMENT.
I liked V and how was it about ANARCHY? by streakerfreak1983	Dec 25th, 2006 08:13:32 PM
The main point was that we are all different and that a government that stifles human desires and uniqueness has no place in this world. It was not about destroying all governments, but abandoning one that did not work and looking to the future of a better one. theoneofblood said a similar thing and I give him props. Anarchy is when there is NO government and the people act as individuals. Niether of these films are a cry out that all governments are bad.
Just a bunch of right wing conservative bullshit by streakerfreak1983	Dec 25th, 2006 08:15:06 PM
__
This is plausible, unlikley, but plausible by streakerfreak1983	Dec 25th, 2006 08:23:31 PM
Why not? I think back to 28 days later when arguments like this came up. Never was a Zombie scenario plausible. It's always space dust, space gas, a meteorite or some stupid thing like that. Then 28 Days comes along and makes it, while highly unlikely, plausible. The are a myriad of ways something like this could happen. Will it, 99.9% positive it could not, but I believe anything can happen. The only problem now is actually seeing this film. It is playing no where within 100 miles of me. Bummer
mattw by streakerfreak1983	Dec 25th, 2006 08:25:44 PM
Don't you hate when that happens. It is worse when it is an even longer film and the bathrooms are always so far away.
Very Good Review by cyth	Dec 25th, 2006 08:29:48 PM
First i want to say.. that for me it doesnt need to explain why women cant give birth anymore.. if there would be an explanation then a solution would be a hope.. but the world in this movie doesnt have any hope.. even when the woman gets pregnant it is not portrayes as something that is going to save the world.. it is shown as little glimpse that this might not be the end of the world.. i love it that Children of Men is so far of glamour.. it is pure grey sky reality.. all characters are believable and very good portrayed without trying to find unnecessary informations such as why your character is that way.. we are told of Clive Owens character and that seems to be enough for the movie to work.. i wouldnt have thought to call this movie an action movie.. for me it is drama.. the action is very excellently melted to the story without disctracting from it.. its a must see movie..
Limited releases do suck... by slapshot	Dec 25th, 2006 09:30:11 PM
... which is why I'm buying this from Amazon.co.uk. No telling when it'll be in theaters near me (I kinda doubt that 12/29 release date, as I've seen zero ads), and the R2 DVD is out in just a couple weeks. The target market for an intelligent, bleak flick like this is exactly the audience most likely to have a region-free DVD player. How long will it take Hollywood to learn this? (Another example: I really wanted to see Little Children. It opened in the US in October, and still hasn't gone wide, and according to the local reviewer, isn't due here until mid-Feb. I saw interviews with the stars, and reviews of this film -- the usual publicity -- four months before it will play here. WTF?)
I saw this months ago in Scotland by Dick Nicely	Dec 26th, 2006 05:51:58 AM
An excellent film. The dialogue is a bit clunky when it comes to the exposition, but that's the only negative. The acting, the direction, cinematography and especially production design are all first class. The "why" of the whole infertility thing is irrelevant, it's just a premise on which to hang a satire about current political issues. But it's also a terrific action movie! And funny, too. The scene in the car and the finale in Bexhill are both jawdropping. Not quite my favourite film of the year, but definitely in some kind of personal Top Five, if that means anything.
SCIENCE DAMN!!!!! This is an awesome film by Russman	Dec 26th, 2006 08:45:21 AM
Loved it. Can't wait to buy the DVD. The scene in the car is out of this world. Someone should be awarded an honorary PHD for logistics and choreography. WOW. Check it out when it goes wide boys.
If you think that film sounds cool by Cherry Chuck	Dec 26th, 2006 11:15:35 AM
then check this out: http://tinyurl.com/wraah
Thanks Strabo. . . by Cymbol	Dec 26th, 2006 12:02:39 PM
Interesting tidbit there. I hadn't heard that anywhere else.
Appetite for Extinction by apersonofinterest	Dec 26th, 2006 12:54:35 PM
The dystopian thriller Children of Men, set to open Christmas Day with Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, and Michael Caine, imagines a future where women are no longer able to have children, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction. It's typical holiday fare, filled with high anxiety and near apocalypse. And while this time of year may inspire us to curse traffic jams, busy airports, and the fact that we have to wait in line for days to buy our nephew the new Nintendo Wii (especially as the population of the United States just exceeded the 300 million mark), most of us don't actually long to see the decline of our species. But Les U. Knight is not like the rest of us. The rest of the article can be found here -> http://www.radarmagazine.com/f eatures/2006/12/les_knight.php
oscarbait - you're joking, right? by Russman	Dec 26th, 2006 01:01:59 PM
Hey, if it didn't work for you, okay, no problem I'll respect that.. but what exactly didn't you like? This is a slice of life movie. We're popped down into the middle of this world and we meet a guy who's about to make a journey. This is about a man who's lost everything and cares about nothing... and then all of a sudden he has a reason to care again. Why women are infertile really isn't the point of the movie, it doesn't matter much because the movie isn't about that. I mean lets be honest, in this age, every story has been told and movies pretty much tell the same stories over and over - but with a different twist/take or point of view. (Aliens attack earth - you can tell Will Smith's story in Independence Day or tell Mel Gibson's story in Signs) and you know this so sorry for spoon feeding. So did you honestly not feel anything at all for the characters of that world? Were you not sitting on the edge of your seat? Was your heart not pumping a little faster? I'm curious... what more could they have done to win you over? (PS: please note that I'm not calling you names, I'm just interested in hearing more of what you thought, because I liked the movie, I was emotionally effected by it and walking out of the theater I was talking with a stranger who didn't enjoy it as much as I did).
How many quiet, lingering shots of empty playgrounds by CreasyBear	Dec 26th, 2006 03:03:52 PM
and schoolyards? I know these shots have to be in there somewhere.
Pro-anarchy?! That makes no sense by Lovecraftfan	Dec 26th, 2006 03:23:12 PM
somebody obviously didn't see the movie.
Russman...here it is for ya... by oscarbait	Dec 26th, 2006 03:24:10 PM
First off, thanks for the decency...it's a welcome change around these parts. Second, the guy outside the theater was me! Just kidding. Before I begin, let me say I didn't hate this film. I don't do stars or shit like that. I just really wouldn't recommend it or see it again. I was anxious to see just as much as the next. I think what gets me is why everyone loves it so much. Not to be conceited, but I consider myself a pretty good judge when it comes to movies. I'm in the business and I've been in it almost my entire life...in other words, I've been trained to know what to look for. To me, I start with the script. In general, I don't think bells and whistles make great entertainment, especially when it's used to distract rather than serve the story...a visual band-aid if you will. I'll take my homeboy Night over Rollie any day, any time, any place. Having not read the book, I can't compare the translation, but I can judge what they put on screen. The story wasn't engaging. I can call it mildly interesting. It was too obvious what was going to happen. It didn't surprise or twist or turn. The danger created was so overly and inexplicably extreme that it felt impending at all times, so you expect things to happen to the characters, not sit on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. It was an almalgom(sp) of a lot of other films with similar themes. I didn't like "V4V' either but thought they're script did a better job of creating a visual understanding of that government's opression and the state of that world. According to COM's timetable, The last baby would have to have been concieved in 2008/2009. In 2006, are we to believe, without explanation, that something catastrophic didn't occur to cause rampant infertilty? Did someone finally get one over on Jack Bauer or something? Tell me why? *SPOILER* When they presented the news story that the last baby had died, I immediately wondered what happened to make everyone infertile. **END SPOILER* Technically speaking, the film was well made. I didn't have a problem with what it looked like on screen. The direction was as good as the script allowed it to be. Nice camerawork, editing, score, etc. I just didn't care about the characters, and if you don't care about the people, what's the point? I would've appreciated a little more postulation to justify the extremity of the execution. It was just too much. Plus, I watched it right after I watched LETTERS, so maybe it was like breaking up with a really hot chick and not digging the rebound chick so much cause you were thinking about the hot girl. I dunno. PEACE!
Oscarbait-all due respect but.... by Capt. Miller	Dec 26th, 2006 04:39:21 PM
You kind of lost me at "I've been in the business....and I'm trained to know what to look for". Dude, you have credibility because you took the time to write how you feel about the movie. Don't resort to the "I'm in the business" crap. It's patronizing and frankly, in light of the current crop of movies, kind of works against you. I'm not in the business. But I love movies. And I have to say that this movie is pretty awesome. I can't believe that a studio made it. Not going to ruin anything for anyone but I thought the story took some crazy turns, not one of them predictable. Nor as lazy as those taken in THE DEPARTED. The ambiguity of the political landscape is, in my mind, an asset to the film. I think V4V suffered from its black and white depiction of good vs. evil. Oppressors vs. the oppressed. I read somewhere that Curaon watched BATTLE OF ALGIERS for inspiration. It shows. The world is grayer than ever. I think that the movie just wants you to know that the world is fucked up, and dangerous, and confused, and doomed, and that these few good people need to navigate it in order to survive and maybe in the process save us all. Now I can't even begin to comprehend how they shot some of those scenes. My brother-in-law is a pretty big DP (nominated but never won!) and he talked me through as much as he could figure out, and I still don't understand it. He thinks that this DP is the best in the world and that this is his best work. Maybe anyone's best work in his field. Kind of thought that was cool. I'm just glad that people are making these kinds of movies. Kubrick did. And his movies were similarly unconventional. But awesome.
Oscarbait-all due respect but.... by Capt. Miller	Dec 26th, 2006 04:39:25 PM
You kind of lost me at "I've been in the business....and I'm trained to know what to look for". Dude, you have credibility because you took the time to write how you feel about the movie. Don't resort to the "I'm in the business" crap. It's patronizing and frankly, in light of the current crop of movies, kind of works against you. I'm not in the business. But I love movies. And I have to say that this movie is pretty awesome. I can't believe that a studio made it. Not going to ruin anything for anyone but I thought the story took some crazy turns, not one of them predictable. Nor as lazy as those taken in THE DEPARTED. The ambiguity of the political landscape is, in my mind, an asset to the film. I think V4V suffered from its black and white depiction of good vs. evil. Oppressors vs. the oppressed. I read somewhere that Curaon watched BATTLE OF ALGIERS for inspiration. It shows. The world is grayer than ever. I think that the movie just wants you to know that the world is fucked up, and dangerous, and confused, and doomed, and that these few good people need to navigate it in order to survive and maybe in the process save us all. Now I can't even begin to comprehend how they shot some of those scenes. My brother-in-law is a pretty big DP (nominated but never won!) and he talked me through as much as he could figure out, and I still don't understand it. He thinks that this DP is the best in the world and that this is his best work. Maybe anyone's best work in his field. Kind of thought that was cool. I'm just glad that people are making these kinds of movies. Kubrick did. And his movies were similarly unconventional. But awesome.
Oscarbait-all due respect but.... by Capt. Miller	Dec 26th, 2006 04:39:25 PM
You kind of lost me at "I've been in the business....and I'm trained to know what to look for". Dude, you have credibility because you took the time to write how you feel about the movie. Don't resort to the "I'm in the business" crap. It's patronizing and frankly, in light of the current crop of movies, kind of works against you. I'm not in the business. But I love movies. And I have to say that this movie is pretty awesome. I can't believe that a studio made it. Not going to ruin anything for anyone but I thought the story took some crazy turns, not one of them predictable. Nor as lazy as those taken in THE DEPARTED. The ambiguity of the political landscape is, in my mind, an asset to the film. I think V4V suffered from its black and white depiction of good vs. evil. Oppressors vs. the oppressed. I read somewhere that Curaon watched BATTLE OF ALGIERS for inspiration. It shows. The world is grayer than ever. I think that the movie just wants you to know that the world is fucked up, and dangerous, and confused, and doomed, and that these few good people need to navigate it in order to survive and maybe in the process save us all. Now I can't even begin to comprehend how they shot some of those scenes. My brother-in-law is a pretty big DP (nominated but never won!) and he talked me through as much as he could figure out, and I still don't understand it. He thinks that this DP is the best in the world and that this is his best work. Maybe anyone's best work in his field. Kind of thought that was cool. I'm just glad that people are making these kinds of movies. Kubrick did. And his movies were similarly unconventional. But awesome.
Sorry about the triple post by Capt. Miller	Dec 26th, 2006 04:40:23 PM
whoops
oscarbait- I'll match you because I have the same creds by Lovecraftfan	Dec 26th, 2006 05:15:38 PM
I consider myself a good judge of films too and have also been in the buisness for a bit. I thought it was a moving film where I got the exact information I needed. You just have to look. Since the movie was not about the human race became infertile of course they didn't say that. The scritp was naturalistic and moving and had characters I liked. Different strokes for different people. But remembver other people here like me are also in the buisness and loved the film.
The Stand by imageburn13	Dec 26th, 2006 08:48:21 PM
Im surprised that no one drew parallels to "The Stand" yet. I am solidly convinced Curon used The Stand as reference material. Post-Apocalyptic earth? Check. Pregnant girl? Check. Waiting to see what happens when the birth occurs? Check. No clear reason as to why all this happened, nor no reason to research and explain why? Check. Story all told as if its plausible with minimal sci-fi influence? Check. The stand is required reading in my opinion, (not to mention absolutely harrowing), and Im dying to see this as I love these types of scenarios played out, but to anyone here whos read The Stand, what do you think?
Awesome film! by Zardoz	Dec 26th, 2006 09:28:13 PM
I saw it this afternoon and it's simply brilliant. It's visually stunning, profound, thought provoking, suspenseful, uplifting and heart-breaking at the same time. HIGHLY recommended. Just don't expect the feel-good film of the year. (although it was VERY funny at times, too. Anyone else catch the Pink Floyd "Animals" reference? I was busting a gut and people in the theater thought I was crazy...well, maybe I am!)
Capt Miller I presume... by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 08:51:42 AM
I wasn't trying to be an ass when I said I was in the business. It was neither an excuse, a crutch or me showing off and I certainly don't think that saying that ruins anyone's credibility or helps it. In fact, it was just part of an anecdote that I wrote to another talkbacker who asked to hear back from me. My point by saying that was that since I seem to be the only person who didn't think this movie was the second coming of 'Citizen Kane' like everyone else, that maybe I missed something as a movielover and a professional. Maybe not. This film is seriously flawed and the majority of folks don't see it or allowed themselves to look over what made it that way for the sake it being a 'studio art film'. To me, that is what is patronizing. If a cookie looked delicious, and smelled delicious, would you still eat and enjoy it if you knew they used poop instead of butter when they made it? Ponder that!
Sorry by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 09:50:41 AM
the cookie-poop reference was a little extreme.
50 best movies of the year??? by Spandau Belly	Dec 27th, 2006 09:59:50 AM
Huh? Are there that many good movies made each year? If I think back there are only maybe five that I'd really recommend and then another ten that I'd say are passable if you're just looking for something to watch. Either I have really high standards or I'm not seeing the right movies.
Another thing by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 10:03:09 AM
Kubrick didn't make films like this, with the exception of 'EWS'. He made films that said something; they had a perspective and supported it visually. This film just happens and I wasn't distracted by the bells and whistles of camera technique and execution. I thought it was cool when they shot the battle from inside the car too...but what does that say about the film that serves the story? That the characters are struggling from the inside to break out into a world that seeks to oppress them? BORING AND DONE BEFORE A MILLION TIMES! A filmmaker as talented as Cuaron is better than that. I just thought it all was too extreme to be believed. Suspension of disbelief is one thing, but a total abandonment of realism is left for michael bay films. This movie should have made me care about this immediate impending futuristic calamity, and I didn't. It was too much despair happening too quickly for my taste. And for the record...I'm a two time Emmy nominee, but never won. PEACE!
My Wish by Luscious.868	Dec 27th, 2006 10:35:56 AM
Is that Mexicans would become infertile and stop having babies that will grow up and sneak across the border to "do the jobs Americans won't do" when in reality there isn't a job an American won't do provide he or she is paid a decent wage.
oscarbait- Just because you didnt see it doesnt by Lovecraftfan	Dec 27th, 2006 11:34:46 AM
make us delusional or something. You weren't moved. You thought this film had nothing to say which I clealry disagree with. Yes it's well filmed but it's the lovely characters, great acting, and the inspiring message of hope. You didn't see that which is fine but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Also Eyes Wide Shut was a pretentious dissapointing bore from Kubrik that doesn't even come close to this or many other films.
This is my favourite film of 2006 by Klaus Herzog	Dec 27th, 2006 11:35:42 AM
Yep, I think it is that good. One of the most engaging movies I have ever seen, both on a physical and on an emotional level. Clive Owen is fantastic, as is Michael Cain, as always. Capone is right, this is indeed required viewing.
oscarbait - thanks for response... by Russman	Dec 27th, 2006 02:13:25 PM
but unfort. I gotta disagree with you. Too bad you didn't get your $11 worth. I know I did. I may even check it out again after I see The Fountain again.
your welcome by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 04:18:57 PM
but i saw it on dvd for free. Imagine if I paid to see it though...
I didn't like the movie...you did...SFW already! by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 04:21:47 PM
cliche or not...opinions are like mental defects, everybody's got one...myself included! When does the LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA talkback start so I can play offense for a change. Jeez!
Rotten Tomatoes 95%!!!!!!!! by Capt. Miller	Dec 27th, 2006 05:42:19 PM
This is the best reviewed movie of the year. It's at 95%.
I'm watching it again... by oscarbait	Dec 27th, 2006 09:41:35 PM
...and I still want to take the suicide kit into my bedroom. 5% MINORITY RULES!
I have said more than once in my life... by Jaka	Dec 28th, 2006 10:04:28 PM
...that our future really is Bladerunner and Asimov's Foundation books. While most people either don't get it, or they laugh at me, portions of this film made me feel exactly the same way. Definitely a MUST see!

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