Oh yeah! This movie and The Knick shows what a great actor Clive Owen is. He is good at both performing raw but also at very technically demanding filmmaking. Directors must love directing him.
The cinematographer, Emanuel Lubezki was criminally overlooked for this at the Oscars. However, the Academy made up for it a few years later when he became the first cinematographer to win the Oscar 3 years in a row, for Gravity, Birdman and The Revenant, respectively. Edit: spelling
One of my favorite movies. And that scene carrying the baby out of the building… gets me everytime. Even now, no matter how cynical and apathetic I have become. This movie manages to reach that tiny hope that still excists. 10/10
The structure of the movie is incredible. Most movies have the loudest most violent scenes in the climax. Here, the climax is the most peaceful and compassionate sequence. Not even music. It's everything around it that's violent and loud. It's what we are without hope, and what we are with it. And that is a profoundly beautiful theme.
The "War scene weeping mother" part George noticed was in Sinhalese, the native language of Sri Lanka, where I'm from. If I recall correctly, they actually hired a pretty well known local movie/drama actress to play that part, which is why it comes across as visceral and believable even through the language barrier. Sri Lanka represent!
@@darkstar3116 Marika's my favorite character in the movie. I looked up the actress and she was in High Tension, one of my favorite French horror films.
The scene where the baby is crying and they are walking through all the people is one of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen on film. It still gives me goosebumps.
@@Vulcanerd maybe make it a patreon thing? I would def buy the patreon more if they did more unique things like that, maybe like a drinking game episode where they try and guess the movies they're describing but without saying the title or saying actors in it.
The scene of them going down the stairs is seriously one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen, almost like someone that came out of a renaissance painting
I always get super emotional watching the way everyone reacts to seeing the baby...the awe and emotion, the look of someone who had given up in the night and was suddenly being presented with the dawn. It's overwhelming.
It’s something else when you think this film was released in 2006. Both the vision of the future and the look/ technical aspects. It holds up in every way.
When Simone says “they did well to make the area look like the end of the world…” before George replied as a English man I thought “nah mate that’s just London for you…” 🤣🤷🏼♂️👌🏻
Such a great film. Glad you guys liked it so much. Sadly it bombed at the box office, but got a second life on DVD. The three amigos, Cuarón, Del Toro, and Iñárritu are three of the best directors out there.
So glad you guys did this one. The scene where all the fighting stops and the only thing left is the sound of the baby crying as people let them through gets me every time. Powerful scene.
The scene with 'Ruby Tuesday' is, to this day, one of the most quietly devastating moments I have ever seen in a film. I guess that's because it just simply and quietly observes humanity and compassion and allows humanity and compassion in a world that seems to often cruelly dismiss both This film feels terrifyingly relevant with every passing day
This was an incredibly shot film, and the type of sci-fi we hadn't been getting on the big screen of this quality at the time. This was a big ole hit with critics and those who saw it.
I remember when this film came out... I was working in a Blockbuster and this film was almost constantly unavailable because it was being rented so much. it's an astounding piece of cinematography throughout.
I can't tell you guys how wonderful it is to relive watching this movie for the first time through your reactions. It had this exact same impact on me - the sorrow, the awe, the full body goosebumps. It's so difficult to watch, but so powerful and memorable, and and lovingly made. Also one of my favourite examples of character growth in a film. Thank you for this one, you two are amazing. Keep up the great work.
Simone noticed the cats and dogs emphasis. That's one of the subtle things in this film that, without children anymore people turned to pets for their nurturing needs. You'll see ads for pet clothing, people pushing dogs around in baby buggies, etc. Just one of the cooler aspects of the movie that has tons of subtle things all through it.
I know George said this is not a movie you watch for fun or casually because it is an emotionally draining film, but I will say whenever I feel super depressed or down, I do turn to this movie because it’s about being able to find hope and beauty in the saddest and hopeless of circumstances. It is sad. But the sadness is rooted in something inherently good: all the people died to make sure this baby would be safe. In a world fueled by hostility and indifference, these souls take it upon themselves (indirectly, none of them wanted to be put in the positions they’re in but made their choices because it was the right thing to do). Simone’s heartbreaking but beautiful reaction to this film is on the point: it’s meant to evoke those feelings because it’s about confronting the worst realities of our contemporary world but persevering, as Theo transforms from a depressed apathetic person to a selfless courageous hero. That scene of the baby coming down the stairway is one of the most beautifully sad things I’ve ever seen-I always break down in tears because for those people this is the first hopeful thing they’ve ever seen, and they soon resume to killing each other because they’re doomed from being saved. Their fates are sealed. All they can do is acknowledge the miracle and hope the future is saved.
What impressed me most about that movie: It was a movie with an action-star, in an environment of constant death, violence and dispair. And the protagonist didn't use a weapon. Not once. That was surprising.
Children of Men is probably my most rewatched movie Even though it's heavy and disturbing, that glimmer of light in the darkness represented by the baby keeps bringing me back. And that scene where all the soldiers stop fighting as the baby cries is one of the most beautiful moments in cinema in my opinion
This is a massively under-appreciated film. Clive Owen knocked this out of the park. The whole cast is amazing. It's amazing to be part of a small group fighting to survive when all those factions are fighting. Until that moment when everything stops. What a film!
Definitely one of the greatest sci-fi films of this century, and beyond. Amazing direction and filmmaking, set design ... all of it. So glad you both finally got to see it. Watch the BTS on the making of the film, especially that scene all shot inside the car. They did the same thing recently in a scene in "The Last of Us' and it's such a great way to hold suspense and keep you in the scene.
lol Why is "they copied it" a bad thing when it comes to filmmaking? Sometimes, when a technique works well, it works well. There's no reason to be upset when it's "copied" elsewhere if it's used properly.
Every so often George and Simone will do a movie reaction to a movie I have never seen before. It's a great way to get introduced to movies I have missed that I need to see. This is one of those movies. Thanks, Cinebinge!
This movie is a masterpiece. I still remember seeing this in the theater like it was yesterday, I have never heard an auditorium full of people so quiet when the movie ended, everyone just walked out in shock at what they had just seen. Everyone knows Alfonso Cuaron now, but this was his first movie that I had seen. I also knew nothing about Firefly or Serenity at this point, so it was the first time I had seen Chiwetel Ejiofor and I was totally blown away by his performance. Sadly (or fortunately) back in 2006 we needed movies like this to remind us to have a sense of perspective, now all you have to do is turn on the local news.
Fun Fact: This is the first film Alfonso Cuaron directed after directing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Miriam in this film is played by Pam Ferris, the same actress who played Harry's Aunt Marge (whom he blows up)
Criminally underrated movie, and one of my favorite of all time. It's technically masterful, the symbolism carried out is poignant, the cinematography is on point, the acting is phenomenal, music is matching perfectly, the lore is profound. I wish it was recognized better as it deserved when it gone out. A. Cuaron and his team are really awesome.
Children of Men is one of my favorite movies, theres so much to talk about it, the fact the resistance were so against theo and then in that moment in the end they let him go and leave him be, even the guy with the glasses who was very against Theo during the discussion at their hideout, even he at the end having his legs blown off clings to Theos coat for help, wether he knew it was Theo or not and just wanted help, either way its so powerful. The way Mirian has so many layers to her character, she has this look of a "new age" woman, who would probably be enjoying her job at the Hospital and doing yoga and exploring religions and other cultures, but seems to of had this weight of the worlds problems dropped on her, the way she talks about working at the hospital and the fall of birth rates shows years of pain and feelings of not knowing what to do or how to help right on her face, she did all she could and still is trying to save just one baby, to bring one mother her child alive and well, and sadly she has to give her life to save the Mother and Child in the end. The way Theo seems like the reluctant tag along and Jennifer is the hero with the plan and all the contacts, and it's switched right on it's head, Theo is now the Reluctant Hero, with no plan and just a few friends to help them along the way. The way the movie shows humanity as a sea of hurt people abusing each other or being abused, and soldiers being evil and vile to anyone they deem lesser, and then in that same area are glimmers of hope and acts of true good people, wether it's safe passage through a warzone, or just simple foot wear, humanity is coming back, slowly. I could talk about this movie for hours.
Even more so, I'd say, after the Brexit/Trump swing towards selfish nationalism and then the pandemic. In 2006 this movie felt dystopian, now it just feels like the logical future we'll end up with if things don't change...
There were three fairly-long to long scenes that made this movie so amazing... The ping-pong/riot chase scene... The car-pushing/getaway scene at dawn... And the ending Military vs rebels/baby scene at the end. Such masterful film-making, cinematography, and lightning.
14:05 Fact: Theo is wearing an old, ragged "London 2012" sweater. The movie was shot in 2005, just shortly after it was announced that London would be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.
The DVD for this movie had a "behind the scenes" feature on that long single-shot scene with the car, showing the rig they used to get the shot, and how all the actors had to move to accomodate the camera. Amazing work. You should check it out if you can find it.
Children of Men is one of those movies that is just a raw gut punch of emotions. You just have to mention the title in a conversation and anyone that's seen it gives you the look of dread.
This is #1 most underrated movie that I ever stumbled across. It is probably in my top 10, at least 20-30 movies ever. And nobody has ever heard of it.
I was so blown away by the story, the characters and the technical prowess of this movie that I ended up watching it every single day for a week, I haven't done that with any movie. Even today, after having seen it at least 40 times I can put it on and enjoy it like I'm seeing it for the first time.
Yep, this is definitely on the all-time “that was extraordinary, I never want to watch it again” list. I remember seeing it when it came out and it amazed and devastated me, and even just seeing your short cuts brought it all back. This film is a masterpiece.
Went to see this at the cinema. 2 other people in the theatre. I feel so lucky to have seen this on the big screen. Clive Owen is a beast of an actor in this film and the direction is jaw dropping.
I'm lucky that I got to see it in a room of old friends getting stoned, watching it on on my DJ mate's projector/wall sheet and great sound set-up. When it got to the Strawberry Cough bit we all rolled up massive one to join in, so by the time the warzone scenes came around we felt like we were in it and got absolutely scared out of our wits! One of the best non-Cinema based film experiences I've ever had. We were just puddles of tears by the end weeping into anything soft we could get our hands on. Stunning movie, and just as impactful without the extra. 💖
This movie is a cinematic miracle. Not just for the story, but the sheer audacity of the shots they pulled off. Mr. Owen once discussed how he became closer to the cameraman than his fellow actors because they were like a band of brothers, running through those extended shots... he didn't want to screw up and make the guy have to lug that camera again.
Simply put ... one of the best sci-fiction movies ever made. I remember still thinking about this movie weeks after seeing it. It's definitely a film that makes a lasting impact.
You gotta see the "behind the scenes" on that one long take in the car. INSANE amount of movement off-camera; one of those scenes made for cinematographers to appreciate
As a Brit I'm ashamed to say that the there are still a lot of people here with nothing but absolute contempt for refugees and immigrants so this vision of a possible future is not a million miles away. This movie at the cinema was incredible. Did not expect such a roller-coaster ride
I think this was on HBO so much and I think more than one of my friends had this DVD, so literally it would be running in the background while we chilled out lol. I see and learn something different every time I watch it.
@@ddt6352 Underrated is definitely the wrong term, since everyone who has seen it seems to love it. However, the fact that so few people have seen it is a damn shame.
Fun fact: Much like baby Diego, I was also the youngest person in the world. Please, please, hold your applause. I have since relinquished that title, but those were good times. Also, the woman at the start that we all feel sorry for when she's screaming about being put in the cage? You stop feeling that way when you find out what she's saying is very racist.
0:24 "It _looks mysterious,_ the _poster."_ Indeed. I've seen this movie a few times. I've seen several posters for this movie. I've never seen _this_ one, though.
I forgot to comment this when the video first dropped but the scene where the soldier's stop firing when they hear the baby crying is I think the closest thing to capturing a miracle in fiction, or at least a movie, I've ever seen.
One of my all time favorite movies. It really stays with you. To me, pretty much everything about it is perfect - plot, characters, screenwriting, set-design, acting, makeup and wardrobe, camera-work, practical effects, cgi, color-grading, editing, audio (sound-design, recording, mixing, mastering) and soundtrack. Regarding the latter, I love the use of the factory and flying pig from Pink Floyd's "Animals" for the Ark. Also the inclusion of King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King" when they drive to the Ark. It fits so well - music, lyrics and cultural significance. It's probably not a movie you'd watch "for fun" when you're bored - but I think it deserves to be seen. Don't know anybody who's seen it and doesn't think it's a great movie - but it doesn't get quite the recognition it deserves.
Spielberg did a no-cuts, one take, in-car shot in War of the Worlds the year before this, but in this, it just adds so much tension and mood - you’re right there with the characters in real time. It’s amazing. It was also a very good call re. the similarities to Band of Brothers, especially at the end in the fugee camp. Damn, this movie, man… between this and V For Vendetta, we got two British dystopia movies in two years! I went to Bexhill about 10 years ago. It’s such a lovely little town on the south coast. Hard to imagine it becoming what it was in Children of Men, but as George says, nothing that happens in this movie feels fantastical or beyond reality. It feels all too real, and especially in the light of how politics have gone in the last few years.
Haven't seen this movie for a few years - gotta thank you guys for this re-visit - it is incredible in every aspect - a complete masterpiece of acting , direction and cinematography - always leaves me in tears !
One of my favorite movies! Coming out in 2006 it was very influential on 2000s/2010s films (eg the single take trend). Along with No Country For Old Men, it was one of the main inspirations behind The Last of Us. Besides the apocalyptic aesthetic, one can see parallels between Theo and Joel, Julian and Tess, Key and Ellie, Luke and Marlene, the Human Project and the Fireflies.
The tone in your ear you hear that she talks about in the beginning of the film is true. It has nothing to do with explosions though. The older you get, the more time you'll hear it. It last for a few seconds, you hear a tone that slowly fades out. Can happen at any time. When you hear it, it's the last time you can hear that specific frequency. This is why young people can have ringtones that older people can't hear, because the cells die in a fairly predictable order.
This whole movie is a series of gut punches, with a few glimmers of pure hope thrown in. One of my favourite things committed to film. Living in the UK under the current government, the scenes in London are so much closer to reality than I'm comfortable with. Anti-immigrant scapegoating is basically policy as this point. In other words, big oof.
@5:00 Yes, the ringing is the dying of ear cells. Usually it means the shrinking of the range of sound you can hear. Eventually you'll be able to hear less of the higher pitch sounds. For example, as a kid I was able to hear the high pitch of a TV, even when it didn't have anything showing (but on) now, not so much.
One of my all time favorite movies that I rewatch every year. Along with Jaws, Gandhi and The Right Stuff. The long shot near the end of the movie is legendary.
i saw this in theaters - and just remember sitting there afterwards for like ten minutes, processing it. have never seen a movie like it before or since.
Lubezki and Cuaron were nominated for Academy Awards as best Photography and Director respectively in 2006, they didn't won that year, but, they worked together again in Gravity (2013), this time they got the prize.
Thanks for reminding me what a powerful and well-made movie this is. Now go back to the beginning and listen to the reporting of the tragic (tragicomic?) demises of Baby Diego and his assailant. Maybe up to when Clive Owen asks for the rest of the day off. They really know how to pepper the apocalypse with grim humor.
19:01 George: "By the end it's purple monkey dishwater, something completely different. You know what I mean?" The phrase is "purple monkey dishwasher" so that is a meta joke on the whole concept, George. I grew to love George so much, that I'm going to say that this was a meta-commentary on the concept, instead of saying that he proves the whole concept by mis-remembering it.
I lived 5 minutes from a huge theatre complex thingy when I first moved out of my parents place. I mostly played big buck hunter rather than watch movies. I saw a trailer for Children Of Men and decided to see it because I thought it looked interesting. I was blown away by all of it. Instantly became a favourite of mine. I also saw The Prestige around the same time and I associate those movies with each other because I saw them so closely together (and they're both great). Friggggg those were the golden days. So young and dumb. Now I'm just older and fatter. If anyone wants to come watch cool movies with me, hit me up lolll
It's a privilege to watch this film. The artistry is almost beyond words. Clive Owen doesn't get enough recognition for the amazing actor he is.
He also helped write it a bit. You can tell from interviews he did for it, this was a project he was very passionate about.
Oh yeah! This movie and The Knick shows what a great actor Clive Owen is. He is good at both performing raw but also at very technically demanding filmmaking. Directors must love directing him.
Couldn’t agree more.
I knew when I saw Clive Owen as the lead in the Wing Commander: Privateer II cut-scenes that he was going to be an actor-to-look-out-for.
Privilege? OK overhype much.
The cinematographer, Emanuel Lubezki was criminally overlooked for this at the Oscars. However, the Academy made up for it a few years later when he became the first cinematographer to win the Oscar 3 years in a row, for Gravity, Birdman and The Revenant, respectively.
Edit: spelling
The photography of Gravity and The Remenant is beyond description of how good they are.
Ooh yes, lets get Birdman on this channel. George will love the high-concept "single" take.
Oscars are shit, thank god it is dying
It was result of a studio shakeup. The new executives at Universal at the time didn’t have faith in it and didn’t really support it.
@@carlossaraiva8213 gravity is okay pretty standard , the revenant is pretty good.
One of my favorite movies. And that scene carrying the baby out of the building… gets me everytime. Even now, no matter how cynical and apathetic I have become. This movie manages to reach that tiny hope that still excists.
10/10
The structure of the movie is incredible. Most movies have the loudest most violent scenes in the climax. Here, the climax is the most peaceful and compassionate sequence. Not even music. It's everything around it that's violent and loud.
It's what we are without hope, and what we are with it.
And that is a profoundly beautiful theme.
“I know about one scene, that it’s technically very impressive.” That’s basically every scene of this movie. ^^
Its crazy that that car scene is probably only the second best shot in the movie. The cinematography in this one is incredible. Second to none
The "War scene weeping mother" part George noticed was in Sinhalese, the native language of Sri Lanka, where I'm from. If I recall correctly, they actually hired a pretty well known local movie/drama actress to play that part, which is why it comes across as visceral and believable even through the language barrier. Sri Lanka represent!
Greeting to my Sri Lankan cousins from Portugal
@@darkstar3116 Marika's my favorite character in the movie. I looked up the actress and she was in High Tension, one of my favorite French horror films.
The scene where the baby is crying and they are walking through all the people is one of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen on film. It still gives me goosebumps.
Children of Men is a dystopian masterpiece, and a testament to Clive Owen's acting.
Hey, why not let Simone draw what she imagines when George is describing the movie posters, I think that could lead to some funny results!
I LOVE THAT IDEA LOL
Thats Polish 1984 movie Seksmisja .
@@Vulcanerd maybe make it a patreon thing? I would def buy the patreon more if they did more unique things like that, maybe like a drinking game episode where they try and guess the movies they're describing but without saying the title or saying actors in it.
The scene of them going down the stairs is seriously one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen, almost like someone that came out of a renaissance painting
It's a scene of the Biblical scale! So many parallels with Nativity. And I am not even religious.
@@fidenemini111 You’re so right, it’s almost like seeing Jesus coming back to earth or something, truly beautiful and moving
I always get super emotional watching the way everyone reacts to seeing the baby...the awe and emotion, the look of someone who had given up in the night and was suddenly being presented with the dawn. It's overwhelming.
It’s something else when you think this film was released in 2006. Both the vision of the future and the look/ technical aspects. It holds up in every way.
When Simone says “they did well to make the area look like the end of the world…” before George replied as a English man I thought “nah mate that’s just London for you…” 🤣🤷🏼♂️👌🏻
Such a great film. Glad you guys liked it so much. Sadly it bombed at the box office, but got a second life on DVD. The three amigos, Cuarón, Del Toro, and Iñárritu are three of the best directors out there.
One hundred percent
Del Toro and Cuaron wipe their feet with Iñarritu imho, he’s become very pretentious of late.
@@Vulcanerd Love my dvds & blurays too.
saw it on hbo at midnight. beautiful fucking film.
Mexico is the Hollywood of Latin America. They have always dominated the film industry there
The baby scene at the end of the film made me tear up for years whenever I’d rewatch this. It’s beautiful, powerful, and so damn well filmed.
So glad you guys did this one. The scene where all the fighting stops and the only thing left is the sound of the baby crying as people let them through gets me every time. Powerful scene.
Children of Men and Pan's Labyrinth are the 2 best films of 2006, miles beyond the field. Greatness, milestones of cinema.
The scene with 'Ruby Tuesday' is, to this day, one of the most quietly devastating moments I have ever seen in a film.
I guess that's because it just simply and quietly observes humanity and compassion and allows humanity and compassion in a world that seems to often cruelly dismiss both
This film feels terrifyingly relevant with every passing day
More than ever. 😢
In my mind, this and 'Shooting Dogs' go together, about the Rwandan genocide. Definite tonal similarity, documentary style.
YES! They watched "In Bruges"
Excellent
I don't see that video in their channel
@@bobbabai Probably will be posted to the patreon account soon. Then to the channel a week later
@@bobbabaiNo they just referenced it meaning it was one of the rando watches (lost on a couple polls)
I’d like to see them check out Banshees of Inisherin, since it’s a sequel of sorts. In another universe, lol..
This was an incredibly shot film, and the type of sci-fi we hadn't been getting on the big screen of this quality at the time. This was a big ole hit with critics and those who saw it.
I remember when this film came out... I was working in a Blockbuster and this film was almost constantly unavailable because it was being rented so much. it's an astounding piece of cinematography throughout.
I gave my daughter the biggest hug after watching this one. Truly an underrated gem. Great review y'all. 💯
I can't tell you guys how wonderful it is to relive watching this movie for the first time through your reactions. It had this exact same impact on me - the sorrow, the awe, the full body goosebumps. It's so difficult to watch, but so powerful and memorable, and and lovingly made. Also one of my favourite examples of character growth in a film. Thank you for this one, you two are amazing. Keep up the great work.
Simone noticed the cats and dogs emphasis. That's one of the subtle things in this film that, without children anymore people turned to pets for their nurturing needs. You'll see ads for pet clothing, people pushing dogs around in baby buggies, etc. Just one of the cooler aspects of the movie that has tons of subtle things all through it.
I know George said this is not a movie you watch for fun or casually because it is an emotionally draining film, but I will say whenever I feel super depressed or down, I do turn to this movie because it’s about being able to find hope and beauty in the saddest and hopeless of circumstances. It is sad. But the sadness is rooted in something inherently good: all the people died to make sure this baby would be safe. In a world fueled by hostility and indifference, these souls take it upon themselves (indirectly, none of them wanted to be put in the positions they’re in but made their choices because it was the right thing to do).
Simone’s heartbreaking but beautiful reaction to this film is on the point: it’s meant to evoke those feelings because it’s about confronting the worst realities of our contemporary world but persevering, as Theo transforms from a depressed apathetic person to a selfless courageous hero. That scene of the baby coming down the stairway is one of the most beautifully sad things I’ve ever seen-I always break down in tears because for those people this is the first hopeful thing they’ve ever seen, and they soon resume to killing each other because they’re doomed from being saved. Their fates are sealed. All they can do is acknowledge the miracle and hope the future is saved.
What impressed me most about that movie:
It was a movie with an action-star, in an environment of constant death, violence and dispair. And the protagonist didn't use a weapon. Not once.
That was surprising.
Astute observation!
@@MST3Killa Not a weapon. 😉
Children of Men is probably my most rewatched movie
Even though it's heavy and disturbing, that glimmer of light in the darkness represented by the baby keeps bringing me back.
And that scene where all the soldiers stop fighting as the baby cries is one of the most beautiful moments in cinema in my opinion
This is a massively under-appreciated film. Clive Owen knocked this out of the park. The whole cast is amazing. It's amazing to be part of a small group fighting to survive when all those factions are fighting. Until that moment when everything stops. What a film!
Definitely one of the greatest sci-fi films of this century, and beyond. Amazing direction and filmmaking, set design ... all of it. So glad you both finally got to see it. Watch the BTS on the making of the film, especially that scene all shot inside the car. They did the same thing recently in a scene in "The Last of Us' and it's such a great way to hold suspense and keep you in the scene.
No wonder since TLOU copies from everyone
@@wolfpredator1000 everybody copies everybody
@@gorgejung307 - Yeah, any kind of post-apocalyptic project now definitely almost has to have at least one thing that we've seen before.
lol Why is "they copied it" a bad thing when it comes to filmmaking? Sometimes, when a technique works well, it works well. There's no reason to be upset when it's "copied" elsewhere if it's used properly.
@@gorgejung307 Children of Men copied from no one, u liberal
Marichka is _seriously_ the unsung hero of this entire movie. She totally doesn’t get enough credit.
The camerawork in this movie is next level. Alfonso Cuaron is one of the best doing it right now.
The stairwell scene, when the fighting stops, is one of the most moving scenes I’ve ever seen. I wept when I first watched this movie.
This is one of the best films from the last 30 years, incredible in every way. I never thought I would see Sir Michael Caine smoking pot😂😂
I think about his character all the time tbh. Get high, listen to Radiohead, tell the cops to fuck off. Could do worse.
Every so often George and Simone will do a movie reaction to a movie I have never seen before. It's a great way to get introduced to movies I have missed that I need to see. This is one of those movies. Thanks, Cinebinge!
I really don't understand how people don't appreciate this movie. I have been a fan of this movie since it came out.
One of the greatest movies ever made, and not enough people know about it. A masterpiece.
The sound design of this movie on the big screen was incomprehensible. Absolutely breathtaking.
the scene when they're attacked in the car is one of my favorite scenes in film history.
so much great cinematography!
I am one of those people that watch this movie for "fun". An absolute masterpiece. I watch it at least twice a year.
The cinematography in this film is incredible. Btw, I loved that clip from George Carlin!
This movie is a masterpiece. I still remember seeing this in the theater like it was yesterday, I have never heard an auditorium full of people so quiet when the movie ended, everyone just walked out in shock at what they had just seen. Everyone knows Alfonso Cuaron now, but this was his first movie that I had seen. I also knew nothing about Firefly or Serenity at this point, so it was the first time I had seen Chiwetel Ejiofor and I was totally blown away by his performance. Sadly (or fortunately) back in 2006 we needed movies like this to remind us to have a sense of perspective, now all you have to do is turn on the local news.
Fun Fact: This is the first film Alfonso Cuaron directed after directing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Miriam in this film is played by Pam Ferris, the same actress who played Harry's Aunt Marge (whom he blows up)
you know when you've seen a great movie, you can feel it
Criminally underrated movie, and one of my favorite of all time. It's technically masterful, the symbolism carried out is poignant, the cinematography is on point, the acting is phenomenal, music is matching perfectly, the lore is profound.
I wish it was recognized better as it deserved when it gone out.
A. Cuaron and his team are really awesome.
Children of Men is one of my favorite movies, theres so much to talk about it, the fact the resistance were so against theo and then in that moment in the end they let him go and leave him be, even the guy with the glasses who was very against Theo during the discussion at their hideout, even he at the end having his legs blown off clings to Theos coat for help, wether he knew it was Theo or not and just wanted help, either way its so powerful.
The way Mirian has so many layers to her character, she has this look of a "new age" woman, who would probably be enjoying her job at the Hospital and doing yoga and exploring religions and other cultures, but seems to of had this weight of the worlds problems dropped on her, the way she talks about working at the hospital and the fall of birth rates shows years of pain and feelings of not knowing what to do or how to help right on her face, she did all she could and still is trying to save just one baby, to bring one mother her child alive and well, and sadly she has to give her life to save the Mother and Child in the end.
The way Theo seems like the reluctant tag along and Jennifer is the hero with the plan and all the contacts, and it's switched right on it's head, Theo is now the Reluctant Hero, with no plan and just a few friends to help them along the way. The way the movie shows humanity as a sea of hurt people abusing each other or being abused, and soldiers being evil and vile to anyone they deem lesser, and then in that same area are glimmers of hope and acts of true good people, wether it's safe passage through a warzone, or just simple foot wear, humanity is coming back, slowly.
I could talk about this movie for hours.
Saw this in a second run theater not knowing anything about it. That it still hits as hard in a reaction video as it did the first time is something.
This is one of the most underrated films ever. It is equally powerful in 2023 as it was in 2006.
Even more so, I'd say, after the Brexit/Trump swing towards selfish nationalism and then the pandemic. In 2006 this movie felt dystopian, now it just feels like the logical future we'll end up with if things don't change...
There were three fairly-long to long scenes that made this movie so amazing... The ping-pong/riot chase scene... The car-pushing/getaway scene at dawn... And the ending Military vs rebels/baby scene at the end. Such masterful film-making, cinematography, and lightning.
14:05 Fact: Theo is wearing an old, ragged "London 2012" sweater. The movie was shot in 2005, just shortly after it was announced that London would be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.
This movie is nearly perfect and most people have never heard of it. Thanks for doing it!
The DVD for this movie had a "behind the scenes" feature on that long single-shot scene with the car, showing the rig they used to get the shot, and how all the actors had to move to accomodate the camera. Amazing work. You should check it out if you can find it.
Children of Men is one of those movies that is just a raw gut punch of emotions. You just have to mention the title in a conversation and anyone that's seen it gives you the look of dread.
A gem of a film that has sadly disappeared into obscurity since it’s release. I remember seeing it on the big screen. A true ‘cinematic’ experience.
Simone is so on point when she mentions the kittens and puppies. Seriously.
Also, one day this will be seen as one of the greatest movies ever made.
This is #1 most underrated movie that I ever stumbled across. It is probably in my top 10, at least 20-30 movies ever. And nobody has ever heard of it.
This movie is like "Grave of the fireflies", they are both great movies to watch once.
This movie is so under rated and unseen. It is a masterpiece of cinematography and such a great premise for a movie executed perfectly
You can tell these two were blown away by their thumbnail- no silliness (which I usually love). Just two genuine reaction s
I was so blown away by the story, the characters and the technical prowess of this movie that I ended up watching it every single day for a week, I haven't done that with any movie. Even today, after having seen it at least 40 times I can put it on and enjoy it like I'm seeing it for the first time.
Yep, this is definitely on the all-time “that was extraordinary, I never want to watch it again” list. I remember seeing it when it came out and it amazed and devastated me, and even just seeing your short cuts brought it all back. This film is a masterpiece.
Always been shocked how under the radar this film was, its a genuine masterpiece and one of my favourite.
Went to see this at the cinema. 2 other people in the theatre. I feel so lucky to have seen this on the big screen. Clive Owen is a beast of an actor in this film and the direction is jaw dropping.
I'm lucky that I got to see it in a room of old friends getting stoned, watching it on on my DJ mate's projector/wall sheet and great sound set-up.
When it got to the Strawberry Cough bit we all rolled up massive one to join in, so by the time the warzone scenes came around we felt like we were in it and got absolutely scared out of our wits!
One of the best non-Cinema based film experiences I've ever had.
We were just puddles of tears by the end weeping into anything soft we could get our hands on.
Stunning movie, and just as impactful without the extra. 💖
This movie is a cinematic miracle. Not just for the story, but the sheer audacity of the shots they pulled off. Mr. Owen once discussed how he became closer to the cameraman than his fellow actors because they were like a band of brothers, running through those extended shots... he didn't want to screw up and make the guy have to lug that camera again.
Simply put ... one of the best sci-fiction movies ever made. I remember still thinking about this movie weeks after seeing it. It's definitely a film that makes a lasting impact.
You gotta see the "behind the scenes" on that one long take in the car. INSANE amount of movement off-camera; one of those scenes made for cinematographers to appreciate
As a Brit I'm ashamed to say that the there are still a lot of people here with nothing but absolute contempt for refugees and immigrants so this vision of a possible future is not a million miles away.
This movie at the cinema was incredible. Did not expect such a roller-coaster ride
I think this was on HBO so much and I think more than one of my friends had this DVD, so literally it would be running in the background while we chilled out lol. I see and learn something different every time I watch it.
I’m only on the intro but I’m so excited. This movie may be my favourite of all time.
This movie will always be criminally underrated. I truly love it, one of my all-time favorites.
@@ddt6352 Underrated is definitely the wrong term, since everyone who has seen it seems to love it. However, the fact that so few people have seen it is a damn shame.
The camera work in this 😲 The set design 👌 My goodness, this was amazing 👏
I never really cried in a movie but when hearing a baby crying caused a cease fire my eyes were sweating profusely.
It is a profoundingly moving film set in a world of utter despair. It deserved to be seen by more people.
Fun fact: Much like baby Diego, I was also the youngest person in the world. Please, please, hold your applause. I have since relinquished that title, but those were good times.
Also, the woman at the start that we all feel sorry for when she's screaming about being put in the cage? You stop feeling that way when you find out what she's saying is very racist.
0:24 "It _looks mysterious,_ the _poster."_
Indeed. I've seen this movie a few times. I've seen several posters for this movie. I've never seen _this_ one, though.
The Pink Floyd pig reference is very cool. That scene is actually set inside the building you see on the Pink Floyd album cover for “Animals”.
This is such a genuinely beautiful movie. The way it cuts away to show scenes happening around the characters is... yeah, it's a lot, in a good way.
I forgot to comment this when the video first dropped but the scene where the soldier's stop firing when they hear the baby crying is I think the closest thing to capturing a miracle in fiction, or at least a movie, I've ever seen.
Intellectually, I know but every time I see bits of this film, I realise that, emotionally, I'd forgotten how well-crafted this film is.
One of the best movies ever made, I just rewatched it again. It's still so eerily relevant!
One of my all time favorite movies. It really stays with you. To me, pretty much everything about it is perfect - plot, characters, screenwriting, set-design, acting, makeup and wardrobe, camera-work, practical effects, cgi, color-grading, editing, audio (sound-design, recording, mixing, mastering) and soundtrack.
Regarding the latter, I love the use of the factory and flying pig from Pink Floyd's "Animals" for the Ark. Also the inclusion of King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King" when they drive to the Ark. It fits so well - music, lyrics and cultural significance.
It's probably not a movie you'd watch "for fun" when you're bored - but I think it deserves to be seen. Don't know anybody who's seen it and doesn't think it's a great movie - but it doesn't get quite the recognition it deserves.
This is an absolute masterpiece of film making. So beautiful in its bleakness. One of my favorites.
The 'Zen music' Jasper puts on is (a slight remix of) Aphex Twin.
Spielberg did a no-cuts, one take, in-car shot in War of the Worlds the year before this, but in this, it just adds so much tension and mood - you’re right there with the characters in real time. It’s amazing. It was also a very good call re. the similarities to Band of Brothers, especially at the end in the fugee camp. Damn, this movie, man… between this and V For Vendetta, we got two British dystopia movies in two years!
I went to Bexhill about 10 years ago. It’s such a lovely little town on the south coast. Hard to imagine it becoming what it was in Children of Men, but as George says, nothing that happens in this movie feels fantastical or beyond reality. It feels all too real, and especially in the light of how politics have gone in the last few years.
Haven't seen this movie for a few years - gotta thank you guys for this re-visit - it is incredible in every aspect - a complete masterpiece of acting , direction and cinematography - always leaves me in tears !
One of my favorite movies! Coming out in 2006 it was very influential on 2000s/2010s films (eg the single take trend).
Along with No Country For Old Men, it was one of the main inspirations behind The Last of Us. Besides the apocalyptic aesthetic, one can see parallels between Theo and Joel, Julian and Tess, Key and Ellie, Luke and Marlene, the Human Project and the Fireflies.
The tone in your ear you hear that she talks about in the beginning of the film is true. It has nothing to do with explosions though. The older you get, the more time you'll hear it. It last for a few seconds, you hear a tone that slowly fades out. Can happen at any time. When you hear it, it's the last time you can hear that specific frequency. This is why young people can have ringtones that older people can't hear, because the cells die in a fairly predictable order.
This whole movie is a series of gut punches, with a few glimmers of pure hope thrown in. One of my favourite things committed to film.
Living in the UK under the current government, the scenes in London are so much closer to reality than I'm comfortable with. Anti-immigrant scapegoating is basically policy as this point.
In other words, big oof.
@5:00 Yes, the ringing is the dying of ear cells. Usually it means the shrinking of the range of sound you can hear. Eventually you'll be able to hear less of the higher pitch sounds. For example, as a kid I was able to hear the high pitch of a TV, even when it didn't have anything showing (but on) now, not so much.
I wish more reactors would watch this movie, so I check every couple of weeks. Thanks for the reaction!
One of my all time favorite movies that I rewatch every year. Along with Jaws, Gandhi and The Right Stuff. The long shot near the end of the movie is legendary.
i saw this in theaters - and just remember sitting there afterwards for like ten minutes, processing it. have never seen a movie like it before or since.
I remember seeing this the weekend it came out and it was amazing seeing it with a theater full of people.
Lubezki and Cuaron were nominated for Academy Awards as best Photography and Director respectively in 2006, they didn't won that year, but, they worked together again in Gravity (2013), this time they got the prize.
Now that we’ve seen blood on the lens, I feel like it’s time for a sneeze to remain on the lens. It’s the next step in our cinematic evolution.
And then what's next?
A dung in the lens?
Thanks for reminding me what a powerful and well-made movie this is.
Now go back to the beginning and listen to the reporting of the tragic (tragicomic?) demises of Baby Diego and his assailant. Maybe up to when Clive Owen asks for the rest of the day off. They really know how to pepper the apocalypse with grim humor.
This movie is a masterpiece. I wished I've had seen it in a movie theater
This video needs more views. This is one of my favorite movies of all time and it's also not well known for some reason.
When I saw this with my friend back in 06' we left the theater stunned and couldn't talk for like 3 hours afterwards - we were just blown away
One of the most underrated films of all time. The final sequence with the ceasefire is perfection.
19:01 George: "By the end it's purple monkey dishwater, something completely different. You know what I mean?"
The phrase is "purple monkey dishwasher" so that is a meta joke on the whole concept, George.
I grew to love George so much, that I'm going to say that this was a meta-commentary on the concept, instead of saying that he proves the whole concept by mis-remembering it.
"You know what I mean?"
..Wasn't said by George in the end of this sentence, he said it at the beginning.
I lived 5 minutes from a huge theatre complex thingy when I first moved out of my parents place. I mostly played big buck hunter rather than watch movies. I saw a trailer for Children Of Men and decided to see it because I thought it looked interesting. I was blown away by all of it. Instantly became a favourite of mine. I also saw The Prestige around the same time and I associate those movies with each other because I saw them so closely together (and they're both great). Friggggg those were the golden days. So young and dumb. Now I'm just older and fatter. If anyone wants to come watch cool movies with me, hit me up lolll