Guide Note

Children of Men is a futuristic drama set against the grim backdrop of a United Kingdom gutted by war and violence. The year is 2027, and decades of unexplained infertility threaten the very existence of mankind. The UK is one of few countries left in the world that have not collapsed into total anarchy, and martial law has been put into effect to control the illegal immigrants who have fled to Britain from their home countries.

After "Baby Diego" (18-year-old and famed youngest person in the world) is murdered, a jaded former activist (Clive Owen) uses the news as an excuse to leave work for the day. Soon after, he is kidnapped and becomes unwillingly involved in smuggling the only pregnant woman in the country (who is also a refugee) to safety.

The film is noted for its cinematography, particularly for a number of very long, complex, single camera shot-style scenes.

Fast Facts

1. Director: Alfonso Cuaron
2. Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Claire-Hope Ashitey
3. Release Date: December 25, 2006
4. Run Time: 109 minutes
5. Rating: R
6. Budget: 80 million USD
7. 3 Academy Award nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Film Editing
8. Based on the 1992 novel by P.D. James