I LOVED THIS FILM! Would you guys like to live in a dystopian world?? I think it'd be badass >.> Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a Daredevil Episode on Friday and DARK Season 3 on Saturday. Enjoy the day!
Honestly Susan...we are getting pretty damn close to it. Hopefully it doesn’t reach that point but if it does, my camp is always open towards you guys haha
Would I like to live in a dystopian world? Sure. Then again, I always said that in a post-apocalyptic world (aka the zombie apocalypse), while my knowledge is vast, in reality I'd last about five minutes. I think the same is true for a dystopian world.
That’s also apparently delved into in the novel which this movie is based on. Pets in the world of Children of Men are treated as children in a world without them.
I’ve always thought people throw around the word “masterpiece” too much but this is a film that earns the title. I’ll never forget the first time watching it in theaters in 2006.
Same, i remember seeing this in theater back in highschool & even my freshmen young mind walked out of that thinking "Man that was a masterpiece i just watched".
I also thought that "instant classic" is a nonsense concept, but the moment I saw this movie I knew it's timeless and I don't need to wait and see how well it ages.
Clive Owen not receiving an Oscar nomination for this is an all time snub of epic proportions. Being in every scene, he quite literally carried the movie.
That scene towards the end when they're walking out of the building past the military guys? Even second hand through your video it still gives me chills.
@Meanie Panini I'm not so sure about that. Think about it, the soldiers are only humans; they're afraid because their world is collapsing and they try their best (from their point of view) to keep a little bit of control. But no matter what they do, they can't stop the slow, creeping apocalypse. Humanity isn't going out with a bang, in a big catastrophe, or even because of its own fault. It just kinda... fizzles out. At some point, the last human will die and our species will be extinct, and there's nothing anyone, especially those soldiers, can do about it. But it also takes long enough for that realization to really, unmistakably set in: They're part of the last of us. And that has been their reality for 18 years. Some might have come to terms with that, many probably haven't but they can't find any hope. And then suddenly, out of nowhere and in an environment where they least expect it, they hear cries they haven't heard in almost twenty years. And moments later, they see it: a baby. Something so pure and innocent, something that they thought they'd never see again. A symbol of hope, the proof that maybe not everything is lost after all. It's a world-changing event that none of them anticipated at all but all of them recognized as such the second they saw it. There was no plan for this because noone thought it would happen. I don't think anyone would not be completely stunned in that situation.
@Meanie Panini dude most of those soldiers haven't seen a baby since they were teenagers themselves, at most. it's not an "impossible" scene, it's a "miraculous" scene.
@@DerMoerpler I totally agree Tim. From the perspective of the men in the scene it was not only unexpected, but it showed that there was still hope for people who had lost it. It's an emotional scene realizing that these men could stop in the moment to have reverence for the first new life in twenty years. When they get attacked again and go back at it, they are jolted back to the status quo of war. And perhaps they thought to protect that new life they had just witnessed.
Most movies have the climax as the most intense part. Cuaron inverted that, and the climax of this movie is the most peaceful scene. The result is breathtaking. I've never seen anything like it.
This film is literally breathtaking. It's one of the few films that when I'm talking film with people and it comes up and they haven't seen it I give them the "you have to see this movie" look; I think it's an important piece of film that can be appreciated by anyone regardless of their background or interests.
Neil Drukmann has talked about Children of Men being basically the most important influence on The Last of Us series. You can really see it shine through. An all time great film, the fact they were filming it in 2006 makes it all the more impressive how they portray the refugee crisis, governments lapsing into authoritarianism, and how relevant it has become today. Subbed!
Thank you for the sub Joshua and more thankful for the knowledge you just dropped! I love the Last of Us so the fact they took inspiration from the film says it all. Absolutely loved this film!
@@JamesVSCinema Glad to be here. Highly recommend this short video essay on some of the film making if you're interested: th-cam.com/video/-woNlmVcdjc/w-d-xo.html
I had watched the film years ago but watching these scenes for the first time in years after playing The last of us that's all I could think of, so many similarities :D
I can see that for sure, as The Last Of Us draws on so many inspirations from Apocalyptic tales in Books and Films (The Road being another big inspiration as well, in regards to the Odyssey across a desolate landscape) It tells it well, mainly from the fantastic character writing on display with the relationship of Joel & Ellie (at least from the first game mainly) and the memorable supporting cast they come across in their adventure.
Alfonso Cauròn is a brilliant director, as proven by this film, Y Tù Mama Tambien, Gravity, Roma (for which he was also DP). The guy knows his stuff, for sure. And Emmanuel Lubezki is just a titan of a DP. Gravity, Birdman, and then The Revenant leadings to three consecutive Oscars. The talent is just unreal.
100% agreed! Such incredible levels of talent but even more so creativity in story-telling. Thanks for commenting Brandon and hope you’re having a chill day brotha.
I finally saw Y Tu Mama Tambien last year and I loved it. What I didn’t expect was how the story of Mexico itself was as much of a plot as the road trip was.
People who aren’t real fans of the cinematic arts could pass this by easily.. but those of us who are fans love it. There’s nothing that looks and feels like this movie. The cinematography, cast, acting, set design and pacing all work together spectacularly, and I love when films constantly hold longer takes. A unique gem
The part of them taking the baby past the soldiers is powerful. One of them even kneels doing a catholic hail Mary hand movement and staring at the baby in shock and amazement. I love it so much.
This is one of those movies that really sticks with you once you've seen. It's a true masterpiece of moviemaking on every level.. and yet it's not really well known to the wider audiences.
the dvd extras are really worth watching, including a mini documentary by the director. I love this movie and thank you for sharing your first viewing.
Alfonso Cuarón is a master of his work. He's very respected in México, brilliant artist and filmmaker. Emmanuel Lubezki is also a genius cinematographer, they are the perfect duo. You should definitely watch the behind the scenes, that long take in the car is legendary.
This is one of my favorite films of all time. It really is one of a kind, I don't think i've ever seen anything like it. Even though i'm not a filmmaker or much of a writer, I still found myself so inspired by it, especially technically and visually. I feel like it's really underrated. Thank you for reacting!
Agreed!! I think that’s great when a piece of art can transcend it’s boundaries and still touch the audience and inspire them. That’s really awesome to hear! Glad you enjoyed it Beka!
Love this movie! Same cinematographer as The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki), which you should definitely watch if you haven't yet! And great reaction as always!
AH I KNEW IT! Hahaha was wondering why I loved this style of cinematography so much. That answers it! Hahaha. I think I made a comparison in the uncut version without knowing haha! Thanks my friend!
Animals like him because despite the nihilistic tone the movie is telling us that there is a god. The animals understand this subconsciously and are helping him move along. That's why the gunman tells him "they like you. They don't like anybody." in that one scene and it's also why the kitten is clawing at his leg a few scenes later.
Back in 2006, I worked in a movie theatre, and myself and a bunch of other employees went to an employee-only midnight screening of this movie. Great memory of watching this awesome film!
idk if you noticed the ads for Quietus in the movie, it’s assisted suicide. the scene w the huge art sculpture(s) cud just have been representation of one person’s avenue for dealing with this mortality dilemma. w/o children theres no future and no one to remember us and no meaning, that guy just looked to art for meaning. also hope you noticed how the main dude theo is barefoot for so much of the movie, perhaps representing how ill-suited he is for the responsibility given to him, also similar maybe to how some people go on religious missions while barefoot
Probably already mentioned, this is an adaption of the 1992 dystopian science fiction novel "The Children of Men" by British author P.D. James (perhaps better known for her detective novels featuring Adam Dalgliesh). It's very unique, and has some similarities to "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, which was published in 1985.
I saw this film in the movie theater. It's hard to believe that this movie wasn't a blockbuster hit film. The studio has to shoulder the blame for not properly promoting this movie.
I think the first step in becoming a filmmaker who can move others emotionally is the capacity to be moved yourself. You obviously have that. It helps to be humble. Gaining humility from being humbled grants you empathy. Remember the words of the man who was illiterate yet created the concept of academy, "The wise man knows he is not wise."
Clive Owen is just incredible in this film - I don't think the other elements, as brilliant as they are, would have worked without the power of his performance.
@@JamesVSCinema how so very true try this one tears of the sun Bruce Willis many scenes in that film where and have etched in to my mind but the best one hand's down is when the navy seal team went threw the village.
When I was 15 I saw the book in my hometown library and was intrigued but never read it. 10 years later Children of Men became my favourite movie of all time. As a film student I was amazed by the cinematography, Clive Owen's acting and the world building.. And the whole tank / battle scene in the end, it renders me speechless up to this day. Similar to that is the first debris-hit scene in "Gravity" (another brilliant Cuaron production).
I love this movie, and I agree, the way they kind of follow the characters while also letting the camera wander off onto the scenery is absolutely beautiful. That scene when they're attacked in the car with julia still sticks with me today. that scene was amazingly well filmed, as with most of the movie. I'll admit I had to watch it more than once before I understood all the factions at play and each of their different motives, but it was worth it.
I saw this movie for the first time when I was 12, it was downloaded on my uncle's computer and there is just something about it, the actors' emotions and the environment, the camera work, and the story. This is like a brilliant work of art that sticks within your soul once you see it fully.
Great reviews man. You review a lot of my favorite films and your excitement is palpable. Kinda makes me feel like I'm watching them again for the first time. Great stuff.
This is one of my all time favorite film. I love movies where the scenery and backround tell you whats happening in the world. SIgns is also like that. great reaction.
Watched this one on a whim as a feature for my and my buddy's double date night with our girlfriends and god we could not have possibly picked a less fitting movie for the occasion. Absolutely brilliant and a masterclass of cinematography, but also probably the most bleak, depressing, and harrowing movie watching experience I've ever had.
That sequence later in the film where there is blood on the camera was painstakingly done with special effects. I remember reading back when the movie came out that it was an incredibly difficult shot to create for that reason, never mind everything else going on. That the blood appears and then later disappears in the very same shot is really cool and often goes unnoticed.
That’s really interesting! Yeah I was such a neat effect they added in there to help deepen the immersion. Not a lot of people would take that extra step but I’m glad that they did! Thanks for commenting and sharing this!
Ive heard the blood on the camera was a accident on the 3rd take of trying to get the combat scene, the DP was gonna call cut but kept it in, and they digitally removed it slowly so people wouldnt notice.
I've watched hundreds of films... maybe thousands... and this would DEFINITELY rank in the TOP 10 films I've ever seen. Another film that rivals this... is the early Fritz Lang classic "M." He's the brilliant director of "Metropolis" (another incredible film), but "M" is not talked about enough. Perhaps because of the very tough subject matter... but it is one of the most important films in cinematography history. So many brilliant shots that look like paintings. In glorious black and white. Lang even used criminals in Germany when shooting some scenes for authenticity. It's a MUST WATCH film. I just subscribed to you fantastic channel and I'm going through your excellent reactions. Great stuff! Happy New Year!
The fact that this movie is from 2006 still blows my mind. Watching it back then as a kid I was mesmerized, and in 2020 it still holds up as if it were filmed this year.
One of my favorite movies of all time. It is such a human story and the acting in it is incredible. It seriously is able to completely pull at your emotions in every direction.
Subscribed before you even started the movie. Could get a sense that you genuinely try to be genuine. Good things man, looking forward to see what you do and where you go.
That really means a lot to me Paul! Man thank you. I created this channel in hopes of just coming across as genuine haha. I’m a regular dude! Happy to have people like you in the community brother.
Lubezki (the cinematographer) won 3 consecutive cinematography Oscars (for Gravity, Revenant, Birdman). He was also director of photography in the Tree of Life (dir. by Terrence Malick). Alfonso Cuarón (this film's director) has also directed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (which is the most cinematic in the HP series), Gravity and Roma. He won the best director Oscar for the last two. In Roma, his most personal film (a mexican black & white film inspired from his childhood memories), he decided to be also the DoP himself and he won a cinematography Oscar for this.
This is awesome. Thank you for sharing this! Happy to see such phenomenal people such as those win such incredible and well deserved awards. Their work is truly inspiring!
A very late comment on the scene with the statue of David you mentioned. The man says, "Couldn't save La Pieta. Smashed up before we got there." La Pieta, Michelangelo's carving of Mary mourning over the corpse of her child, is gone with hardly a mention but this dude saved the literal big d*** energy of David. The statue depicts David readying himself for battle against Goliath, tying into the movie's themes of violence. Then compare the final shot of Theo slumped over in the boat to Jesus in La Pieta, having sacrificed himself to save the world.
The lads who were behind writing this were heavily involved in The Expanse tv series, they do such a good job with world building through as you said, the little details. If you are looking for a TV series to do in the future I highly recomend the Expanse
@@theConquerersMama The expanse Authors were also involved on the TV show. On the show though the visuals and everything feels very lived in as well. They did a great job bringing it to the screen
That’s so awesome to hear Aimee! Happy you dug the video! Yes this film is incredible, a favorite of mine so far out of all the videos I’ve watched on TH-cam!
ANOTHER fantastic movie that took me completely by surprise. You should look up how that scene was filmed with them in the car and how the camera moves around with no cuts. Absolutely brilliant.
This movie is why Clive Owen is one of my favorite actors. And I attribute it's low imdb score to the tone of the movie being so down so much of the time
Im not ready to say this is the best movie ever made IMO, but its definetly the best shot movie ever made IMO. Its just great. Everyone who hasnt seen it have missed out. I saw it for the first time in 2010 I beleive and its been one of my favorites ever since.
Fun fact, jasper briefly talks about a flu pandemic in 2009 that theo's son died from, then he mentions another pandemic that happened in 2020. Its very brief.
I have seen this film more times than I can remember and each time the staircase scene still evokes emotion in me. I also notice a new underlying theme everytime I watch. Such as using the cats during calm, safe moments. The dogs during tense, dangerous times. And Theo not being able to finish a cigarette or a drink, culminating at the end with him sacrificing his last drink to clean his hands and help Kee. I had never really thought of the propaganda side that much, but you pointed out that the news was always on... the proganda machine at work. It is such a master piece of a film and I really enjoyed your reaction. I also think the "documentary" style of the camera taking us into the world and telling us more about it was very clever. And the world building is great, if you watch it again look at the adverts on the sides of the busses and on the billboards!
The TVs always being on gave me Nineteen Eighty-Four vibes: The telescreens in that universe can have their volumes lowered but never muted and they can definitely never be turned off.
I, to this day, still think this is the best movie ever made. Everytime I watch, there's something new I discover. Anyone one have an ultimate favorite to recommend?
Well I hear this film was inspired by 1985's "come and see" in it's realistic style and it's supposed to be incredible but I haven't seen it, I recommend it if someone like's children of men, supposed to be brutal as hell though.
Thank you brotha! Just check today too and I’m incredible pumped. What an awesome journey this is going to be, happy to have everyone in the community along for the ride!
That long take shot in the car blows my mind every single time I watch it and I've seen it probably a hundred times. I seriously do not understand to this day how they pulled that off
One of the best films to come out in the oughts. You’ve said everything that needs to be about Alfonso Cuaron. He’s been on my radar since The Prisoner of Azkaban. You grasp the best standing of composition and in frame shooting. You want to see another amazing film he shot, please take a look at ROMA. A film he made for Netflix. It had a theatrical run and I saw it on the big screen. A wistful and dreamy take on Mexico we never see. The director’s own youth and growing up in the turbulent past. Amazing on every level.
My favorite thing about this movie is their reaction to the ambiguity of the ending. Some people demand answers and that’s the beauty is you have to imagine what happens.
I always thought the sound of playing children after the blackout strongly suggests they were successful and humanity was able to carry on. But that's just an interpretation.
One of my favourites! I love this movie! Some more recommendations for you: Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, L.A. Confidential, Eastern Promises, Arrival.
I had a feeling you’d really dig it. Love this film. A masterpiece IMO. This film gets slept on a lot. It doesn’t get enough recognition. So many memorable scenes. What was your favorite scene (I know this is probably a hard question)? And what aspect of the film impressed you the most? You should check out all of Alfonso Cuaron’s films. Keep up the good work, bro. Truly enjoy watching your videos, especially since you genuinely give a shit about cinema.
Hahaha thank you for the kind words man! Yes, cinema is quite literally a savior in my eyes when it comes to what role it has played in my life! I’d say the most interesting part was definitely war scene..I was blown away by how REAL it was. Like..Private Ryan real. It took me a minute to pick my jaw off the ground because I was so enraptured by it. Definitely my favorite sequence!
Maybe he thinks it's fun. One can only hope that he follows the logic "when the fun STOPS. You stop." ... and he goes back to proper acting I think the odds of that happening are 3 - 2
This is one of the best films ever made, and no one even knows it exists. Another couple of great ones that are unappreciated are Dead Man's Shoes and The Rover.
Dystopian feeling... I'm in the Uk and I grew up in Liverpool in the the 70's, every winter looked like that 🙏 😂 three buses to work, first connection at 5:30 am for an 8am start! Ah the good old days. Nostalgia aside this is one forgotten and highly underrated movie... thanks for giving it the light of day and for your opinions on the beautiful craft of story telling and film making
It's one of my favorite films and, I personally feel, is the most powerful film I've seen. There's just so much in it and that fighting stand still scene... nothing like it.
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I LOVED THIS FILM! Would you guys like to live in a dystopian world?? I think it'd be badass >.>
Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
Have a Daredevil Episode on Friday and DARK Season 3 on Saturday. Enjoy the day!
James VS Cinema I grew up in the 70’s. It feels like we’re in a dystopian world right now, if I’m bein honest..
Honestly Susan...we are getting pretty damn close to it. Hopefully it doesn’t reach that point but if it does, my camp is always open towards you guys haha
bro, we are.
Would I like to live in a dystopian world? Sure. Then again, I always said that in a post-apocalyptic world (aka the zombie apocalypse), while my knowledge is vast, in reality I'd last about five minutes. I think the same is true for a dystopian world.
late comment, some good sci-fi movies:
1. 12 Monkeys (bruce willis) (1995)
2. Deja Vu (danzel washingston) (2006)
3. Butterfly Effect (2004)
4. Minority Report (tom cruise) (2002)
There are pets in so many scenes because the populace is using pets as surrogate children. Showing instead of telling.
Ah that’s really cool! Thanks for that!
That Happens Right Now, Just Look Older People With Pets.
That’s also apparently delved into in the novel which this movie is based on. Pets in the world of Children of Men are treated as children in a world without them.
@@heriksalvadorianreacts6646 Older? You mean young people too.
I also looked it as nature winning out and taking back what we took from it.
I’ve always thought people throw around the word “masterpiece” too much but this is a film that earns the title. I’ll never forget the first time watching it in theaters in 2006.
Same, the book is also dope too
Same, i remember seeing this in theater back in highschool & even my freshmen young mind walked out of that thinking "Man that was a masterpiece i just watched".
I also thought that "instant classic" is a nonsense concept, but the moment I saw this movie I knew it's timeless and I don't need to wait and see how well it ages.
My wife and I left the theater stooped over, exhausted. That movie kicked our butts.
Clive Owen not receiving an Oscar nomination for this is an all time snub of epic proportions. Being in every scene, he quite literally carried the movie.
That scene towards the end when they're walking out of the building past the military guys? Even second hand through your video it still gives me chills.
@Meanie Panini I'm not so sure about that. Think about it, the soldiers are only humans; they're afraid because their world is collapsing and they try their best (from their point of view) to keep a little bit of control. But no matter what they do, they can't stop the slow, creeping apocalypse. Humanity isn't going out with a bang, in a big catastrophe, or even because of its own fault. It just kinda... fizzles out. At some point, the last human will die and our species will be extinct, and there's nothing anyone, especially those soldiers, can do about it. But it also takes long enough for that realization to really, unmistakably set in: They're part of the last of us. And that has been their reality for 18 years. Some might have come to terms with that, many probably haven't but they can't find any hope. And then suddenly, out of nowhere and in an environment where they least expect it, they hear cries they haven't heard in almost twenty years. And moments later, they see it: a baby. Something so pure and innocent, something that they thought they'd never see again. A symbol of hope, the proof that maybe not everything is lost after all. It's a world-changing event that none of them anticipated at all but all of them recognized as such the second they saw it. There was no plan for this because noone thought it would happen. I don't think anyone would not be completely stunned in that situation.
So powerful. Tear up everytime
@Meanie Panini dude most of those soldiers haven't seen a baby since they were teenagers themselves, at most. it's not an "impossible" scene, it's a "miraculous" scene.
@@DerMoerpler I totally agree Tim. From the perspective of the men in the scene it was not only unexpected, but it showed that there was still hope for people who had lost it. It's an emotional scene realizing that these men could stop in the moment to have reverence for the first new life in twenty years. When they get attacked again and go back at it, they are jolted back to the status quo of war. And perhaps they thought to protect that new life they had just witnessed.
Most movies have the climax as the most intense part. Cuaron inverted that, and the climax of this movie is the most peaceful scene. The result is breathtaking. I've never seen anything like it.
This film is literally breathtaking. It's one of the few films that when I'm talking film with people and it comes up and they haven't seen it I give them the "you have to see this movie" look; I think it's an important piece of film that can be appreciated by anyone regardless of their background or interests.
Agreed I believe it’s most definitely timeless especially with the themes in this film!
One of the few perfect movies I can think of. Lubezki is God.
I agree! Honestly still feeling the effects from this movie and it’s been a couple days now. It’s truly incredible. Thanks for commenting Jan!!
Lubezki is my only God
Big facts
Put some respek to Alfonso Cuaron too
Neil Drukmann has talked about Children of Men being basically the most important influence on The Last of Us series. You can really see it shine through. An all time great film, the fact they were filming it in 2006 makes it all the more impressive how they portray the refugee crisis, governments lapsing into authoritarianism, and how relevant it has become today. Subbed!
Thank you for the sub Joshua and more thankful for the knowledge you just dropped! I love the Last of Us so the fact they took inspiration from the film says it all. Absolutely loved this film!
@@JamesVSCinema Glad to be here. Highly recommend this short video essay on some of the film making if you're interested: th-cam.com/video/-woNlmVcdjc/w-d-xo.html
I had watched the film years ago but watching these scenes for the first time in years after playing The last of us that's all I could think of, so many similarities :D
I can see that for sure, as The Last Of Us draws on so many inspirations from Apocalyptic tales in Books and Films (The Road being another big inspiration as well, in regards to the Odyssey across a desolate landscape) It tells it well, mainly from the fantastic character writing on display with the relationship of Joel & Ellie (at least from the first game mainly) and the memorable supporting cast they come across in their adventure.
@@theprowler18 The Road is just a brilliant film, on the personal level it destroys you. Children of Men wrecks you every effing time
A very underrated movie, it needs to be recognized, in my opinion, as one of the best movies of the 2000s.
Most definitely!
Alfonso Cauròn is a brilliant director, as proven by this film, Y Tù Mama Tambien, Gravity, Roma (for which he was also DP). The guy knows his stuff, for sure. And Emmanuel Lubezki is just a titan of a DP. Gravity, Birdman, and then The Revenant leadings to three consecutive Oscars. The talent is just unreal.
100% agreed! Such incredible levels of talent but even more so creativity in story-telling. Thanks for commenting Brandon and hope you’re having a chill day brotha.
Also did that Harry Potter movie
was lucky enough to see Gravity in imax......dear God, it was some kind of experience
Shows you the strength of Emmanuel Lubezki’s CV when you haven’t even mentioned in my opinion his magnum opus The Tree of Life
I finally saw Y Tu Mama Tambien last year and I loved it. What I didn’t expect was how the story of Mexico itself was as much of a plot as the road trip was.
We are finally here. Best sci-fi film of the last 25 years imo
Honestly I can’t argue with that! Hahaha
Arrival too, both masterpieces
Will put Interstellar first and this one as a really close second.
@@vic7939 I'm not mad at that. To me, you're not wrong if you have Interstellar, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 or Children of Men in your your top 2
@@keiferwynn7563 I don't know if The Road qualifies as sci-fi but I would have it in that list.
People who aren’t real fans of the cinematic arts could pass this by easily.. but those of us who are fans love it. There’s nothing that looks and feels like this movie. The cinematography, cast, acting, set design and pacing all work together spectacularly, and I love when films constantly hold longer takes.
A unique gem
It's a perfect movie, like damn how did they pull this off
A whole lotta creativity and passion. With a little bit of crazy haha. Yeah definitely my favorite watch so far!
The part of them taking the baby past the soldiers is powerful. One of them even kneels doing a catholic hail Mary hand movement and staring at the baby in shock and amazement. I love it so much.
This is one of those movies that really sticks with you once you've seen. It's a true masterpiece of moviemaking on every level.. and yet it's not really well known to the wider audiences.
the dvd extras are really worth watching, including a mini documentary by the director. I love this movie and thank you for sharing your first viewing.
Check The Road with Vigo Mortensen.
oooo this, chilling film
Definitely only need to watch that movie once
Depressing as hell but great film not that this wasnt depressing lol
Oh God, that one is so amazing yet disturbing too for me.
A lot of religious imagery in this film. Strong parallels to the Christ story.
Also, fun fact: first time Michael Caine has ever farted on camera!
Wat?
Alfonso Cuarón is a master of his work. He's very respected in México, brilliant artist and filmmaker. Emmanuel Lubezki is also a genius cinematographer, they are the perfect duo.
You should definitely watch the behind the scenes, that long take in the car is legendary.
I actually have and man..what creative individuals they had on this team!
This is one of my favorite films of all time. It really is one of a kind, I don't think i've ever seen anything like it. Even though i'm not a filmmaker or much of a writer, I still found myself so inspired by it, especially technically and visually. I feel like it's really underrated. Thank you for reacting!
Agreed!! I think that’s great when a piece of art can transcend it’s boundaries and still touch the audience and inspire them. That’s really awesome to hear! Glad you enjoyed it Beka!
An absolute masterpiece!! Watched this with my film class in high school and haven't been the same since.
That’s awesome they showed this film to you. I loved it! Beautiful art honestly! At least in my opinion. Thanks for commenting Adrian!!
Love this movie! Same cinematographer as The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki), which you should definitely watch if you haven't yet!
And great reaction as always!
AH I KNEW IT! Hahaha was wondering why I loved this style of cinematography so much. That answers it! Hahaha. I think I made a comparison in the uncut version without knowing haha! Thanks my friend!
This is a film that gets better the more times you watch it. Which is rare.
Animals like him because despite the nihilistic tone the movie is telling us that there is a god. The animals understand this subconsciously and are helping him move along. That's why the gunman tells him "they like you. They don't like anybody." in that one scene and it's also why the kitten is clawing at his leg a few scenes later.
James: I’m glad he’s not dead, that would’ve been messed up
Alfonso Cuaron: 😳😬
just found your channel and damn am i loving how much youre loving the shots and acting and set design, really refreshing, keep it up!
Ay that’s awesome to hear! I’m glad I’m able to give a new insight on some of these reactions! Cheers to you my friend!
Back in 2006, I worked in a movie theatre, and myself and a bunch of other employees went to an employee-only midnight screening of this movie. Great memory of watching this awesome film!
idk if you noticed the ads for Quietus in the movie, it’s assisted suicide. the scene w the huge art sculpture(s) cud just have been representation of one person’s avenue for dealing with this mortality dilemma. w/o children theres no future and no one to remember us and no meaning, that guy just looked to art for meaning. also hope you noticed how the main dude theo is barefoot for so much of the movie, perhaps representing how ill-suited he is for the responsibility given to him, also similar maybe to how some people go on religious missions while barefoot
Probably already mentioned, this is an adaption of the 1992 dystopian science fiction novel "The Children of Men" by British author P.D. James (perhaps better known for her detective novels featuring Adam Dalgliesh). It's very unique, and has some similarities to "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, which was published in 1985.
No shame in saying this is my favourite film. Just, otherworldly...
One of the best movies lately, and great hair style still brother
My brother! Quick with the support! Hahaha that’s love man and thank you! This movie was badass!
You know it I love your reactions bro
That ceasefire scene always makes me cry. So damn powerful and with so little dialogue! Now THAT is masterful filmmaking.
I saw this film in the movie theater. It's hard to believe that this movie wasn't a blockbuster hit film. The studio has to shoulder the blame for not properly promoting this movie.
We weren't ready!!! 2040 it will make since!
Alfonso Cuarón is the man. This is one of the few movies I've seen where I was so hyped and it still overdelivered.
I think the first step in becoming a filmmaker who can move others emotionally
is the capacity to be moved yourself. You obviously have that.
It helps to be humble. Gaining humility from being humbled grants you empathy.
Remember the words of the man who was illiterate yet created the concept of
academy, "The wise man knows he is not wise."
Clive Owen is just incredible in this film - I don't think the other elements, as brilliant as they are, would have worked without the power of his performance.
If you like him in this, check out "The Knick". It's incredible, even with just 2 seasons.
The single best scene is when they all stopped shooting and killing each other for a glimpse of what each and everyone of theme used to children.
What a powerful moment, I can’t imagine what this must’ve felt like on set. This was art.
@@JamesVSCinema how so very true try this one tears of the sun Bruce Willis many scenes in that film where and have etched in to my mind but the best one hand's down is when the navy seal team went threw the village.
When I was 15 I saw the book in my hometown library and was intrigued but never read it. 10 years later Children of Men became my favourite movie of all time. As a film student I was amazed by the cinematography, Clive Owen's acting and the world building.. And the whole tank / battle scene in the end, it renders me speechless up to this day. Similar to that is the first debris-hit scene in "Gravity" (another brilliant Cuaron production).
I love this movie, and I agree, the way they kind of follow the characters while also letting the camera wander off onto the scenery is absolutely beautiful. That scene when they're attacked in the car with julia still sticks with me today. that scene was amazingly well filmed, as with most of the movie. I'll admit I had to watch it more than once before I understood all the factions at play and each of their different motives, but it was worth it.
I saw this movie for the first time when I was 12, it was downloaded on my uncle's computer and there is just something about it, the actors' emotions and the environment, the camera work, and the story. This is like a brilliant work of art that sticks within your soul once you see it fully.
Great reviews man. You review a lot of my favorite films and your excitement is palpable. Kinda makes me feel like I'm watching them again for the first time. Great stuff.
Happy to hear that Joel!
Just saw this for the first time yesterday. I was blown Away by the camera work And the cinematography
This is one of my all time favorite film. I love movies where the scenery and backround tell you whats happening in the world. SIgns is also like that. great reaction.
Ooooo I’ve always heard a lot about signs! Thanks for the kind words my friend! I’m glad people seem to be enjoying these as much as I have!
Watched this one on a whim as a feature for my and my buddy's double date night with our girlfriends and god we could not have possibly picked a less fitting movie for the occasion. Absolutely brilliant and a masterclass of cinematography, but also probably the most bleak, depressing, and harrowing movie watching experience I've ever had.
That sequence later in the film where there is blood on the camera was painstakingly done with special effects. I remember reading back when the movie came out that it was an incredibly difficult shot to create for that reason, never mind everything else going on. That the blood appears and then later disappears in the very same shot is really cool and often goes unnoticed.
That’s really interesting! Yeah I was such a neat effect they added in there to help deepen the immersion. Not a lot of people would take that extra step but I’m glad that they did! Thanks for commenting and sharing this!
Ive heard the blood on the camera was a accident on the 3rd take of trying to get the combat scene, the DP was gonna call cut but kept it in, and they digitally removed it slowly so people wouldnt notice.
Alfonso Cuaron and Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki are GENIUSES
I've watched hundreds of films... maybe thousands... and this would DEFINITELY rank in the TOP 10 films I've ever seen.
Another film that rivals this... is the early Fritz Lang classic "M." He's the brilliant director of "Metropolis" (another incredible film), but "M" is not talked about enough. Perhaps because of the very tough subject matter... but it is one of the most important films in cinematography history. So many brilliant shots that look like paintings. In glorious black and white. Lang even used criminals in Germany when shooting some scenes for authenticity. It's a MUST WATCH film.
I just subscribed to you fantastic channel and I'm going through your excellent reactions. Great stuff! Happy New Year!
This is my favorite movie of all time. Phenomenal worldbuilding, acting, sound design, cinematography, etc. Just flawless all around
The fact that this movie is from 2006 still blows my mind. Watching it back then as a kid I was mesmerized, and in 2020 it still holds up as if it were filmed this year.
The miracle ceasefire is a sequence that deserves to be witnessed, long after everyone now born is dead.
My friend Barnaby is in this movie...his stories about the behind the scenes are incredible. An amazing film!
One of my favorite movies of all time. It is such a human story and the acting in it is incredible. It seriously is able to completely pull at your emotions in every direction.
Subscribed before you even started the movie. Could get a sense that you genuinely try to be genuine. Good things man, looking forward to see what you do and where you go.
That really means a lot to me Paul! Man thank you. I created this channel in hopes of just coming across as genuine haha. I’m a regular dude! Happy to have people like you in the community brother.
Lubezki (the cinematographer) won 3 consecutive cinematography Oscars (for Gravity, Revenant, Birdman). He was also director of photography in the Tree of Life (dir. by Terrence Malick).
Alfonso Cuarón (this film's director) has also directed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (which is the most cinematic in the HP series), Gravity and Roma. He won the best director Oscar for the last two.
In Roma, his most personal film (a mexican black & white film inspired from his childhood memories), he decided to be also the DoP himself and he won a cinematography Oscar for this.
This is awesome. Thank you for sharing this! Happy to see such phenomenal people such as those win such incredible and well deserved awards. Their work is truly inspiring!
A very late comment on the scene with the statue of David you mentioned. The man says, "Couldn't save La Pieta. Smashed up before we got there." La Pieta, Michelangelo's carving of Mary mourning over the corpse of her child, is gone with hardly a mention but this dude saved the literal big d*** energy of David. The statue depicts David readying himself for battle against Goliath, tying into the movie's themes of violence. Then compare the final shot of Theo slumped over in the boat to Jesus in La Pieta, having sacrificed himself to save the world.
11:48 they explain in the movie why they want the baby for themselves, political leverage
Everything that went into this movie was A+. One of my favorite movies of all time. Masterpiece.
The lads who were behind writing this were heavily involved in The Expanse tv series, they do such a good job with world building through as you said, the little details. If you are looking for a TV series to do in the future I highly recomend the Expanse
@@theConquerersMama The expanse Authors were also involved on the TV show. On the show though the visuals and everything feels very lived in as well. They did a great job bringing it to the screen
@@theConquerersMama Ah I get you... very true. I guess I missed that aspect in what really was a shameless plug for James to react to the Expanse. :D
Dude, I'm so stoked to watch this video and reaction. It's one of my top favorite movies, if not #1.
Did not disappoint! Loving the analysis and genuine appreciation for these films and particularly the shots/editing. Keep it coming!
That’s so awesome to hear Aimee! Happy you dug the video! Yes this film is incredible, a favorite of mine so far out of all the videos I’ve watched on TH-cam!
ANOTHER fantastic movie that took me completely by surprise. You should look up how that scene was filmed with them in the car and how the camera moves around with no cuts. Absolutely brilliant.
I can never get over this movie im so glad you checked it out.
Thank you so much for this, dude. My favorite movie of all time. Would love to see more of your creative mind!
That’s love thank you! This really means a lot to me!
One of my all time favorite films. You're right on the money with the Blade Runner comparison. The level of detail and atmosphere is on par.
Man this is probably my favourite movie ever and I'm so glad I found your reaction, great hearing your perspective on it.
Awesome to hear!
Guy in the dreads is Charlie hunnam from the gentlemen
This movie is why Clive Owen is one of my favorite actors.
And I attribute it's low imdb score to the tone of the movie being so down so much of the time
I love how much you loved this film! It’ll always stick with me. Thank you for sharing, definitely watching more of your stuff.
Veery much enjoying the fact you react to both how they shoot the movie and the content! Love that the story draws you in!
Children of Men is my favorite film of all time! So glad that you enjoyed it!
It was an awesome watch Nick!
Im not ready to say this is the best movie ever made IMO, but its definetly the best shot movie ever made IMO. Its just great. Everyone who hasnt seen it have missed out. I saw it for the first time in 2010 I beleive and its been one of my favorites ever since.
This film shows up on more critics "top 10 of the 2000's" lists than any other
Fun fact, jasper briefly talks about a flu pandemic in 2009 that theo's son died from, then he mentions another pandemic that happened in 2020. Its very brief.
I caught that part. Just watched it today for the first time.
One of my favorite films ever, just an absolute masterpiece.
I have seen this film more times than I can remember and each time the staircase scene still evokes emotion in me. I also notice a new underlying theme everytime I watch. Such as using the cats during calm, safe moments. The dogs during tense, dangerous times. And Theo not being able to finish a cigarette or a drink, culminating at the end with him sacrificing his last drink to clean his hands and help Kee.
I had never really thought of the propaganda side that much, but you pointed out that the news was always on... the proganda machine at work. It is such a master piece of a film and I really enjoyed your reaction.
I also think the "documentary" style of the camera taking us into the world and telling us more about it was very clever. And the world building is great, if you watch it again look at the adverts on the sides of the busses and on the billboards!
The TVs always being on gave me Nineteen Eighty-Four vibes: The telescreens in that universe can have their volumes lowered but never muted and they can definitely never be turned off.
It’s worth watching the behind the scenes video about how they did that in car long shot. Even more impressive after you see how it’s done.
I, to this day, still think this is the best movie ever made. Everytime I watch, there's something new I discover. Anyone one have an ultimate favorite to recommend?
Well I hear this film was inspired by 1985's "come and see" in it's realistic style and it's supposed to be incredible but I haven't seen it, I recommend it if someone like's children of men, supposed to be brutal as hell though.
This is the only movie in my life that when I watched it I immediately put it back on from the beginning and played it again (sam). Incredible film
This is one of my favorite movies and I cry every time I watch it.
Congrats on one thousand, you deserve it man.
Thank you brotha! Just check today too and I’m incredible pumped. What an awesome journey this is going to be, happy to have everyone in the community along for the ride!
That long take shot in the car blows my mind every single time I watch it and I've seen it probably a hundred times. I seriously do not understand to this day how they pulled that off
My all time favorite movie. Perfect film making.
One of the best films to come out in the oughts. You’ve said everything that needs to be about Alfonso Cuaron. He’s been on my radar since The Prisoner of Azkaban. You grasp the best standing of composition and in frame shooting. You want to see another amazing film he shot, please take a look at ROMA. A film he made for Netflix. It had a theatrical run and I saw it on the big screen. A wistful and dreamy take on Mexico we never see. The director’s own youth and growing up in the turbulent past. Amazing on every level.
Best film of the 10's!
My favorite thing about this movie is their reaction to the ambiguity of the ending. Some people demand answers and that’s the beauty is you have to imagine what happens.
I always thought the sound of playing children after the blackout strongly suggests they were successful and humanity was able to carry on. But that's just an interpretation.
One of my favourites! I love this movie! Some more recommendations for you: Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, L.A. Confidential, Eastern Promises, Arrival.
You killed this! Subscribed. Love the low contrast look.
Thank you Evan!! That means a lot to me my man!
This and V for Vendetta are probably my favorite movies. And this reaction you did was fkn awesome frfr.
I had a feeling you’d really dig it. Love this film. A masterpiece IMO. This film gets slept on a lot. It doesn’t get enough recognition. So many memorable scenes. What was your favorite scene (I know this is probably a hard question)? And what aspect of the film impressed you the most? You should check out all of Alfonso Cuaron’s films.
Keep up the good work, bro. Truly enjoy watching your videos, especially since you genuinely give a shit about cinema.
Hahaha thank you for the kind words man! Yes, cinema is quite literally a savior in my eyes when it comes to what role it has played in my life! I’d say the most interesting part was definitely war scene..I was blown away by how REAL it was. Like..Private Ryan real. It took me a minute to pick my jaw off the ground because I was so enraptured by it. Definitely my favorite sequence!
The escape from the farmhouse always gets me for some reason
I can't believe all I see Clive Owen in nowadays is sodding betting adverts.
Maybe he thinks it's fun.
One can only hope that he follows the logic "when the fun STOPS. You stop." ... and he goes back to proper acting
I think the odds of that happening are 3 - 2
This is one of the best films ever made, and no one even knows it exists. Another couple of great ones that are unappreciated are Dead Man's Shoes and The Rover.
The camera rig for the car is genius.
One of my all time favorite. Flawless.
The fact that they didn't try to make a sequel to this masterpiece of a movie speaks volume for the writing of it.
Dystopian feeling... I'm in the Uk and I grew up in Liverpool in the the 70's, every winter looked like that 🙏 😂 three buses to work, first connection at 5:30 am for an 8am start! Ah the good old days. Nostalgia aside this is one forgotten and highly underrated movie... thanks for giving it the light of day and for your opinions on the beautiful craft of story telling and film making
It's one of my favorite films and, I personally feel, is the most powerful film I've seen. There's just so much in it and that fighting stand still scene... nothing like it.
Very underrated, unique, and well made movie, surprised there is not more reaction videos on this one.
This movie hurts my soul.... Brilliant but I could only watch it once.
I enjoyed watching with you tonight,
I have no shame in saying this is the only film that made me cry...
You definitely have to check out some Paul Thomas Anderson movies, especially Magnolia is amazing
I still remember watching this movie in theatres. Still one of my all time favs.