Children of Men typically gets rated four out of four stars. Why?

[Orrex]

I love the film from start to finish, but I also like a lot of movies that are less kindly regarded by critics, so I can't always put my finger on what's great or not-so-great about a particular romp.

Why do you think Children of Men earns such high marks?

[crimsonblue]

1. I hated it.

Then again, I'm usually thoroughly underwhelmed by anything Clive Owen does.

[Orrex]

2. So... You'd give it *less than* four stars?

Just want to be clear on this!

[crimsonblue]

5. no, that sounds about right.

[Fire Walk With Me]

3. There were boobies.

Now watch the following posts become serious and philosophical.

[leeroysphitz]

4. I can only speak for myself but... (spoilers)

I don't think I've found myself so emotionally invested in the outcome of a FICTIONAL narrative.

For instance: when they had to pass the baby out the door to the gypsy woman (who hadn't proved herself trustworthy at that point in the film) I almost shouted at the screen. I felt genuinely dismayed.

I love movies but I never get carried away like that for them.

[charlie and algernon]

6. that 15 minute uninterrupted shot has been hailed as pure brilliance

I love that movie and that shot through the refugee camp to the end is a BIG reason

[Tyrone Slothrop]

7. The cinematography is amazing

To my mind, the best so far in the 21st century.

[Aristus]

8. Michael Caine. He's done a lot of good stuff, and an awful lot of awful stuff.

In "Children Of Men", he astonishes. There's no other way to put it. His final scene with his wife, and his final scene in the film. Staggering, awe-inspiring, moving, heartbreaking...there aren't enough good adjectives. I watched him play that character with such conviction and such inexpressible sadness. I kept thinking to myself: "I didn't know we could do that!"

[harmonicon]

9. because it's really good?

It combines an interesting sci-fi concept with poignant social commentary and good acting. It's also well put together.

[MilesColtrane]

10. Amazing direction and acting....

...that you only recognize after the fact.

A lot of times a display of great chops actually takes you out of the moment, and suspends the full investment needed to become immersed in the story.

[blonndee]

11. I really don't know.

I bought it because it had such great reviews. I really didn't get much out of it the first time I watched it, to be honest, and I'm still not able to empathize with many of the characters or get engaged with the plot. I'm just kind of "meh" overall about the movie. Maybe a bit more backstory to show what the characters have experienced in the lead-in to such a state would help? (Who knows...I'm certainly no screenwriter.) I did think Clive Owen and Michael Caine did a great job and were very sympathetic characters among the "meh" and made it worth watching.