Not sure if this is relevant to this video, but I wanted to point out that as far as I’m aware, the only time Theo touches Kee’s baby is when he helps deliver her. He immediately gives the baby to Kee and never touches the baby again. I think this goes to show how he didn’t want the baby for himself and genuinely wanted to help. Everyone else wants to use the baby, to take the baby for their own purposes, but Theo has no agenda to use the baby, and I think this is symbolized by the fact that after he helps deliver the baby, he immediately gives the baby away and never touches her again.
There's nothing I can say to properly convey how I'm feeling after reading your comment. I have no idea how to respond. Just know that I hope you find peace, closure... I won't pretend to know what you're going through, but I do hope you get through it. Thank you for the comment. It has struck me in a way that I, again, can't even begin to describe.
This film blew my mind back in 2006. That shootout at the end, stray bullets tearing through innocent bystanders in the building, everyone just trying to survive another moment longer. Still holds up as the most realistic portrayal of an apocalyptic dystopia ever put to film IMHO.
One part that still disturbs me is right before the "cease fire", there are a few people who are shot as they are looking at the baby. Here they're witnessing a miracle for the first time in 18 years, only for a random bullet from the outside to take them.
@@joecalabresi4072 Such overrated garbage. First, totally ILLOGICAL for a government that ALLEGEDLY is so worried about the imaginary nonexistent problem of depopulation being so fanatically OPPOSED to immigrants. If you're so worried about depopulation, you would let EVERYONE from ANYWHERE into your country. In fact, you'd GET RID of the completely stupid unnecessary concept of countries ENTIRELY. Secondly, ANY death of religion, especially of religiontards, is a GOOD thing for the future. Thirdly, since this is at its core a sci-fi movie, everybody can and should work on technology to keep everyone who currently exists immortal forever and young forever: reverse aging.
Humanism in spite of everything gets me every time. Please also watch Tree of Life by Terrence Malick. I cried so much in that scene but i cried even more in tree of life.
@@londonbowcat1 all quiet on the western front is just a routined movie without a real deep poetic sense of staging. „Come and See“ (1985), Apocalypse Now, … are so much better works.
@@Kaspar_Houserhe’s probably talking about the original All Quiet book, which was written by a German soldier who fought in the First World War. To call it staged is reductive to say the least, especially comparing it to Apocalypse Now, which is closer to a Broadway production than a realistic story (which is of course intentional, it’s a brilliant film, just not a realistic one).
holy shit man, that cigarette and alcohol thing absolutely blew my mind. Great video otherwise of course, but as someone who has seen this movie so many times and studies it quite a bit, you pointing out how the forgoes his vices (and it definitely being intentional on the filmmakers part, like there's 0 debate about that) was amazing.
Another thematic is the use of music. We have the depressing prog rock at the beggining to signify the overall nihilism of the world. But as we continue through the movie choir and strings are used to signify emotional honesty and the barriers in Theos defenses begin to shatter. The Michael Caine guys character comes from the backdrop of the post-modern hedonisitc nihilism and that overall zeitgeist that produced bands like Crimson King and Pink Floyd which are directly referenced in the Ark of the Arts scene. His character helps to tie in those thematic elements of the movie to his lifestyle and beliefs, with Theo as a counterpoint. The movie ends with Theo dying to the music of strings and choir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful, as it signifies the life in Theos hope that will live on beyond him. Its a vulnerable and tragic thing to hold onto hope, and that is expressed with the tragic beauty of the melody.
@FallopiumFilms - I appreciate your analysis of this film, ‘Children of Men.’ It’s reminded me I was going to read the book but the film is _STILL_ resonating inside my soul . . . it’s that powerful to me ☮️
I find the most obvious change of heart for Theo inspiring. Once he sees that there is hope in Kee's child, he takes an active role and risks his life for her and her child. He becomes like a father again. I would add that everything did happen for a reason in the movie. The director wanted to make a movie about humanity and hope during hopelessness. Throughout the story, Theo, whose name sounds like the spanish word for "uncle", experiences loss and tragedy which culminates in him helping Kee deliver her baby and bring her to safety. All of the tragedy led to something hopeful in the end.
@@FallopiumFilms , Theo is the modern abridged version of an older surname, Theophile, which is based on Ancient Greek. With the prefix "theo-" meaning "related to God" and the postfix "-phile" meaning "loving" (like in, say, "cinephile" or "audiophile"), Theophile literally means "One who loves God". This obviously was a very deliberate choice from the original author. That surname truly rings as strongly ironic in the first half of the movie, but then suddenly takes on a literal meaning when Theo finds purpose and hope again. Yet another amazing detail in this deep story (although I do not know wether it comes from the source material of from the script).
Threads has one too (where they are all sitting around a fire in a barn while Ruth's baby screams inconsolably, and the caption flashes up 'December 25th') so by extension, Threads is also a Christmss film.
One thing I love about this movie is every time I watch it, I notice something new. I've seen it about half a dozen times at least, and I never noticed the Cricket gear in Theo's boss' office. It's such a tiny scene you can easily miss that. It's amazing how much effort they put into scenes like that, which have such small effect on the movie overall.
I saw a not too subtle reference of 9/11 era "the Hooded man" in one of the scenes with caged immigrants. If you don't know, The Hooded Man was an iconic picture of a hooded man being illegally tortured by American soldiers after 9/11.
"These people are so possessed by their political ideology that they'd put the baby in danger." This is fantastic commentary, and your delivery is top shelf - incisive yet relaxing at the same time. Your channel deserves more subs my dude
Crazy how realistic the whole pet situation is. All the millennials I know chose not to have kids because of how shit the world is right now, and all those same millenials that didn't have kids chose to put their resources into pets instead. They baby them and treat them better than the actual people in their lives. Such an accurate prediction of what people do when they can't or won't have kids.
But animals such as birds used to be the apex and they or a different animals would have a billion or so years to evolve into something human level in intelligence and gain space travel. entirely possible. the universe doesn't begin or end with people and consciousnessus not either.
@@user-wi9hv2pb2q umm. Okay. What does that have to do with me pointing out that young people are choosing not to have children and are instead putting that desire and urge to care for something into their pets?
I have been obsessed with this movie since I first saw in theater in 2006. I was completely blown away. It was being promoted as a "sci-fi/futuristic/dystopian" movie, but I left thinking "This isn't sci-fi - this stuff could definitely happen someday". Well, "someday" came a lot sooner than most of us ever thought could. Watched it today for the 10th or 11th time and cried a lot, b/c now this sh*t is real. Forget Citizen Kane - Children of Men is probably the greatest film ever made, on every level. Cuaron is a genius. So glad I found this channel today, Eric. Nice to find other fans b/c no one I know personally appreciates it the way they should. Go figure.
It's a great piece of cinema, completely captured not just the feeling of 2006 and the constant War On Terror propaganda but also the last few years too, watching the UK government become more and more like the fictional version and the growing sense of alienation here. Would be great to hear more about the original novel and the author PD James.
This and 2049 are my favorite science fiction films. In the novel, the population infantalizes animals and pretends they are babies. The last generation are called Omegas and have a certain elite celebrity status that includes violent rituals. The cities gradually constrict as the population decreases (similar to Blade Runner) and the Quietus is a ritual instead of a pill. The movie took some of these details without explaining them. Look how Theo's cousin's son is indulged and medicated. Clearly an Omega.
One big difference is that in the book, the infertility is caused by a failure of male sperm. So when a baby is finally conceived (after 27 years, not 18), the miracle is not in the womb, but in the testicles of one of the terrorists. Imagine that scene where soldiers stop shooting and get on their knees and reach out to touch Kee's belly and replace it with a nut sack.
Such overrated garbage. First, totally ILLOGICAL for a government that ALLEGEDLY is so worried about the imaginary nonexistent problem of depopulation being so fanatically OPPOSED to immigrants. If you're so worried about depopulation, you would let EVERYONE from ANYWHERE into your country. In fact, you'd GET RID of the completely stupid unnecessary concept of countries ENTIRELY. Secondly, ANY death of religion, especially of religiontards, is a GOOD thing for the future. Thirdly, since this is at its core a sci-fi movie, everybody can and should work on technology to keep everyone who currently exists immortal forever and young forever: reverse aging.
7:20 This ad just really got to me. "Quietus: You Decide When" and then the ticker below: "(Some amount of money?) to your next of kin. Painless transition guaranteed." Yeah, this stuck with me. Reminds me of the movie Humane.
This was so well done I thought it would have a couple hundred thousand views. Since it didn't I decided to comment and tell you, you did amazing with this
I’ve watched this film dozens of times over the years, but I find myself coming back to it more often nowadays. With all the talk about “the falling birthrate ,” “the epidemic of loneliness,” and the “deportation of illegal immigrants,” it’s become more and more relevant with each passing day.
This just showed up in my feed today, so, nice to see your fresh response. It makes me think so much of my 38-year-old son, who wants no children. And how I had only him. My son is a happy guy, but what would he feel if his childlessness were not his choice? An excellent review of this important film. Really makes a person think.
I wish this had more views… I’ve seen this movie so many times I feel like I grew up watching it and somehow you were able to expose more depth and more details to notice than I ever thought possible in twenty minutes. Now I have an even deeper appreciation and love for the details of this film.
I just Love this movie. This is by far the most realistic apocalypse movie I’ve ever seen. It’s so dark and this incredible hopelessness just moves the people to destroy themselves. If we will ever conquer some way of close extinction like in this movie, this is the exact same way, the world will turn.
I agree it is dark and shows humanity at it's worse, but it's also weirdly uplifting too. In the end Theo dies fulfilled and at peace with himself. The ship, Tomorrow is like a beacon and you feel that, although the world he has left behind is a smoking heap, there is hope. Through out the film you also see people, desperate to give and receive love and are prepared to put their lives at risk to do the right thing for Key and the baby. That also gives you hope and is ultimately uplifting.
Bravo! Hands down a very clear and poignant breakdown of a Master piece. I had never made the connection of the cigarette pack gift/bribe and use of the entire alcohol bottle to sanitize his hands. Mind blown!
I am taking a Cinema class for college and one of the videos in the lecture material wouldn’t play so I was redirected to RUclips and your video. I hope this continues and people like and share your video. You gave good commentary through the video and pointed out some things that might have not otherwise crossed my mind, so thank you.
This is great to hear! Thank you! Tell your class and your professor about it. Maybe others could find it useful... and in the process give me more attention
You pointed out so many details that I didn’t notice! And even our film art professor didn’t mention. A lot of heart was put in to this movie, much more than I realise
I had 2 and to be honest, they have been the best thing that ever happened to me. They are worth fighting for and so is this beautiful planet and all its living glory.
Another thematic is the use of music. We have the depressing prog rock at the beggining to signify the overall nihilism of the world. But as we continue through the movie choir and strings are used to signify emotional honesty and the barriers in Theos defenses begin to shatter. The Michael Caine guys character comes from the backdrop of the post-modern hedonisitc nihilism and that overall zeitgeist that produced bands like Crimson King and Pink Floyd which are directly referenced in the Ark of the Arts scene. His character helps to tie in those thematic elements of the movie to his lifestyle and beliefs, with Theo as a counterpoint. The movie ends with Theo dying to the music of strings and choir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful, as it signifies the life in Theos hope that will live on beyond him. Its a vulnerable and tragic thing to hold onto hope, and that is expressed with the tragic beauty of the melody.
The more acute our awareness of the climate and ecological crisis gets, the more terrifying this film and it's premise become. A cinematic masterpiece.
I sometimes go a long time without thinking of this movie. Then whenever it comes back up I remember its easily in my top 5 of all time. It’s a masterpiece that sticks with you even if you aren’t thinking about it directly
Although humanity hasn’t been struck with this sort of illness in reality, this lack of hope and purpose is something I see reflected in modern society in the U.S. (I can’t speak for other places). When I drive to work through my neighborhood I don’t see people out playing with their families and kids I see single people walking dogs that serve as surrogates for children. A lot of people don’t want to have kids and give up on dating, asking themselves “why would I want to bring children into this world.” I think these mass shootings are a biproduct of similar nihilism. Children of Men is the closest representation of a near future society I’ve seen.
I agree, which is one of the reasons I put so much time into making this analysis. You might like of my other work. I touch on similar themes in much of my content.
After watching this incredible movie a few days ago, I've been looking through videos discussing it, and this video has been by far the most substantial I've seen. Good job!
Watched this by the end of 2024. I really enjoyed the film when I watched (and cried like a baby) but your explanation made me enjoy it more and see all that I missed. Good job, and thank you
Great review!...this movie appeared on my radar of the top post-apocalyptic dystopian society films for my study in 2020-2021 for work on our own story development for a post-SHTF adventure saga set in tropical S.Ameriica 7-8 months after a worldwide economic collapse and widespread regional conflict outbreaks...was stunned by the director's and production team's attention to the details-
I like how Quietus is reimagined as a self die pill in the film. In the novel, Quietus is a ceremony of cramming an old ship full of the elders and sending it to drown while a band plays somber music
Canada started a Self-die Suicide thing, legally, officially, approved and they call it 'MAID' which seems to be Medical Assistance In Dying. You'd think it would be 'MAD' but they use the 'I' (in) so it becomes something you'd think of as helping you LIVE, a 'Maid'. Interestingly, its a soundalike to 'Made'. So really, to be 'unmade' is being 'Made' (born, created) in that sense we would say the acronym. A Maid Made the bed, she was made-up by a helpful maid. But it means death, suicide yourself.
Quietus mirrors the government sponsored assisted suicide clinics ("Homes of God") set up to dispose of the elderly and infirm in the movie "Soylent Green."
In America the high priest Fauci and his Church of the Holy Innoculate, with the Bible called event 201, have caused myocardial death by soon to be millions.
Great analysis of the film! I never noticed all the animals but after watching this and rewatching the film it's incredible how almost every frame where there are groups of background characters, there are pets. Absolutely everywhere. I also wanted to add that the ending, when the battling soldiers see the child and stop fighting to basically worship it (and all it represents) and as soon as they are a little ways away from them, the soldiers immediately open fire and continue blowing each other away. They don't actually learn the value of life or hope, they are just momentarily distracted by it. I don't know if that's the film being cynical or what, but I think it's an important detail.
I found you through your previous children of men video, so I‘d be totally up for more videos about that movie. Its captured my attention in a way that only a rare few movies have. I can‘t get enough of it!
So much thought went into this film, it's incredible! I've seen it four times now and I always spot new things each time I see it! Brilliant worldbuilding...
So glad I stumbled on to this. Just watched CoM the other day (again), just because. If there is a wasted frame in this movie, I am not smart enough to identify it. This film apparently barely made back it's money, which for me internally is hard to fathom, but is ultimately a signifier of how good it is. Fantastic taste and quality analysis. I don't mash the subscribe button often, but I gladly did here.
Your attention to details made me see many things in this movie that I had missed (at least consciously), although it has been among my most revered since I saw it when it came out. Very enlightening indeed.
Great analysis. I read a story earlier about declining fertility rates and I thought of this film and stumbled across your channel. Really enjoyed listening to your breakdown.
I watched this with a GF who thought it was dumb. When I asked why she said it didn’t have an ending. I realized at that point I was dating a moron. The relationship didn’t last that much longer.
I was well on my way to falling in love with my partner, then I realized she had one of my favorite films "There Will Be Blood" in her collection. It just confirmed my gut feeling. We don't have a lot in common as far as hobbies or interests, but we love the same movies, hate the same songs, dig the same artists... and that goes a long way.
Brilliant analysis (as good as the one you did of lebowski), they are also 2 of my favorite films in their respective genre. Thank you! (I had never noticed the focus on pets, It is crazy, i was blind to it)
I discovered you by searching Quantum of Solace underrated to vindicate my own unpopular opinion. A month later I'm recommended your Big Lebowski video and now I'm a huge fan. Throwing in a comment here for engagement! This is a criminally underrated channel
Great video. I recently rematched Children of Men and I had forgotten how much I love it. Fantastic analysis. I remember what spooked me a bit about this movie when I first watched it was how near in the future things took place. The movie came out in 2006 and Baby Diego was born in 2009. Presumably, people would have noticed something wrong by 2008 at the latest, just two years after the film was made.
Besides 'Demolition Man' I can't think of any film so prophetic. Just today, Canadian corporation 'Simons' released an advert for government-assisted suicide and the advert looks uncannily like the Quietus adverts in Children of Men.
that last bit with the smoking and alcohol got me, i never noticed it until you, but after rewatching that, as someone who struggles with alcohol, I hope I can become that man
Theo was the original Doomer. Also as someone who is married but cannot have kids and cannot adopt due to the obscene costs of which we refuse to pay on an ethical and financial basis, the lack of children does lead to a life of excess via pets, drugs, alcohol, expensive trips, hoarding expensive items we will never use, etc. These things are ok in moderation, but its been more and more evident to me that we are filling a void. Religion hasn't crept in yet but since we live in the hedonistic, godless west, doubt it ever will and Im too disillusioned to buy into politics or nationalism.
Bravo 👏👏 What a great analysis, even to the smallest details, of this unique movie. I had watched it back when it came out (on DVD) but I didn't quite understand it fully. Now with your insight well explained to me I'll rewatch it again. Took 3 years for this video to reach me but I'm glad it did. I immediately subbed.
Good analysis but I will say, just because the Fishes went about things in a morally corrupt manner and kinda lost sight of things in the end, that doesn’t mean that their cause was pointless or a desperate reach for “meaning”. Fighting for human rights is always a worthy cause in itself
Yes, but it is another example of the road to hell is paved with good intentions ie a worthy cause. The cause blinded the group that they would go so far to use a miracle to further their own agenda. When you can’t argue for the other side you’ve gone too far. Always check yourself.
I have always loved Children of Men. In recent years, I found myself rewatching this a couple of times per year. Now, I have a better understanding of why. Much like Blade Runner and Battle Star Galatica (the early 2000's version), they share commentaries on our society. While this world isn't quite as fatalistic, I think we've lost our purpose and humanity. Thank you for your thought provoking analysis.
This is probably the most relevant movie made in the last 20 years, and especially so in 2022. I was actually shocked rewatching this recently after 10 years, and how easily I could imagine the modern world becoming this.
The world is in decline in the film not because of no children it's the other way around: there is no children because the world has gone to sh*t. And in that respect this is scarily similar to the real world and decline of birthrate.
The world looks the way it does because of a lack of purpose. We have run out of purpose to continue in this world - so there are no children and we focus on small, harmful goals
@liamblack2574 You aren't reading beyond the surface layer. I am reading the subtext and an allegories. If you account that it's the poor black girl that gives birth in the film, how is that not a reference to the real world where it's mostly people in poor countries and africa that still decide to bring children into this mess.
And you're making stuff up that you want to be there beyond the surface.. The filmmakers wanted to make a movie about the world collapsing because of infertility..
@@lmshistfood It's probably you who don't want to look deeper. A good film forces people to look at reality deeper, but some people defend themselves against it. Physically, people are still able to have children normally, but they do not want to do so. The question is who built the world like this? Normal people who just want to live, or the elites of power and money who still don't have enough?
One of the lines I remember from the film is when they say "Britain stands alone" implying that this awfully depressing London is the best the world has to offer. Every other nation has totally collapsed.
That is an amazing presentation, and it brings so much more intense relevance to the myriad of themes in this 16 year old dystopia set 5 years from now, thank you so much!
Have you read Mark Fisher's analysis of CoM? It is found in the first section of his short book "Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?" and grounds the main thesis of that book.
Not sure if this is relevant to this video, but I wanted to point out that as far as I’m aware, the only time Theo touches Kee’s baby is when he helps deliver her. He immediately gives the baby to Kee and never touches the baby again. I think this goes to show how he didn’t want the baby for himself and genuinely wanted to help. Everyone else wants to use the baby, to take the baby for their own purposes, but Theo has no agenda to use the baby, and I think this is symbolized by the fact that after he helps deliver the baby, he immediately gives the baby away and never touches her again.
So invested in hopelessness, doesn't want to acknowledge it exists, or at least not that much. Or protecting himself in case something happens to it.
He's the only one of them who was a dad. None of the rest of the fish or anyone had a child. Only him and Julian
Dude , as a man who has lost a child , your explination of children of men has helped me understand my depression allot more , thank-you
There's nothing I can say to properly convey how I'm feeling after reading your comment. I have no idea how to respond. Just know that I hope you find peace, closure... I won't pretend to know what you're going through, but I do hope you get through it.
Thank you for the comment. It has struck me in a way that I, again, can't even begin to describe.
Keep doing what your doing , you explain things so well 👌
@@accessallexperiences4719 will do
How are you doing now?
My condolences. I cannot imagine.
This film blew my mind back in 2006. That shootout at the end, stray bullets tearing through innocent bystanders in the building, everyone just trying to survive another moment longer. Still holds up as the most realistic portrayal of an apocalyptic dystopia ever put to film IMHO.
It’s becoming more and more relevant as we approach 2027!!!
One part that still disturbs me is right before the "cease fire", there are a few people who are shot as they are looking at the baby. Here they're witnessing a miracle for the first time in 18 years, only for a random bullet from the outside to take them.
I think it’s unsurprising it’s set in England, with an English cast, presumably an English writer. You might disagree, but it IS England now.
@@joecalabresi4072 Such overrated garbage. First, totally ILLOGICAL for a government that ALLEGEDLY is so worried about the imaginary nonexistent problem of depopulation being so fanatically OPPOSED to immigrants. If you're so worried about depopulation, you would let EVERYONE from ANYWHERE into your country. In fact, you'd GET RID of the completely stupid unnecessary concept of countries ENTIRELY. Secondly, ANY death of religion, especially of religiontards, is a GOOD thing for the future.
Thirdly, since this is at its core a sci-fi movie, everybody can and should work on technology to keep everyone who currently exists immortal forever and young forever: reverse aging.
What is portrayed in that scene is what is happening now in the Gaza strip and prior in sections of Ukraine.
As a civilization, we are insane.
The reaction to Baby Diego is a reference to the reaction to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Is actually a reference to the death of innocence
This movie probably has the most realistic portrayal of London without even trying.
that ceasefire scene gets me every time. think that might be the most I've ever cried in a film , my god. great analysis, man
Was going to post the same thing. A baby's cry stopping a war.
Humanism in spite of everything gets me every time. Please also watch Tree of Life by Terrence Malick. I cried so much in that scene but i cried even more in tree of life.
@@Kaspar_Houser21:00 all quiet on the western front
@@londonbowcat1 all quiet on the western front is just a routined movie without a real deep poetic sense of staging. „Come and See“ (1985), Apocalypse Now, … are so much better works.
@@Kaspar_Houserhe’s probably talking about the original All Quiet book, which was written by a German soldier who fought in the First World War. To call it staged is reductive to say the least, especially comparing it to Apocalypse Now, which is closer to a Broadway production than a realistic story (which is of course intentional, it’s a brilliant film, just not a realistic one).
holy shit man, that cigarette and alcohol thing absolutely blew my mind. Great video otherwise of course, but as someone who has seen this movie so many times and studies it quite a bit, you pointing out how the forgoes his vices (and it definitely being intentional on the filmmakers part, like there's 0 debate about that) was amazing.
Thank you!
Another thematic is the use of music. We have the depressing prog rock at the beggining to signify the overall nihilism of the world. But as we continue through the movie choir and strings are used to signify emotional honesty and the barriers in Theos defenses begin to shatter.
The Michael Caine guys character comes from the backdrop of the post-modern hedonisitc nihilism and that overall zeitgeist that produced bands like Crimson King and Pink Floyd which are directly referenced in the Ark of the Arts scene. His character helps to tie in those thematic elements of the movie to his lifestyle and beliefs, with Theo as a counterpoint.
The movie ends with Theo dying to the music of strings and choir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful, as it signifies the life in Theos hope that will live on beyond him. Its a vulnerable and tragic thing to hold onto hope, and that is expressed with the tragic beauty of the melody.
@FallopiumFilms - I appreciate your analysis of this film, ‘Children of Men.’ It’s reminded me I was going to read the book but the film is _STILL_ resonating inside my soul . . . it’s that powerful to me ☮️
I find the most obvious change of heart for Theo inspiring. Once he sees that there is hope in Kee's child, he takes an active role and risks his life for her and her child. He becomes like a father again. I would add that everything did happen for a reason in the movie. The director wanted to make a movie about humanity and hope during hopelessness. Throughout the story, Theo, whose name sounds like the spanish word for "uncle", experiences loss and tragedy which culminates in him helping Kee deliver her baby and bring her to safety. All of the tragedy led to something hopeful in the end.
I think Theo means “of god”. Such as theology, theocracy etc. So yes, things definitely happen “for a reason”.
@@FallopiumFilms indeed it is from the Greek for "of god", but it's plausible that it was chosen because it sounds like Spanish tio.
@@cezar211091that’s what I was thinking too. What a great movie this is
@@FallopiumFilms , Theo is the modern abridged version of an older surname, Theophile, which is based on Ancient Greek. With the prefix "theo-" meaning "related to God" and the postfix "-phile" meaning "loving" (like in, say, "cinephile" or "audiophile"), Theophile literally means "One who loves God". This obviously was a very deliberate choice from the original author. That surname truly rings as strongly ironic in the first half of the movie, but then suddenly takes on a literal meaning when Theo finds purpose and hope again.
Yet another amazing detail in this deep story (although I do not know wether it comes from the source material of from the script).
I love the subtle way Cuaròn sneaks in a Christmas Nativity image in this movie.
So worth adding to the Holiday movie list.
Threads has one too (where they are all sitting around a fire in a barn while Ruth's baby screams inconsolably, and the caption flashes up 'December 25th') so by extension, Threads is also a Christmss film.
One thing I love about this movie is every time I watch it, I notice something new. I've seen it about half a dozen times at least, and I never noticed the Cricket gear in Theo's boss' office. It's such a tiny scene you can easily miss that. It's amazing how much effort they put into scenes like that, which have such small effect on the movie overall.
I saw a not too subtle reference of 9/11 era "the Hooded man" in one of the scenes with caged immigrants. If you don't know, The Hooded Man was an iconic picture of a hooded man being illegally tortured by American soldiers after 9/11.
"These people are so possessed by their political ideology that they'd put the baby in danger." This is fantastic commentary, and your delivery is top shelf - incisive yet relaxing at the same time. Your channel deserves more subs my dude
Crazy how realistic the whole pet situation is. All the millennials I know chose not to have kids because of how shit the world is right now, and all those same millenials that didn't have kids chose to put their resources into pets instead. They baby them and treat them better than the actual people in their lives. Such an accurate prediction of what people do when they can't or won't have kids.
My cat and niece are my world
Or they can’t have children because of microplastics.
But animals such as birds used to be the apex and they or a different animals would have a billion or so years to evolve into something human level in intelligence and gain space travel. entirely possible. the universe doesn't begin or end with people and consciousnessus not either.
@@user-wi9hv2pb2q umm. Okay. What does that have to do with me pointing out that young people are choosing not to have children and are instead putting that desire and urge to care for something into their pets?
I have been obsessed with this movie since I first saw in theater in 2006. I was completely blown away. It was being promoted as a "sci-fi/futuristic/dystopian" movie, but I left thinking "This isn't sci-fi - this stuff could definitely happen someday". Well, "someday" came a lot sooner than most of us ever thought could. Watched it today for the 10th or 11th time and cried a lot, b/c now this sh*t is real. Forget Citizen Kane - Children of Men is probably the greatest film ever made, on every level. Cuaron is a genius. So glad I found this channel today, Eric. Nice to find other fans b/c no one I know personally appreciates it the way they should. Go figure.
It's a great piece of cinema, completely captured not just the feeling of 2006 and the constant War On Terror propaganda but also the last few years too, watching the UK government become more and more like the fictional version and the growing sense of alienation here.
Would be great to hear more about the original novel and the author PD James.
This and 2049 are my favorite science fiction films. In the novel, the population infantalizes animals and pretends they are babies. The last generation are called Omegas and have a certain elite celebrity status that includes violent rituals. The cities gradually constrict as the population decreases (similar to Blade Runner) and the Quietus is a ritual instead of a pill. The movie took some of these details without explaining them. Look how Theo's cousin's son is indulged and medicated. Clearly an Omega.
One big difference is that in the book, the infertility is caused by a failure of male sperm. So when a baby is finally conceived (after 27 years, not 18), the miracle is not in the womb, but in the testicles of one of the terrorists. Imagine that scene where soldiers stop shooting and get on their knees and reach out to touch Kee's belly and replace it with a nut sack.
Yeah, he is also the son of a high ranking government official.
Such overrated garbage. First, totally ILLOGICAL for a government that ALLEGEDLY is so worried about the imaginary nonexistent problem of depopulation being so fanatically OPPOSED to immigrants. If you're so worried about depopulation, you would let EVERYONE from ANYWHERE into your country. In fact, you'd GET RID of the completely stupid unnecessary concept of countries ENTIRELY. Secondly, ANY death of religion, especially of religiontards, is a GOOD thing for the future.
Thirdly, since this is at its core a sci-fi movie, everybody can and should work on technology to keep everyone who currently exists immortal forever and young forever: reverse aging.
You think this is _FICTION_ ?
So naive are you.
@@SunglassSensei Well babies are still being born so there you go
This is my favorite Clive Owen film and you broke it down so well! Awesome video
If curious, check out third season of American crime sorry. He plays bill clinton and it’s pretty interesting
Oh really? I'll all that onto my watchlist @@FallopiumFilms
This may sound like hyperbole, but it's not…
This might be the best film breakdown on RUclips full stop.
Thanks Fallopium!
7:20 This ad just really got to me. "Quietus: You Decide When" and then the ticker below: "(Some amount of money?) to your next of kin. Painless transition guaranteed." Yeah, this stuck with me. Reminds me of the movie Humane.
that scene where everyone reacts to the baby crying is just other-worldly
This was so well done I thought it would have a couple hundred thousand views. Since it didn't I decided to comment and tell you, you did amazing with this
you are right... it was professional in every way so very well done
Agreed. Great video essay.
I’ve watched this film dozens of times over the years, but I find myself coming back to it more often nowadays.
With all the talk about “the falling birthrate ,” “the epidemic of loneliness,” and the “deportation of illegal immigrants,” it’s become more and more relevant with each passing day.
This just showed up in my feed today, so, nice to see your fresh response. It makes me think so much of my 38-year-old son, who wants no children. And how I had only him. My son is a happy guy, but what would he feel if his childlessness were not his choice? An excellent review of this important film. Really makes a person think.
Yeah the current world is a weird mixture of Children of Men, Cyberpunk and The Great Brother.
I just had my first child with my wife. I won’t let us be stopped
I wish this had more views… I’ve seen this movie so many times I feel like I grew up watching it and somehow you were able to expose more depth and more details to notice than I ever thought possible in twenty minutes. Now I have an even deeper appreciation and love for the details of this film.
I think this is the most important film made in the last 50 years!!
me too
This film is among the most brilliant ever made.
Well done analysis.
Best analysis of "Children of Men" There are so many layers that I missed in the Film and I've seen it 10+ times.
I just Love this movie. This is by far the most realistic apocalypse movie I’ve ever seen. It’s so dark and this incredible hopelessness just moves the people to destroy themselves. If we will ever conquer some way of close extinction like in this movie, this is the exact same way, the world will turn.
I agree it is dark and shows humanity at it's worse, but it's also weirdly uplifting too. In the end Theo dies fulfilled and at peace with himself. The ship, Tomorrow is like a beacon and you feel that, although the world he has left behind is a smoking heap, there is hope. Through out the film you also see people, desperate to give and receive love and are prepared to put their lives at risk to do the right thing for Key and the baby. That also gives you hope and is ultimately uplifting.
Bravo! Hands down a very clear and poignant breakdown of a Master piece. I had never made the connection of the cigarette pack gift/bribe and use of the entire alcohol bottle to sanitize his hands. Mind blown!
Two things... Children of Men is a modern masterpiece and your analysis is nothing short of superb. 👍
Probably the single greatest video essay I’ve seen on this platform, thank you so much
I am taking a Cinema class for college and one of the videos in the lecture material wouldn’t play so I was redirected to RUclips and your video. I hope this continues and people like and share your video. You gave good commentary through the video and pointed out some things that might have not otherwise crossed my mind, so thank you.
This is great to hear! Thank you! Tell your class and your professor about it. Maybe others could find it useful... and in the process give me more attention
Also, I have two other videos on Children Of Men that you may find helpful.
I just understood my depression, I've lost my passion
You pointed out so many details that I didn’t notice! And even our film art professor didn’t mention. A lot of heart was put in to this movie, much more than I realise
Show your professor. Many of these details I sweat I'm the first person to notice lol
@@FallopiumFilms I absolutely will, this is in-depth observation
I had 2 and to be honest, they have been the best thing that ever happened to me. They are worth fighting for and so is this beautiful planet and all its living glory.
Another thematic is the use of music. We have the depressing prog rock at the beggining to signify the overall nihilism of the world. But as we continue through the movie choir and strings are used to signify emotional honesty and the barriers in Theos defenses begin to shatter.
The Michael Caine guys character comes from the backdrop of the post-modern hedonisitc nihilism and that overall zeitgeist that produced bands like Crimson King and Pink Floyd which are directly referenced in the Ark of the Arts scene. His character helps to tie in those thematic elements of the movie to his lifestyle and beliefs, with Theo as a counterpoint.
The movie ends with Theo dying to the music of strings and choir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful, as it signifies the life in Theos hope that will live on beyond him. Its a vulnerable and tragic thing to hold onto hope, and that is expressed with the tragic beauty of the melody.
I love the observation about the alcohol and cigarettes. Huge detail showing how he changed. Thanks for the video!
At this point in time Children of Men is just barelly fiction, it's incredibly relevant now more than ever
The more acute our awareness of the climate and ecological crisis gets, the more terrifying this film and it's premise become. A cinematic masterpiece.
What about the jibby jabby crisis?
THAT'S what will make this film a reality.
@@SunglassSenseithe Cloud Cult won't acknowledge their role in dispersing their Holy Innoculate.
I sometimes go a long time without thinking of this movie. Then whenever it comes back up I remember its easily in my top 5 of all time. It’s a masterpiece that sticks with you even if you aren’t thinking about it directly
Although humanity hasn’t been struck with this sort of illness in reality, this lack of hope and purpose is something I see reflected in modern society in the U.S. (I can’t speak for other places). When I drive to work through my neighborhood I don’t see people out playing with their families and kids I see single people walking dogs that serve as surrogates for children. A lot of people don’t want to have kids and give up on dating, asking themselves “why would I want to bring children into this world.” I think these mass shootings are a biproduct of similar nihilism. Children of Men is the closest representation of a near future society I’ve seen.
I agree, which is one of the reasons I put so much time into making this analysis. You might like of my other work. I touch on similar themes in much of my content.
After watching this incredible movie a few days ago, I've been looking through videos discussing it, and this video has been by far the most substantial I've seen. Good job!
Watched this by the end of 2024. I really enjoyed the film when I watched (and cried like a baby) but your explanation made me enjoy it more and see all that I missed. Good job, and thank you
Great review!...this movie appeared on my radar of the top post-apocalyptic dystopian society films for my study in 2020-2021 for work on our own story development for a post-SHTF adventure saga set in tropical S.Ameriica 7-8 months after a worldwide economic collapse and widespread regional conflict outbreaks...was stunned by the director's and production team's attention to the details-
I like how Quietus is reimagined as a self die pill in the film. In the novel, Quietus is a ceremony of cramming an old ship full of the elders and sending it to drown while a band plays somber music
Canada started a Self-die Suicide thing, legally, officially, approved and they call it 'MAID' which seems to be Medical Assistance In Dying. You'd think it would be 'MAD' but they use the 'I' (in) so it becomes something you'd think of as helping you LIVE, a 'Maid'. Interestingly, its a soundalike to 'Made'. So really, to be 'unmade' is being 'Made' (born, created) in that sense we would say the acronym. A Maid Made the bed, she was made-up by a helpful maid. But it means death, suicide yourself.
Quietus mirrors the government sponsored assisted suicide clinics ("Homes of God") set up to dispose of the elderly and infirm in the movie "Soylent Green."
In America the high priest Fauci and his Church of the Holy Innoculate, with the
Bible called event 201, have caused myocardial death by soon to be millions.
Excellent analysis. Your voice really lends itself to narrating - looking forward to exploring your channel.
Your words almost brought me to tears. Its tragic how society had gotten to in the film and it mirrors the reality people live in around the world.
Great analysis of the film! I never noticed all the animals but after watching this and rewatching the film it's incredible how almost every frame where there are groups of background characters, there are pets. Absolutely everywhere. I also wanted to add that the ending, when the battling soldiers see the child and stop fighting to basically worship it (and all it represents) and as soon as they are a little ways away from them, the soldiers immediately open fire and continue blowing each other away. They don't actually learn the value of life or hope, they are just momentarily distracted by it. I don't know if that's the film being cynical or what, but I think it's an important detail.
The nod to Pink Floyd's Animals was cool.
I found you through your previous children of men video, so I‘d be totally up for more videos about that movie. Its captured my attention in a way that only a rare few movies have. I can‘t get enough of it!
this film stays with you with its beautiful brilliance
Awesome - I loved The Children of Men. Now I love it more. Beside being a work of art this movie makes a statement of how civilization is so distorted
Well done man, I always wondered why I liked this movie so much, very good breakdown.
So much thought went into this film, it's incredible! I've seen it four times now and I always spot new things each time I see it! Brilliant worldbuilding...
Best movie I've ever seen in my life. This approach should be far more common, not just in sci-fi, but in general.
Beautiful and insightful video!
Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱.
Beautiful work. I adore your breakdown. Subscribed!
So glad I stumbled on to this. Just watched CoM the other day (again), just because. If there is a wasted frame in this movie, I am not smart enough to identify it. This film apparently barely made back it's money, which for me internally is hard to fathom, but is ultimately a signifier of how good it is. Fantastic taste and quality analysis. I don't mash the subscribe button often, but I gladly did here.
I have a few other vids on Children of Men, not as good as this one lol but still... maybe you'll like them.
Your attention to details made me see many things in this movie that I had missed (at least consciously), although it has been among my most revered since I saw it when it came out. Very enlightening indeed.
I appreciate you saying this
Brilliant with the cigarettes & alcohol at the end. Very moving.
thank you much
Great analysis. I read a story earlier about declining fertility rates and I thought of this film and stumbled across your channel. Really enjoyed listening to your breakdown.
Phew, you say this so well - I understand much better now how this film had such a shattering effect on me. Thank you.
No, thank you
I watched this with a GF who thought it was dumb. When I asked why she said it didn’t have an ending. I realized at that point I was dating a moron. The relationship didn’t last that much longer.
Based AF
I was well on my way to falling in love with my partner, then I realized she had one of my favorite films "There Will Be Blood" in her collection. It just confirmed my gut feeling. We don't have a lot in common as far as hobbies or interests, but we love the same movies, hate the same songs, dig the same artists... and that goes a long way.
Brilliant analysis (as good as the one you did of lebowski), they are also 2 of my favorite films in their respective genre. Thank you! (I had never noticed the focus on pets, It is crazy, i was blind to it)
Thank you
I discovered you by searching Quantum of Solace underrated to vindicate my own unpopular opinion. A month later I'm recommended your Big Lebowski video and now I'm a huge fan. Throwing in a comment here for engagement! This is a criminally underrated channel
I really appreciate the insight. I didn't realize that even some of the smaller scenes have such a profound meaning.
Great video. I recently rematched Children of Men and I had forgotten how much I love it. Fantastic analysis. I remember what spooked me a bit about this movie when I first watched it was how near in the future things took place. The movie came out in 2006 and Baby Diego was born in 2009. Presumably, people would have noticed something wrong by 2008 at the latest, just two years after the film was made.
Besides 'Demolition Man' I can't think of any film so prophetic. Just today, Canadian corporation 'Simons' released an advert for government-assisted suicide and the advert looks uncannily like the Quietus adverts in Children of Men.
When they make Taco Bell vegetarian I’ll know it’s time to be a unabomber
Thank you very much for a wonderful video. Please do more on Children of Men
that last bit with the smoking and alcohol got me, i never noticed it until you, but after rewatching that, as someone who struggles with alcohol, I hope I can become that man
Me too
Wow I didn't even notice the part of him giving away his cigarettes and using all of the alcohol, great work!
I believe Children of men to be the 2nd best British film ever. After Trainspotting. Such an amazing movie .
Theo was the original Doomer. Also as someone who is married but cannot have kids and cannot adopt due to the obscene costs of which we refuse to pay on an ethical and financial basis, the lack of children does lead to a life of excess via pets, drugs, alcohol, expensive trips, hoarding expensive items we will never use, etc. These things are ok in moderation, but its been more and more evident to me that we are filling a void. Religion hasn't crept in yet but since we live in the hedonistic, godless west, doubt it ever will and Im too disillusioned to buy into politics or nationalism.
There’s a way for you to get a child. I’m sure there are hurdles but I’m also sure they are worth jumping.
Bravo 👏👏 What a great analysis, even to the smallest details, of this unique movie. I had watched it back when it came out (on DVD) but I didn't quite understand it fully. Now with your insight well explained to me I'll rewatch it again. Took 3 years for this video to reach me but I'm glad it did. I immediately subbed.
I loved the yellow light in every scene. Captivated directing
You are spot on in this one. Good job
In the 2020s, TV ads directly encourage people to end it all? How silly!
Excellent review of a first class film -- thank you! 👏👏
It's a well executed analysis, great job.
Great observations! I have watched Children of Men several times and haven't seen these things before
Thank you! Check out my other children of men videos. I basically worship this movie
I've seen Children of Men several times but you really showed me how the director used every detail to show the arc of the story.
Good analysis but I will say, just because the Fishes went about things in a morally corrupt manner and kinda lost sight of things in the end, that doesn’t mean that their cause was pointless or a desperate reach for “meaning”. Fighting for human rights is always a worthy cause in itself
Yes, but it is another example of the road to hell is paved with good intentions ie a worthy cause. The cause blinded the group that they would go so far to use a miracle to further their own agenda. When you can’t argue for the other side you’ve gone too far. Always check yourself.
You must be soooooo virtuous 😂😂
Your analysis and commentary is very well thought out and presented. Outstanding!
this is a great video and analysis.. killing me softly was great too… keep going.. you are exceptionally good at this
I've seen this a few times but never thought through so many of the ideas you present here, and it has been incredibly enriching.
happy to hear it
It’s mad to see that a fair bit of England looks like this nowadays
I've been thinking about this film recently. It's a very timely story. As a former-Londoner I really appreciated the attention to detail.
I have always loved Children of Men. In recent years, I found myself rewatching this a couple of times per year. Now, I have a better understanding of why.
Much like Blade Runner and Battle Star Galatica (the early 2000's version), they share commentaries on our society.
While this world isn't quite as fatalistic, I think we've lost our purpose and humanity. Thank you for your thought provoking analysis.
Believe it or not, I have not seen this film. Since yesterday I've watched a bunch of commentaries and yours are the best! Subscribing now...
This and the Fargo videos is making this one of my favorite channels.
Such an amazing film in literally every way. Great video, definitely hit a few things that I had never noticed before
This is one of the most impactful films I have seen. Thanks for promoting its message.
Think it's a very powerful retelling of the nativity play. Well worth a watch...
Masterpiece of a video analysis my friend. Holy sh** you might have just changed my outlook on life.
This is probably the most relevant movie made in the last 20 years, and especially so in 2022. I was actually shocked rewatching this recently after 10 years, and how easily I could imagine the modern world becoming this.
Here in 2024 it’s feeling more and more like this every day esp with the new upcoming mass deportations
Brilliant!! How did I miss so many details when I first watch the film in 2006?
The world is in decline in the film not because of no children it's the other way around: there is no children because the world has gone to sh*t. And in that respect this is scarily similar to the real world and decline of birthrate.
The world looks the way it does because of a lack of purpose. We have run out of purpose to continue in this world - so there are no children and we focus on small, harmful goals
So wrong
@liamblack2574 You aren't reading beyond the surface layer. I am reading the subtext and an allegories. If you account that it's the poor black girl that gives birth in the film, how is that not a reference to the real world where it's mostly people in poor countries and africa that still decide to bring children into this mess.
And you're making stuff up that you want to be there beyond the surface..
The filmmakers wanted to make a movie about the world collapsing because of infertility..
@@lmshistfood It's probably you who don't want to look deeper. A good film forces people to look at reality deeper, but some people defend themselves against it. Physically, people are still able to have children normally, but they do not want to do so. The question is who built the world like this? Normal people who just want to live, or the elites of power and money who still don't have enough?
One of the lines I remember from the film is when they say "Britain stands alone" implying that this awfully depressing London is the best the world has to offer. Every other nation has totally collapsed.
Caring for both humans and animals is not mutually exclusive.
That is an amazing presentation, and it brings so much more intense relevance to the myriad of themes in this 16 year old dystopia set 5 years from now, thank you so much!
Have you read Mark Fisher's analysis of CoM? It is found in the first section of his short book "Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?" and grounds the main thesis of that book.
Great video!
Never noticed the cigarettes part at the end