Children of Men (2006) FIRST TIME MOVIE REACTION!! 

The scene were the soldiers cease fire is amazing

I remember going to see this masterpiece with a group of friends in high school. Half of us saw this, the other half saw Pan's Labyrinth, and both groups thought the other half made the wrong choice. Turned out, there was no wrong choice.

It was when Julianne Moore’s character is killed that shocked me into really paying mind to this film. I, like everyone, thought she was in it for the duration only to realize “anything goes”.

I love how hard they were working to fight back the tears during the scene when they are descending the stairs with the baby. I can’t blame them, I sobbed when I watched it in the theater back in 2006. An absolutely masterful work of cinema, that somehow seems even more relevant today.

This is Alfonso Cuaron's masterpiece imo... and one of the best films in history for me as well! Probably top 10

So glad you guys enjoyed it! The emotional impact of this movie really caught me off guard. This one is definitely worth the rewatch!

This is one of my all time favourite films. Absolutely fantastic in every way. The flying pig is from Pink Floyds Animals album which is itself based on George Orwell's Animal farm, it's a 4th wall break by the director. The movie is so well shot. The one shot scenes are absolutely stunning. I've watched this film so many times and I'm still on the edge of my seat every time!!! Definitely a 10/10 for me.

The giant pig and the power station in the background is that of Pink Floyd's album, Animals. Give it a listen if you haven't and follow the lyrics. Very fitting for the themes of the film.

Congratulations. You just watched one of the greatest modern masterpieces of all time and one of my favorite films.

The point of the illegality of avoiding fertility tests has to do with many things. First, people want to avoid them because they feel it’s no one’s business but their own if they can get pregnant; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and all that but it would also be seen as your civic duty to become a baby factory since fertility is nearly nonexistent. God knows what the government would do with you if they knew about you. A suspension of your civil liberties for the greater good would be only the start.

"Dont capsize the boat when he falls over" That line had me bust out laughing. Thank you! Cheers from the States

This movie, for me, crystalizes one of the more important roles of fatherhood; at the end, when Theo believes Key and the baby are safe, and only then, does he see fit to die...also why he wanted the woman with the dog to come with...he knew he didn't have much time left.

Two really fascinating details in this film: at one point, we can see The Shard skyscraper on the London skyline, and we also see Theo wearing a ratty old London Olympics sweater. The film takes place in 2027 and the Olympics were 2012 and The Shard opened 2013. The film came out in 2006. Amazing attention to detail to include things like that.

"I was in the mood for some action". Brace yourself, Tom

Funny you said you could write a thesis on it, we did this movie in my "music in film" class and we spent *days* just on the Court of the Crimson King scene. There's so much there to dig into. Great video! ❤

I feel like reproductive/fertility sci-fi is one of the most underutilized forms of speculative fiction. This was a really good movie!

This movie was made during the Bush/Blair years, when both countries started down a road of really horrible violations of humans rights and cruelty against immigrants. The design elements of this movie are in part a response to the fear in that time. This film really is a masterpiece.

children of men(2006),the road (2009),perfect sense (2011)...these are some of the best films of this period exploring the human side of the end of the world, instead of showing us the usual savages and superheroes locked in an epic battle.

LOL, the speed your faces changed between the “close to Wales” joke and Julian getting shot…classic. 😂 Masterpiece film!

This is by far the most underrated sci-fi film of all time. It’s exceptional. The original novel was written by my favorite cozy-mystery author, P.D. James (if you like Agatha Christie, you’ll LOVE James). This novel was a really different one for James, but it’s excellent as per. The film is a perfect translation of the original story. One reviewer said it was 20 years ahead of its time, and I completely agree.

Fun Fact: This film came out on December 25th, 2006. The title comes from Psalm 90. Also, the name Theo is, of course, derived from the Greek word for God (theos). So Kee gives birth to the God-baby that will save humanity. Her pregnancy reveal happens in a barn/manger. The rebel group is called the "Fishes." The fish was a common symbol in early Christianity. Children of Men is a Christmas film.

I’m so glad Tom clarified that it was the WOMEN who could no longer have the children . . . I was worried there for a minute. . . Lol!

Absolute masterpiece, one of my all time favorites

The children playing over the credits, after such a rough journey; combined with the ending is one of the most powerful things I’ve seen fr. This was one of a kind and gets me everytime

This movie shook me to the core the first time I saw it, it’s a masterpiece.

I feel like I remember seeing a piece on the 10:02 scene! I believe it was one continuous shot with the camera actually moving through the car. I wish I could remember where I saw that, it was a really interesting piece on how that was filmed. Edit: After watching through the whole video now, you guys talked about the long shots at the end. I found the video I mentioned above! It's here on youtube called: "Two Axis Dolly & Children of Men: Behind the Scenes". Highly recommend giving it a watch!

Yes! This is one of my favorite movies and one that gets me finding new channels when they react to it (but I happened to follow you guys beforehand lol). Really underrated at the time, gaining more traction over time, brilliant film

One of my fave details in this movie is in the very beginning, when the reason he gives to his boss for why he wants to leave work isn't because he was almost in a bombing, but because Baby Diego died. He knew which excuse would be more believable. The other shot I love is when Kee first reveals her pregnancy and she's standing amid a bunch of dairy cows talking cutting off udders. It's pretty telling that the reveal is surrounded by a visual reminder of the way humans will essentially torture these poor animals to get what we want from their bodies. Not exactly a subtle metaphor, but a brilliant one.

I remember renting this movie without knowing anything about it, then sitting back and relaxing to watch it, but the opening scene of him going in and out of that Cafe and it exploding, in one shot? I was sitting at attention the rest of the movie

Alfonso Cuaron is a master filmmaker and he's especially good at the highly choreographed, smooth tracking scene you see a lot in this movie. There's a similar sequence in Roma from 2018 that's also very impactful so I'd recommend checking that one out.

I watched this in theaters. I loved it. A lot of people I know didn’t, and I was confused with that. I now think that it was just ahead of its time and there were so many artsy films coming out then.. If it were to come out today I believe it would be much more appreciated. Especially because of the huge influx of the superhero movies and the decline of artistic filmmaking.

Fantastic commentary and analysis, guys. This is EXACTLY how I felt after watching this film. It left me in heavy thought for days afterwards after I saw it at the cinema. So gripping and long-lasting. In my opinion, a masterpiece.

You lads should check out a movie called “Boiling Point” if you want more 1-take action.

I always said the true horror of this movie is that it's probably how things would go if the population became infertile.

For me Fury Road is also 10 out of 10. Have you guys watched Gattaca?

My favourite film

This is pretty comparable to V for Vendetta as a dystopian future with xenophobic, fascist overtones that make it seem so relevant to today. Also one of the few movies adapted from a great book that manages to be even better than the source material.

Ok, I absolutely REVERE this movie. I saw it in theatres when it released, and wow, what an absolute ride. Also, the sheer amount of 'one-take shots' in this movie is incredible. Such a brilliant way of filmmaking. Now that you guys have seen it, you should go watch the behind the scenes stuff. You don't even need to react to it but damn, it is absolutely fascinating how they managed those one takes.

omg the evil dreads guy is Charlie Hunnam, first time noticing that!

The cease fire scene is such a gut punch because it shouldn't have to be the first baby in 18 years to make it stop. Any baby in the vicinity should take priority over any battle, period.

I love this movie. The mastery in filmmaking involved, the deep meaning of it. And the emotion it provokes. I cried so much when I saw it in the theater on its release. This is cruel and unforgiving, but it still manages to carry so much hope.

God, I love this channel and you guys

I went into the theater without even seeing the trailer or the poster, with some friends. It was mind-blowing. We all went to see it again the next day. It still seems like a very intense warning of the times to come, along with (of all things) Idiocracy, which is like this film's goofy little brother. I hope you noticed the song during the end credits: C***s Are Still Running the World by Jarvis Cocker.

You two are right, this movie was very underrated at the time and still is to an extent. I believe all the attention the year this came out was going to The Departed and Letters From Iwo Jima, which are both rad; but this film is I think more meaningful overall and more technically brilliant

Absolutely 10/10 from me.

Glad you got around to this one. The themes were not new in 2006, but how it was filmed was kind of ground breaking.

This film is a masterpiece.❤❤❤

The meaning of the French flag is in its colours actually - they symbolize the 3 keywords of revolution and democracy nowadays: blue means liberty (originally the bourgeoisie), white is equality (originally the clergy or the Kingdom) and red is fraternity or brotherhood (originally the nobility and together with blue the colours of Paris)

Loved this reaction. Cuaron is such a cinematic visionary. You can see his unique style in every film he has directed. It's amazing even rewatching Azkaban and seeing the same fluidity in one takes as you do in Children of Men or Gravity or Roma. His first film Y Tú Mama Tambien is an utter cinematic masterpiece that is in the same league as Children of Men and I can't recommend it enough. Cuaron is one of the greatest directors the world has ever seen.

You guys are awesome, your reactions are fun, entertaining & delve deep into your likes & dislikes about movies.

Should do sci-fi sections. Dystopian, space, time travel, And for that list I suggest “predestination.”

Even though I cry 🥺EVERY SINGLE TIME🥺, I’ve watched this movie a couple times a year for about a decade. The story telling is extraordinary. I simply love it.😍

Such an outstandingly made film it blows you away

The inscrutability of this society is meant to show that when people are no longer in the cycle of life, their motives become chaotic and random. Some people aimlessly do their jobs without purpose, or wallow in selfishness; others aimlessly pursue nonsense militant agendas that spiral into empty violence. But everyone is suddenly united and awake when they hear the baby cry. The madness just stops in its tracks and reality again has wonder to it. Best-ever Christian allegory this side of Tolkien.

33:54 You can write a paper on this movie and submit it to a university's film or literature department and possibly get it published, which means possible money and more exposure to your channel

Oh, and Roger Ebert was still alive when this movie came out. He said he really, really, *really* wanted to know exactly *how* the car scene was shot

You should watch Clive Owen in King Arthur. It has a great supporting cast and is as close to real history as we have gotten.

It's not a 2006 concept, as the novel was written in 1992, by PD James. It was a one off for her as her main focus was the detective novels featuring her character Adam Dalgliesh, this was her only Sci fi story, written when she was in her seventies. Essentially the societal collapse because if there is no future what is the point, is hers, though in her version it is the men that are infertile, hence the title. It's a great novel, more of a political thriller than an action film, but then that's the difference in the medium.

I can't remember who said it but I agree with the idea the film's a metaphor for the existential infertility of our own times.

The term you're looking for is "speculative fiction"

There's a behind-the-scenes short about how they filmed the one-take in the car. The actors had to recline their seats to make room for the camera... craziness. Another top-five one-take is at the beginning of The Player.

Is that the highest scoring film ever on the channel collectively? I like it but don't love it.

React to the 2015 movie Chappie!! Is really good!

Please tell me 2 British boys don't need an explanation on the flying Pig at the Power Plant. 😮 Pink Floyd. God my heart is broken. 💔

watch demolition man next great 90's stallone flick you wont regret it

Excellent reaction and review, fellas. Definitely gonna be rewatching this one in the future! Cheers

A perfect 10. One of the best films I've seen overall. Everything is pitch perfect. Glad you two enjoyed it! 💖💖

Children of Men is an absolute underrated modern masterpiece. The long takes, the grittiness, characters, the art of the storytelling. A movie that on each rewatching still manages to impress.

one of the best movies ever

please do robocop 2 i want to see your reactions its really good some say its better then 1!

i remember that one of my friends had the theory that The Handmaiden's Tale is whats going on in USA, while Children of Men is happenng in the UK

Happy Mother's Day 💐😁😊🎉🎊❣️❤️💖

watch y tu mama tambien if u haven’t by far it’s cuaron’s best and basically the best movie ever

Definitely one of the most shocking films I've ever seen

The scene where they're sneaking out of the farm is so intense. It doesn't matter how many times I see this I'm still at the edge of my seat.

This is the most depressing movie I’ve ever seen.

The detail that amazed me in the cinema in 2006 = his faded 2012 London Olympics T-shirt. Also, wish Cuaron was making more sci-fi /fantasy movies - he's among the very best.

"You can always add to the canvas, but at what point do you stop?" Well put, Tom! A 10/10 film.

An absolute 10/10 movie

Couldn't agree with you guys more! This is not only one of my all-time favorites, but imo one of the most underrated films ever as well. I haven't known many people who have seen it, but all who I have known consider it a masterpiece. Plus I've seen it on many critics top lists. So not sure why its remained such a hidden gem all these years. Back when it came out, I saw it in the theater with a group of people and when it was over, we all just filed out in silence. I remember feeling so many things at once: I felt stunned by the overwhelming experience of the film itself as well as the harrowing gravity of not only the overall subject matter but also what I'd watched the people on screen going through -- but at the same time, I felt filled with a love for humanity and, somehow...hope? So yeah, I think I agree with the Amazon description too lol

A 10/10 for me too. I remember the first time I saw it, I think I was jaw-dropped by the impact of this movie. One of my favourite movie of all time. Watched it multiple times.

I don't think you guys will take notice of this but I'd like to see you react to 'Sexy Beast' with Ray Winston and Sir Ben Kingsley. It's not that the films a masterpiece, it's some of the Staggering performances, particularly Sir Ben Kingsley.

How about the oneshot in 1917 ?

A reaction I’ve been so looking forward to!!!

The ceasefire when they have the child out and can hear it crying is the best part. The younger soldiers have never seen a child while the older soldiers likely remember when there were children in the world.

10/10 for sure, it is a perfect movie in every respect and an outstanding achievement by everyone involved in making it. As you say, it is a great work of art; beautiful, mesmerising and profound.

10+/10+ . This movie was breathtaking and extremely thought provoking. A cinematic masterpiece

One of the greatest films of all-time. Of films over the last couple of decades.. I'd add "PLEASANTVILLE," "STRANGER THAN FICTION," "AMELIE,"... as MUST SEE films. Great reaction!

Alfonso Cauron doesn’t miss. Gravity is another great movie to watch if you haven’t done so

This movie is incredible. A masterclass in cinematography.

Maybe the most underrated movie of all time. Also a big inspiration for Hideo Kojima and the way he filmed MGS5 and told Death Stranding.

I like the realistic touch of the movie. Especially in the last half, when they shot in Paris and Berlin for the Refugee City.

ugh man, glad you guys see it for the masterpiece it is. My favorite, all time since seeing it in theatres

The floating pig is the same image portrayed on Pink Floyd's classic album, ANIMALS. What do the Animals represent in Pink Floyd? Animals (Pink Floyd album) - Wikipedia Concept. Loosely based on George Orwell's political fable Animal Farm, the album's lyrics describe various classes in society as different kinds of animals: the predatory dogs, the despotic ruthless pigs, and the "mindless and unquestioning” herd of sheep. (Wikipedia)

I feel like the "Quietus" thing is an allusion to Hamlet and his contemplation of suicide in the "To be or not to be" speech@ "For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay, The insolence of office, and the spurns That patient merit of th'unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin?"

The flying pig is a reference to the album cover of the Pink Floyd's 1977 album ANIMALS. Mostly a Roger Waters' project, the album is a harsh critique of the growing authoritaniism and anti-workers of british politics as brought by Margareth Thatcher's premiership. The influence of that album can be felt throughout the entire film even if no song from it is used.

I think a “10” is ok, and you’re not being a weak critic by assigning it. It’s not whether a movie is “art” or “entertainment.” It’s asking yourself “can this film be improved upon?” I’m not sure CoM could be.

Two UK blokes hiding their pain with jokes, upon seeing an accurate depiction of their country under Tories rule 2023 colored.

Another interestingly made film is "The Vast of Night" (2019). A smaller film, nowhere near as heavy as this one. But quite unique. Sort of like a campfire ghost story. Fail to listen and you'll miss so much!

Alfonso Cuarón is such a brilliant director. I'm so excited that you're one step closer to Y Tu Mama Tambien. It's so beautiful and real. So brilliant.