# Children of Men

> 2006 film directed by Alfonso Cuarón

**Wikidata**: [Q221090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q221090)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Men)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/children-of-men

## Summary
*Children of Men* is a 2006 dystopian thriller film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, set in a near-future world where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility. The film is renowned for its cinematic innovation, blending elements of science fiction, drama, and tech noir to explore themes of hope, survival, and political turmoil.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Children of Men*
- **Release Dates**:
  - September 3, 2006 (Venice Film Festival)
  - September 22, 2006 (United Kingdom)
  - November 9, 2006 (United States)
  - January 5, 2007 (Japan)
- **Director**: Alfonso Cuarón
- **Genres**: Thriller film, science fiction film, drama film, adventure film, speculative fiction film, tech noir
- **Production Companies**:
  - Strike Entertainment (founded 2003, defunct)
  - Universal Pictures (founded 1912)
- **Countries of Origin**: United Kingdom, United States, Japan
- **Awards**:
  - Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (2007)
  - Included in BBC's *100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century*
- **Box Office**: Grossed approximately $76 million worldwide
- **Budget**: $76 million
- **Runtime**: 106 minutes
- **IMDb Rating**: 8.1/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 92%
- **Metacritic Score**: 84/100
- **Wikidata ID**: Q206696583
- **GND ID**: 7703512-4
- **IMDb ID**: tt0206634
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0fh2v5
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: 976261
- **Open Library ID**: 80302
- **AllMovie ID**: 34449
- **British Film Institute ID**: 60792
- **Cinematheque Quebecoise ID**: 1354930
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 63390
- **Kinenote ID**: 622366
- **MovieMeter ID**: 6803
- **Port ID**: 70044903
- **TMDb ID**: 106.0
- **Wikidata SPARQL Query Equivalent**: `?item wdt:P31/wdt:P279* wd:Q11424`

## FAQs
**What is *Children of Men* about?**
*Children of Men* is set in a dystopian 2027 where humanity has become infertile, and the youngest person on Earth has died at age 18. The film follows Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a disillusioned bureaucrat tasked with protecting the last pregnant woman and ensuring the survival of the human race. The story explores themes of hope, despair, and political oppression in a collapsing society.

**Who directed *Children of Men*?**
The film was directed by Alfonso Cuarón, a Mexican filmmaker known for his visually striking and thematically rich works, including *Y Tu Mamá También* (2001) and *Gravity* (2013). Cuarón's direction in *Children of Men* is celebrated for its long takes, immersive cinematography, and emotional depth.

**What genres does *Children of Men* belong to?**
The film blends multiple genres, including thriller, science fiction, drama, adventure, speculative fiction, and tech noir. This combination creates a unique atmosphere that emphasizes both the personal struggles of its characters and the broader societal collapse.

**What awards did *Children of Men* receive?**
The film won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2007 and has been recognized as one of the greatest films of the 21st century by the BBC. It is frequently cited for its technical achievements, particularly in cinematography and direction.

**Which production companies were involved in *Children of Men*?**
The film was produced by Strike Entertainment (a now-defunct American company), Universal Pictures (a major American film studio), and Hit & Run Productions. Universal Pictures also handled its distribution.

**What is the significance of the film’s setting?**
The film is set in the United Kingdom, which is depicted as a police state under martial law due to the global infertility crisis. The setting reflects themes of authoritarianism, immigration, and societal breakdown, resonating with contemporary political and social issues.

**How was *Children of Men* received critically?**
The film received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for its direction, cinematography, and thematic depth. It holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84/100 score on Metacritic, indicating universal acclaim.

**What is the cultural impact of *Children of Men*?**
*Children of Men* is considered a modern classic of dystopian cinema, influencing subsequent films and television series in the genre. Its realistic portrayal of a collapsing society and its innovative filmmaking techniques have made it a benchmark for future dystopian narratives.

## Why It Matters
*Children of Men* is a landmark film that redefined dystopian cinema through its gripping narrative, groundbreaking cinematography, and profound thematic exploration. It addresses universal fears about the future of humanity, political oppression, and the fragility of hope, making it relevant across cultures and generations. The film’s technical achievements, particularly its use of long takes and immersive camera work, have set new standards for visual storytelling in cinema. Its portrayal of a world on the brink of extinction resonates deeply in an era marked by environmental crises, political instability, and societal divisions. By blending genres and pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, *Children of Men* has cemented its place as a critical and cultural touchstone, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike to confront difficult questions about humanity’s future.

## Notable For
- **Innovative Cinematography**: Features groundbreaking long takes, including a nearly four-minute single-shot car ambush scene, which has been widely praised for its technical precision and immersive effect.
- **Dystopian Masterpiece**: Often cited as one of the greatest dystopian films ever made, influencing later works like *The Hunger Games* and *The Handmaid’s Tale*.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84/100 score on Metacritic, reflecting its universal acclaim.
- **Award-Winning**: Winner of the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (2007) and included in the BBC’s list of the *100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century*.
- **Multinational Production**: Produced by companies from the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan, showcasing international collaboration in filmmaking.
- **Cultural Relevance**: Explores themes of infertility, immigration, and authoritarianism, which remain pertinent in contemporary global discourse.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed approximately $76 million worldwide, demonstrating its commercial appeal alongside its critical success.
- **Genre-Blending**: Combines elements of thriller, science fiction, drama, and tech noir to create a unique and compelling narrative.
- **Influence on Filmmaking**: Inspired subsequent directors and cinematographers to experiment with long takes and immersive storytelling techniques.
- **Philosophical Depth**: Raises profound questions about human survival, hope, and the ethical implications of a world without children.

## Body

### Overview and Synopsis
*Children of Men* is a 2006 dystopian thriller film directed by Alfonso Cuarón and based on the 1992 novel of the same name by P.D. James. The film is set in 2027, in a world where humanity has become infertile, and the youngest person on Earth has died at the age of 18. The story follows Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a former activist turned bureaucrat, who is tasked with protecting Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), the first pregnant woman in nearly two decades. As Theo navigates a collapsing society ruled by a totalitarian government, he must evade both state forces and rebel factions to ensure the survival of humanity.

### Production and Development
The film was produced by Strike Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and Hit & Run Productions. Strike Entertainment, founded in 2003, was a defunct American production company known for its work on films like *The Bourne Identity* (2002). Universal Pictures, one of the oldest and most prominent film studios in the United States, handled the film’s distribution. The production involved collaboration between teams from the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan, showcasing the film’s international scope.

### Direction and Cinematography
Alfonso Cuarón’s direction is a defining feature of *Children of Men*. The film is renowned for its use of long takes, particularly in action sequences, which create a sense of immediacy and realism. The cinematography, led by Emmanuel Lubezki, employs a handheld camera style that immerses the audience in the chaotic and oppressive world of the film. The car ambush scene, shot in a nearly four-minute single take, is often cited as a masterclass in cinematography.

### Themes and Genre
*Children of Men* explores themes of hope, despair, political oppression, and the fragility of human existence. The film blends multiple genres, including thriller, science fiction, drama, adventure, speculative fiction, and tech noir. This genre-blending approach allows the film to address both personal and societal struggles, making it a multifaceted exploration of dystopia.

### Release and Reception
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2006, and was released in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2006, and in the United States on November 9, 2006. It received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its direction, cinematography, and thematic depth. The film holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84/100 score on Metacritic, indicating universal acclaim. It grossed approximately $76 million worldwide, demonstrating both critical and commercial success.

### Awards and Recognition
*Children of Men* won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2007. It has also been included in the BBC’s list of the *100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century*, further solidifying its status as a modern classic. The film’s technical achievements and thematic resonance have earned it a place in numerous "best of" lists and retrospectives.

### Cultural and Thematic Impact
The film’s portrayal of a dystopian future resonates with contemporary issues such as political authoritarianism, immigration crises, and environmental degradation. Its exploration of infertility as a metaphor for societal collapse has sparked discussions about the ethical and philosophical implications of a world without children. The film’s themes of hope and resilience in the face of despair have made it a touchstone for discussions about humanity’s future.

### Legacy and Influence
*Children of Men* has had a significant influence on subsequent dystopian films and television series. Its innovative cinematography and immersive storytelling techniques have inspired filmmakers to experiment with long takes and realistic action sequences. The film’s blend of genres and its exploration of profound themes have set a benchmark for dystopian narratives, making it a critical and cultural landmark in cinema.

### Technical Details and Identifiers
- **Wikidata ID**: Q206696583
- **GND ID**: 7703512-4
- **IMDb ID**: tt0206634
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0fh2v5
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: 976261
- **Open Library ID**: 80302
- **AllMovie ID**: 34449
- **British Film Institute ID**: 60792
- **Cinematheque Quebecoise ID**: 1354930
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 63390
- **Kinenote ID**: 622366
- **MovieMeter ID**: 6803
- **Port ID**: 70044903
- **TMDb ID**: 106.0
- **Wikidata SPARQL Query Equivalent**: `?item wdt:P31/wdt:P279* wd:Q11424`

### Related Entities
- **Strike Entertainment**: A defunct American production company involved in the film’s production.
- **Universal Pictures**: A major American film studio that produced and distributed the film.
- **United Kingdom**: The primary setting of the film, depicted as a dystopian police state.
- **United States**: One of the countries involved in the film’s production and release.
- **Japan**: Another country involved in the film’s production, reflecting its international collaboration.
- **Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film**: An award won by the film in 2007.
- **BBC's 100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century**: A list in which the film is included, highlighting its critical acclaim.

### Conclusion
*Children of Men* stands as a seminal work in dystopian cinema, celebrated for its technical innovation, thematic depth, and cultural relevance. Its exploration of humanity’s struggle for survival in a collapsing world continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless and influential film.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. Letterboxd
4. The Movie Database
5. Children of Men. Rotten Tomatoes
6. IMDb
7. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206634/releaseinfo)
8. [Source](http://www.kinokalender.com/film5669_the-children-of-men.html)
9. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=0612%5C107726K%2Epdf)
10. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0206634/)
11. [IMDb](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0206634/)
12. Kinopoisk
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20. Bechdel Test Movie List
21. mymovies.it
22. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/AEC2-2778-E291-3D5A-0E5F-U)
23. Danish Film Database
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26. FilmVandaag.nl