Children of Men

Children of Men

Year: 2006

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

AdventureSci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

In a dystopian future where humanity teeters on extinction, a barren world unfolds. Eighteen years have passed since the last child was born, and chaos reigns in a ravaged London. Theo, a disillusioned bureaucrat, finds himself at the forefront of a desperate quest to save humanity from itself, amidst violence and nationalistic fervor.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Children of Men (2006)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Children of Men (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2027

The year 2027 marks a bleak future for humanity, grappling with a global crisis of female infertility. Society has crumbled, leading to despair and brutality as nations tighten their borders and militarized factions rise. A significant past event in 2008 further compounds the tragedy, with a flu pandemic causing personal and societal loss.

Location

United Kingdom, Azores

The United Kingdom serves as the last stronghold in a world ravaged by infertility and turmoil. Known now as a militarized police state, it is characterized by chaos and a relentless pursuit of asylum seekers. The Azores, a group of islands off the coast of Portugal, is mentioned as a potential sanctuary where the elusive Human Project operates, aimed at restoring fertility and hope for humanity.

🌆 Dystopia 🚢 Refugee Camp

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Main Characters – Children of Men (2006)
Meet the key characters of Children of Men (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Theo Faron (Clive Owen)

Theo is a disenchanted bureaucrat who once fought for social justice but is now mired in apathy. After re-encountering his estranged wife and learning about Kee's pregnancy, he reluctantly re-engages with his ideals. His transformation from cynicism to determination illustrates the power of hope and responsibility amid chaos.

👨‍⚖️ Activism 🌪️ Disillusionment

Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore)

Julian is a passionate leader of The Fishes and Theo’s former wife, whose commitment to change is personal and deadly serious. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Theo’s actions and highlights the emotional stakes involved in their fight. Julian’s character represents both the struggle for justice and the impact of loss.

💪 Leadership 😢 Sacrifice

Kee

Kee is a young refugee whose unexpected pregnancy becomes central to the plot's drive for survival and hope. Her innocence and vulnerability contrast sharply with the surrounding chaos, making her a symbol of renewal. Kee's journey from despair to fortitude showcases the persistent human spirit.

👶 Hope 🌍 Refugee

Jasper Palmer (Michael Caine)

Jasper is Theo's old hippie friend, offering wisdom and a glimpse of better times. As a former cartoonist, he personifies a lost generation yearning for peace. His involvement in the mission underscores themes of friendship and solidarity as he aids Theo in navigating a dangerous world.

🎨 Art 🤝 Friendship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Major Themes – Children of Men (2006)
Explore the central themes of Children of Men (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Survival

The theme of survival permeates the film as characters navigate a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Theo’s journey to protect Kee and her newborn highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve life. In a desperate struggle against oppressive forces, themes of hope and resilience emerge amidst desolation.

💔 Loss

Loss heavily influences the narrative, especially through Theo's regrets over his son and the tragedy that befalls Julian. The emotional weight of personal and societal losses weighs on the characters, shaping their motivations. The realization of Kee's pregnancy becomes a poignant symbol of hope within this backdrop of despair.

🤝 Rebellion

Rebellion against authoritarian control is central to the story, as various groups engage in conflict regarding immigration and rights. The Fishes embody revolutionary zeal, yet their methods pose ethical dilemmas. This theme raises questions about sacrifice, loyalty, and the complexities of fighting for a cause.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

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