Children of Men

Children of Men is a movie from 2006, which I believe portrays the vulnerability of human life. The movie was about how mankind is on the verge of extinction because women are no longer able to conceive and bear children. The world is in utter chaos, especially in the wake of the world’s youngest person, at age 18, dying. The setting is in London, which is trying to control the random attacks within the city, while stopping refugees from weaker nations who are trying to enter. Everything seems hopeless, until Theo (Clive Owen), through his ex-wife and rebel leader, Julian (Julianne Moore), meets a pregnant young woman named Kee. After, Julian is killed protecting the Kee, Clive takes it upon himself to ensure Kee’s safety while trying to reach scientists who, through Kee, can save the future of mankind.

In a world where everyday our existence is uncertain due to threat of war and terrorism, I believe that Children of Men has great significance. I believe the world in despair and hopeless likens Iraq, which has been oppressed for decades. There seems to be little hope for change and all seems as if it may come may come to an end. Then there is Theo, who I believe symbolizes America. Theo risks his own life, and eventually dies, to help save Kee, who could represent the rebirth of Iraq. Through the bleakness, Theo is the hero who saves mankind from destruction. What is interesting about Children of Men is that it was released in 2006, when Saddam Hussein was executed. Many Iraqi people were happy about the death of the dictator, believing it would be a change, or rebirth, of the country, which would become a democratic nation. Another interesting aspect of the movie was that Julian, a woman, was the rebel leader, who sacrificed her life for the sake of Kee and humankind. I believe that this can be likened to women’s involvement in the Iraqi war, which is something relatively new. Military women are strong, like Julian, willing to put to their lives on the line for the future of America, Iraq, and the world.