FAITH ON FILM: Children of Men

Kicking off the so-called Faith on Film Festival is one of my favorites: the film adaptation of P.D. James’ Children of Men.

As a warning, though, this is not a movie for the easily offended. Still, Children of Men is quite a feat. You can go on and on about its cinematography, the action sequences, the seven-minute cut-free take of a frantic run through an urban battle zone, the recurrent symbolism of background minutia, and of course, the fine acting performances by Clive Owen, Michael Cain and Julianne Moore. But it's the message of sacrifice and the sanctity of life that's so incredibly illustrated. The dark, futuristic setting where no human has been born in twenty years for reasons undiscovered has the U.K. government initiating a holocaust of sorts with non-British segments of the population, elitists valuing preservation of the arts more than human lives, and no one caring a thing for their neighbor. Underground revolutions brew violently in guerilla-styled attacks against the imperialists while the rest of the fragile society clings to little more than apathy and whatever intoxication methods available, seemingly intent to fade away into mankind's extinction.

Yet in the end (spoiler alert), each segment—oppressed victim, soldier, rebel, bystander—is completely awestruck at the sound of a newborn's cry, the first in nearly two decades. Humbly, the warring crowds part sides as the mother carries the little miracle between them. Then, in the blink of an eye, anarchy ensues once again.

I also love Clive Owen's every-man who's lost his faith and reason for living, stuck in the doldrums of a meaningless, hopeless existence, until he discovers the one who can literally save humanity. Instantly, he finds his purpose, letting nothing stand in his way to shepherd them to safety. It consumes him, and a handfull of others, regardless of never even really knowing the mother--but that matters little with what is at stake. In the end, blood is shed to the ultimate degree, a sacrifice made on behalf of another so that new life is made possible.

Too bad not many saw this film—if you didn't, go rent it. Just be cautioned it’s not for everyone (my wife did not like it) because of the excessive violence, f-bombs and a grueling childbirth scene. But it’s amazing, not just as a piece of artwork, but also because of the messages of hope, life and sacrifice it contains. Definitely not a positive, happily-ever-after story—in fact, to say it was bleak would be a gross understatement. But so is saying it's a good flick. Based on its overall theme and message, Children of Men is, without a doubt, a glaring representation of faith on film, and gives a heavy dose of discussion fodder.