Latest news with #ChildrenofMen
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Oscar nominated director names three must-watch action masterpieces
Fans can stream these titles rated over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes in the same place Children of Men Official Trailer #1 - Julianne Moore, Clive Owen Movie (2006) HD An Oscar nominated director has named their suggestions for an action movie marathon by telling fans to watch three masterpieces in one night. Celine Song received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for her debut feature Past Lives. She has since gone on to make rom-com Materialists. She previously worked on the television series The Wheel of Time as a writer. Her new film stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. It was released earlier this year in the US and finally hits UK cinemas on August 15. Materialists sees a young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. However, while promoting the film, she took some time out to recommend her favourite titles in a very different genre. Thankfully for audiences at home, each film is currently streaming via Sky Cinema or Now with a movies pass. Asked to pick out her perfect movie marathon during an interview with Empire magazine, she said: "I would say I think you should watch Children of Men, Alfonso Cuarón, and then I think you should follow it up with edge of tomorrow by Doug Liman, and then I think you should watch Mad Max Fury Road by George Miller." Explaining her decisions she goes on to say: "What I love and respect about all three of those movies and why I think they're perfect companions to each other is because they are great action films where we get to enjoy the parts of cinema that like drives us to go to the cinemas but is also going to have very real political ideologies and beliefs in what we want the world to be and I think that's what I really love and respect about it." She continued: "And the characters are so amazing and it's actually some of the best written things ever. The direction is insane but it's not a mindless action thing, it's always going to have something deeply ideologically interesting and very political and socially significant." It seems that these should be fan favourite picks that were also critical hits as each scored more than 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Edge of Tomorrow managed 91%, Children of Men 92% while Fury Road earned an impressive 97%. For those that are not familiar with these three films, Edge of Tomorrow is set in 2027, where humanity faces extinction after it fails to reproduce for 18 years. When, a woman gets pregnant, a federal agent, played by Clive Owen protects her as she holds the key to humanity's survival. Edge of Tomorrow sees Tom Cruise's Captain Cage trapped in a time loop as he is forced to enter the battlefield after alien forces launch an attack on Earth and threaten to wipe out the human race. He must team up with Emily Blunt's warrior to save the planet. Mad Max Fury Road sees Tom Hardy take over the role of the titular character from Mel Gibson, in an apocalyptic world, where a tyrant rules over a stark desert, controlling every drop of water. Two rebels, one escaping grief and the other reaching out to her childhood, are the last hope for a few.
Courier-Mail
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
This box office flop is the best film of the 21st century
Don't miss out on the headlines from Movies. Followed categories will be added to My News. Director Alfonso Cuarón's 2006 dystopian thriller Children of Men starts with a bang – literally. As the film opens, actor Clive Owen's character Theo pops down to the corner cafe to grab a cup of coffee in grimy, inner-city London. It's 2027, two decades since worldwide infertility pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. The cafe is packed, as people crowd to watch a TV announcing that the youngest person in the world – a man named Diego, who was the last known person to be born 18 years earlier – had met a violent end, stabbed by an autograph hunter in Buenos Aires. Theo takes his coffee back out to the street. And then the cafe blows up, with everyone inside. To celebrate the launch of the new app, we're celebrating the people, places and events we'll never forget from the first quarter of the 21st century by asking for Australia's view. Our 25@25 series will finally put to bed the debates you've been having at the pub and around dinner tables for years – and some that are just too much fun not to include. It's a startling opener to a film that, despite rave reviews, struggled to even make back its budget at the box office in 2006, but has emerged as one of the most prescient films of the 21st century. Based on P.D. James' 1992 novel The Children of Men, the film follows the cynical, world-weary Theo as he's commandeered by a refugee liberation group run by his old flame Julian (Julianne Moore). They need his help to get refugee Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to safety, because she's carrying a huge secret: She's the first woman to fall pregnant in 18 years. The film unfolds as the sort of dystopian chase movie that'll be familiar to fans of shows like The Handmaid's Tale and The Last Of Us. But the world-building in the film is something else. We're never told why humanity suddenly became infertile, we only see what damage it's caused, how nihilistic humanity has become knowing that they'll be the last generation on earth. Theo passes by scenes of devastation, violence and hopelessness throughout the film, and they don't appear to register because it's just how life is now. Danger abounds – one incredible one-take shot sees Theo and the refugee group travelling by car through the apparent safety of a forested area, all breathing a sigh of relief that they've made it out of the chaos and violence of the city. Within seconds, an armed gang emerge from the forest, ambushing them for reasons unknown. They manage to escape, but not without the shocking, violent death of one key character. The film's truly shocking opening scene. Theo's journey to get Kee (centre) to safety is edge-of-your-seat stuff. It's harrowing, edge-of-your-seat viewing as the camera pans around the car to capture the action – and now considered one of the best one-shot scenes in the history of cinema. The film ends on an ambiguous note, a final scene which some viewers interpret as a 'happy ending', while others aren't so sure. Perhaps that ending, coupled with the grim tone of the film, would go some way to explaining why Children of Men wasn't a box office hit upon release. But word spread among those who did see it, and in recent years it's appeared on many critics lists of the best films of all time. Multiple rewatches over the past two decades have affirmed my initial impression of Children of Men: It's my favourite film released so far this century. Don't agree with me? Vote in our poll below. As part of our 25@25 series celebrating the biggest and best of the past 25 years, the entertainment team at has collated a shortlist of the 10 best movies of the 21st century, from Oscar winners to family favourites to a mind-bending romance and an iconic Aussie road movie. The Dark Knight (2008) A cinematic masterpiece that redefined the superhero genre. Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is nothing short of legendary, earning him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance, coupled with Christian Bale's nuanced depiction of Batman, elevates the film to a level of dramatic intensity rarely seen in superhero films. Christopher Nolan's direction, alongside Hans Zimmer's haunting score, creates a dark and immersive atmosphere that captivates audiences. Avatar (2009) A groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking, renowned for its revolutionary use of 3D technology and visual effects. The film's immersive world-building transports audiences to the lush, alien planet of Pandora, showcasing James Cameron's visionary direction. 'Avatar' became a cultural phenomenon, holding the title of the highest-grossing film of all time for nearly a decade, with a worldwide box office gross of over $2.8 billion. Children of Men (2006) A dystopian masterpiece that combines a thought-provoking narrative with stunning cinematography. The film's screenplay, based on P.D. James' novel, presents a bleak yet compelling vision of the future, where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility. Clive Owen delivers a powerful performance as Theo, a reluctant hero navigating a world on the brink of collapse. Cuarón's direction is marked by innovative long takes, particularly the intense single-shot action sequences that heighten the film's realism and urgency. Interstellar (2014) Christopher Nolan co-wrote the screenplay for his second entrant on our list - an epic science fiction film that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the survival of humanity. Matthew McConaughey's performance as Cooper, a pilot on a mission to save humanity, is both heartfelt and compelling. The film's visual effects, which earned an Academy Award, create a breathtaking depiction of space travel and distant worlds. Hans Zimmer's evocative score further enhances the film's emotional depth. Parasite (2019) A genre-defying film that masterfully blends elements of thriller, drama, and dark comedy. The film's screenplay, co-written by director Bong Joon-ho, offers a sharp social commentary on class disparity and the human condition. Bong's direction is meticulous, with each scene crafted to build tension and suspense. 'Parasite' made history as the first South Korean film to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The Departed (2006) A gripping crime thriller that showcases director Martin Scorsese's mastery of the genre. The star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, delivers powerful performances that led to critical and commercial success. It earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The Social Network (2010) A compelling drama that chronicles the creation of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles. The film's screenplay, written by Aaron Sorkin, is a masterclass in dialogue, offering a sharp and insightful look into the complexities of ambition and betrayal. Jesse Eisenberg delivers a standout performance as Mark Zuckerberg, capturing the character's brilliance and social awkwardness. 'The Social Network' was both a critical and commercial success, earning three Academy Awards. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) A poignant exploration of love and memory, distinguished by its inventive storytelling and visual style. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet deliver exceptional performances, and Michel Gondry's direction, marked by creative visual effects and non-linear storytelling, enhances the film's emotional impact. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' has received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, solidifying its status as a modern classic. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) A high-octane action film that redefines the genre with its relentless pace and stunning visuals. 'Mad Max: Fury Road' was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Awards and grossing over $375 million worldwide. Its groundbreaking action sequences and visionary direction have established it as one of the greatest films of the 21st century. Finding Nemo (2003) An animated masterpiece that combines heartwarming storytelling with stunning animation. The voice performances, particularly Albert Brooks as Marlin and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, bring humour and emotion to the film. The animation, which vividly captures the beauty of the ocean, set a new standard for visual storytelling in animation. 'Finding Nemo' was a box office sensation, grossing over $940 million worldwide, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Not just a film buff? Vote in the other 25@25 polls below Originally published as This box office flop is the best film of the 21st century
West Australian
26-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
James Pethokoukis: Japan baby slump might not be an economic disaster
Economic coverage of falling birth rates these days sounds like a CNBC adaptation of the 2006 dystopian thriller Children of Men, a film about societal meltdown in a childless future. Income growth will stall! Innovation will wane! Consumer demand will falter! 'This is how great civilisations throughout history have ended,' Elon Musk warned in one of his many grave pronouncements about 'population collapse.' As this stagnation scenario becomes the default economic forecast, governments around the world are scrambling for ways, often at great fiscal cost, to slow or even reverse their baby busts. From cash incentives to paid leave, the results have been disappointing, and there's little sign of a promising untried fix waiting in reserve. Yet Japan, 17 years into population shrinkage despite its own attempts at pricey natalist policies, now offers a surprisingly hopeful counter that an ageing economy can still offer growth and prosperity. The data, however, tells a more upbeat tale (if without any Miyazaki whimsy). A Goldman Sachs analysis this year found that wage growth has risen from 0.3 per cent in the 2010s to 1.2 per cent in the 2020s, while core inflation has climbed from 0.5 per cent to a healthier 1.5 per cent, an encouraging development in a country that was long stuck in a deflationary trap. As Goldman sees things, the demographic decline that once drained vitality is now creating a 'virtuous cycle' of tightening labor markets, increased worker bargaining power and more investment in productivity-enhancing tech. These trends are helping prop up the economy even as it weathers a shock from the US-led trade war. When Japan's population peaked in the late 2000s, the country initially offset the decline by drawing more women and older people into the workforce. Rising participation helped mask demographic pressures and kept wages subdued. Now, Japan is running out of workers to tap, and scarcity is finally exerting upward pressure on wages, a boon for the remaining labor force. But rather than just grumbling about the lack of workers, businesses are finding ways to use fewer of them. From software to machines — here's where AI and robotics can really lend a hand — productivity has gone up in Japan's most labour-starved sectors, with corporate profits hitting record highs in fiscal 2024. Recent performance doesn't guarantee long-term results, as the report cautions. Still, the Japan scenario seems a more promising path forward than further natalist nudges. Hungary's lavish baby bonuses and generous parental benefits in Scandinavia have barely budged birth rates, proving again that you can't fight a values-based war with economic weapons. Cash-for-kids advocates Musk and JD Vance would protest, but no financially feasible subsidy can compete with 21st century attitudes about families, career priorities and life goals. A survey by Pew Research Center this month finds that younger Americans report wanting dramatically fewer children than even just a decade ago. These are fun scenarios to contemplate, but they offer little guidance to policymakers grappling with population trends staring them in the face right now. Accepting a Japan-like fate as a manageable result might encourage policies that help better adjust to it. We could emphasise productivity — the business investment provisions in the Senate tax bill would help here, but so would retooling immigration to focus on letting in the smartest, highest-achieving workers. We could encourage a labour market that maximises mobility so the right person is in the right job in the right place, perhaps by easing occupational licensing requirements and providing vouchers for job relocation. And there's no time like the present to reform pension systems to reflect the new reality of longer lives and shrinking workforces. If a country that's considered an archetype of demographic decline can go gently into that good night, so, too, might the United States and other rich countries. Like the willow in the wind, better to go with the flow than fight against it. James Pethokoukis is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of 'The Conservative Futurist.'
Rakyat Post
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
How Apple TV+'s 'Disclaimer' Echoes Malaysia's Troubling Attitudes Towards Violence Against Women
Subscribe to our FREE [Spoilers if you haven't watched the show!] Disclaimer, written for the screen and directed by the brilliant Alfonso Cuarón ( Roma, Gravity, Children of Men ) is a 7-episode miniseries on Apple TV+ that's an adaptation of the novel by Renée Knight. Using Catherine Ravenscroft's (Cate Blanchett) character as a point of reference, Disclaimer confronts us with the brutal lived experiences of countless women around the world, Malaysia included. The show follows Catherine, a respected investigative journalist whose carefully curated life begins to unravel when she receives a mysterious manuscript in the mail. (Apple TV+) The novel – ominously titled The Perfect Stranger – claims that all resemblance to real people is intentional , and as she flips through the pages, Catherine realises with horror that the main character is unmistakably her. According to The Perfect Stranger , years ago, Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen), Catherine, and her young son Nicholas went on holiday to Italy but Robert had to leave suddenly for work. Catherine then meets Jonathan (Louis Partridge) and grooms him to be her sex toy while her husband is away. (Apple TV+) They have a very (and I mean, very ) passionate affair initiated by Catherine, until Jonathan wants to take it to the next level. A heated argument between them ends up in Jonathan's death as he drowns trying to save little Nicholas who, left unattended, ended up in the middle of the raging sea. The whole ordeal, obviously, paints Catherine as a horny, selfish whore that lied to her family and was complicit in the death of a young man. The only thing that proves the words written in the novel is a series of explicit and provocative photographs that Jonathan took of Catherine. The Perfect Stranger was written by Jonathan's mom, Nancy (Lesley Manville) and was discovered by her husband Stephen Brigstocke (Kevin Kline) after she died. In a frenzy of rage and revenge, Stephen published the book under a pseudonym and successfully turned Robert, Nicholas, and Catherine's colleagues against her. Everything that we see throughout the show supports the narrative that Catherine is in fact who the book paints her to be. (Apple TV+) There's also third-person narration throughout the series that becomes disorienting after a while: Is this voice supposed to be our voice, supporting the narrative that's against Catherine? It's important to note that at this point, we never got to hear Catherine's side of things. (Apple TV+) Despite the amount of times she's tried to reach Stephen, he never wants to hear it, and the same goes for her husband. It's only until Nicholas ends up with a drug-overdose induced stroke after Stephen sends him the explicit photos of his mom to 'show him who she really is', that Catherine breaks – and breaks into Stephen's home. It's only in Episode 7 that we hear Catherine. (Apple TV+) Catherine reveals to Stephen that after stalking her the entire day, Jonathan broke into her hotel room, held her at knifepoint, forced her to pose for photos, and raped her repeatedly for three and a half hours before leaving. The next day, he drowned while saving Nicholas. Catherine had gathered physical evidence of the rape but destroyed it after his death, wanting the memory to die with him. She also became pregnant soon after, and – fearing the baby might be Jonathan's – chose to terminate. What has this got to do with violence against women in Malaysia? (Apple TV+) Belief in rape myths is closely linked to rape-supportive attitudes and sexual entitlement. Drawing from the extensive study conducted by the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) in 2021 on 83.4% of Malaysians – both men and women – believe rape occurs because men cannot control their sexual urges. 51.3% believe that rape happens because of how women dress. This reflects a broader societal tendency to excuse perpetrators and place the burden of prevention on victims. (Apple TV+) Such myths falsely frame rape as a result of uncontrollable male desire, rather than what it truly is: a deliberate act of power, dominance, and control. When these myths are used to justify sexual violence, they fuel victim-blaming narratives , making women responsible for their own victimisation and allowing perpetrators to escape accountability – both socially and legally. High acceptance of rape myths not only undermines the concept of consent but also reflects an implicit belief that male needs override female autonomy. (Apple TV+) This minimisation of consent contributes to a culture where women's actions, attire, or behaviour are scrutinised more than the violent acts committed against them. Rape culture, reinforced by these beliefs, normalises violence against women and is unlikely to remain confined to informal social attitudes. Its influence likely extends into formal support systems, including frontline services and the criminal justice system – institutions meant to protect survivors but may instead mirror the public's harmful views. This in turn causes women who have gone through rape to experience overwhelming shame and guilt, and take their trauma to their grave before speaking up and seeking help or justice. Nobody thought to confirm Nancy's story – not even Robert. (Apple TV+) Nancy could've never known what actually happened in Italy, since she was never there. But she saw the explicit photos and conjured up a story in her head to preserve the memory of her dead son. And it was easier for Robert to believe the words of a man he never met than his own wife. The most powerful interactions of the show happen in Episode 7 between Robert and Stephen, and Robert and Catherine. Robert, upset with Stephen for not verifying the book's claims before publishing it because of how it irrevocably damaged the relationship between him and his wife asks him: 'Why didn't you question it?' Right before the elevator doors close between them, Stephen asks the more important question: 'Why didn't you ?' (Apple TV+) After, Robert repeatedly apologises to Catherine but the hurt is far too deep. 'I know I should forgive you, but the truth is, I can't,' Catherine says. 'You're managing the idea of me having been violated by someone far more easily than the idea of that someone bringing me pleasure. It's almost like you're relieved that I was raped. I don't know how to forgive that.' Attitudes supportive of violence against women feeds into victim blaming and the perpetuation of myths surrounding violence, which becomes permissible in societal structures where men are valued over women. A Study on Malaysian Public Attitudes and Perceptions towards Violence Against Women (VAW), Women's Aid Organisation (WAO). Literally no one wanted to hear Catherine out – everybody just assumed and took things at face value. It's not just that everyone in the show believed she was to blame, we as the audience are also encouraged to believe the lie. Disclaimer holds up a mirror to the troubling ways violence against women is often downplayed or dismissed in Malaysian society, reflecting a broader tendency by certain segments of society to blame victims. (Apple TV+) The study reports there is an almost equal split (52.7%) between respondents who oppose violence against women and those who hold attitudes that support or are complicit towards it. In the same study, Some experiences should not be universal. (Apple TV+) Whether in Malaysia or in a different part of the world, violence against women should not be normalised, and Disclaimer masterfully shows us the lasting and sometimes irreversible damage it does to women and their families. Disclaimer is available to watch on Apple TV+. Viewer discretion is advised. READ MORE: Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Best post-apocalyptic film hailed '21st century's greatest' is oddly optimistic
The movie widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi films ever made and is an absolute must-watch for any fans of the dystopian genre This year has seen a significant rise in dystopian thrillers, with series like The Last of Us gripping telly viewers and films such as 28 Years Later set to grace the big screen this June. With an abundance of options, it's easy to feel swamped, but if you're on the hunt for a true classic of the dystopian genre, I wholeheartedly suggest Alfonso Cuarón's Children of Men. I only recently had the pleasure of viewing Children of Men and was riveted from the opening scene. It swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of my all-time favourite films, and I was particularly taken by its peculiar optimism amidst the bleak post-apocalyptic setting. What Children of Men is about The world has descended into utter chaos as humanity grapples with impending extinction. The United Kingdom stands as one of the few remaining countries still operational, albeit under an authoritarian regime. Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a disenchanted former activist, has ceased his resistance and now meanders through life as a civil servant. He's so disconnected from the world that he barely registers the bombings, caged refugees, and public executions he encounters on his commute. One day, Theo is abducted by his ex-wife Julian, who heads a rebel faction known as The Fishes, battling against the government for refugee rights. Julian implores Theo to safeguard Kee, a young African refugee, and assist her in escaping the country safely. However, Theo soon discovers that Kee is astonishingly pregnant, carrying the world's sole known unborn child. Driven by the need to protect this miracle, he risks everything to keep Kee's condition under wraps and get her safely to the enigmatic Human Project, scientists seeking a cure for the global fertility crisis. So why should you watch Children of Men? Despite its stark backdrop, the film's protagonist embodies hopefulness in his unwavering dedication to the prospect of a rejuvenated world. The outpouring of support for Kee amidst such turmoil underscores a compelling truth: even in the bleakest circumstances, human kindness endures, proving that we have not strayed from our compassionate nature. One of the captivating aspects of Children of Men is how palpably real and weathered its universe feels, peppered with background information gleaned from transient news reports, advertisements, and leaflets—a testament to the environment's rich storytelling texture. Packed with nuances, Children of Men invites viewers to engage deeply, promising new discoveries upon every viewing. What critics are saying about Children of Men Boasting an impressive 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating from over 250 critic reviews, Children of Men was also in the Oscar race for three categories (Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing) back in 2007. Brian Tallerico of UGO hailed it as "feels more relevant than almost every film set in the present day and is better than almost every other film made this year." Kathi Maio from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction remarked: "This is one movie that will have a lasting impact even if you are forced to watch it on a ten-inch black and white Zenith." Peter Travers, writing for Rolling Stone at the time, placed it as the runner-up in his best films of the 2000s list, commenting: "No movie this decade was more redolent of sorrowful beauty and exhilarating action. You don't just watch the car ambush scene (pure camera wizardry)-you live inside it. That's Cuarón's magic: He makes you believe." Where to watch Children of Men The film can be streamed on Apple TV's £8.99 monthly subscription or via Now TV's £9.99 a month Cinema membership. You can also purchase Children of Men on Amazon Prime for £5.99.
