Renee's review
The Children of Men by P.D. James
The Children of Men, by P.D. James, the book on which the recent film was based, is a dire what-if tale of a world without a future, caused by sudden, inexplicable universal sterility. The story unfolds twenty-five years after the last baby was born, around a middle-aged university professor in London, who had become detached from life and humanity far before this crisis. Through his journal entries the reader learns how society is dying: the emergent pathologies, the devolutions, the apathy. One day, however, a compelling young woman crosses his path and captures his attention. This is where the story takes off.
The basic premise of the book and film are the same (worldwide inability to procreate); however, James tells a much better, a much more psychologically and emotionally haunting story. I saw the movie first and thought that it was a pretty good story and well-acted (by Michael Caine, Clive Owen, Julianne Moore) despite the pro-illegal sob-story subplot. Then I ...more
The basic premise of the book and film are the same (worldwide inability to procreate); however, James tells a much better, a much more psychologically and emotionally haunting story. I saw the movie first and thought that it was a pretty good story and well-acted (by Michael Caine, Clive Owen, Julianne Moore) despite the pro-illegal sob-story subplot. Then I ...more
I think your review hit the nail on the head. I actually read the book first and then saw the movie. I don't think I have ever been so disappointed with a movie in my life. There is a real humanity in the book that is completly missing from the film including the selfless behavior of Tom(?) in giving his life for the cause.
Plus, the whole "HUMAN PROJECT" at the end of the movie was one of the stupidest endings I have ever seen. The books' ending, with the birth of the child and the pure joy seen it brought is so much more satisfying and inspiring.
