Film: Children of Men

Film: Children of Men

The film, "Children of Men", directed by Alfonso Cuarón is based in future, when infertility was a global issue. The life expectancy of an infant was low and were scarce. In the beginning of the film, it was displayed that the youngest man alive was an international celebrity. In the midst of these catastrophe, United Kingdom managed to sustain their government through martial law and control of illegal immigrants. One of the scene at the climax of the film stood out powerfully to me, as I was watching the film.

(Theo, who is escorting Kee and the new-born baby outside the apartment)

Theo was given the mission to protect and escort Kee, the only woman, who was pregnant with a child, to a safe location, so that she may receive protection. In the climax of the film, the two attempts to escape the apartment, where Kee was previously captured, in the middle of a battle between the rioters, which include illegal immigrants and rebel group members, and the military. 

In the middle of ensuing battle as people and soldiers of both side encounter the two and notice the new-born baby, they suddenly stop. As the crying new-born baby held by Kee pass by them, the illegal immigrants taking refugee inside the apartment sing songs in their own language and reach out their hand, as a sign of respect. They share encouragement. The original soundtrack written by John Tavener added a sad, but peaceful mood in the ambiance. The rebel soldier with weapon, who in the beginning pointed his gun at Theo and Kee, slowly dropped his gun to touch the crying infant. The government solider shouts out "Cease Fire" suddenly as soon as sees the infant. The viewers see people of different ethnic background and religion, who welcome the new-born baby and rejoicing at her birth. At that moment, everyone was thinking the same thing: to guarantee the safety of the baby. Perhaps, god was truly watching over them. And I found it interesting that the name Theo origins from "theos" in Greek. 

No one asked them to stop, but they willingly stopped. Despite the ideological and religious differences, they all rejoiced and joined the happiness of a new soul born on this earth. In the short silence of peace that broke out in the midst of a terrible battle, all mankind felt the same compassion and the same joy. Then, could this be possible in our generation? Just as the people rejoiced at the birth of their next generation and allowed their first descendant to be escorted outside the perimeter, can we reach to an agreement for the sake of our next generation? Just as all religion and ethnic backgrounds stopped and rejoiced, I think it would be possible in the reality, if it was possible in our fantasy. Only thing we must do is to convert our fantasy into reality. Although the setting is different in the film than reality, the birth of a new soul into this earth must be joyful. I believe it is our responsibility to prevent the death of our future generation in this world. And then maybe, if we work together, it will inspire the divine creator to help and make this peace possible. I hope that the works of HWPL and IPYG will inspire and plant a passion into the hearts of the many people.