anything is possible.

post-civilization?

an awkward term. what does it mean to civilize anyway? according to mrs. haines, my favorite history teacher of all time, it means that you have indoor toilets and running water. dictionary.com says cultural refinement or modern comforts or conviences made possible by science and technology.

so what happens when the "civilized" life causes more death and destruction than "non-civilized" life? when the science steals the wonder in life and technology ruins creative pursuits? when civilized life means nothing more than a struggle for control and power over nature, other men, and society?

peace, hope, creativity, and community die first.

this is where CHILDREN OF MEN begins its tale in 2029. England takes a headfirst dive to hell in a handbasket 18 years ago as people stop having children. The death of the youngest person, a coveted and privledged eighteen year old, sparks a society-wide, depressive panic. in events too eerily similar to tactics used by the US (and oddly enough nazi germany), the homeland security department has shut down borders, shipped "aliens" to gitmo-inspired (poses and all) camps, and wars with anything opposing its regime.

the gritty movie hits close to home, close to the possible woes of our "civilization." the unlikely hero theo (clive owen) shines through the grey tone of this movie as he fosters truth amidst deception, peace before grace, and most of all life over death.

could have wept myself to sleep at the end, but that would be too idyllic. better to just be disturbed by the truth of the image.