“Children of Men”: A Mother’s Perspective

Last updated on: January 29, 2013 at 3:43 pm by Jeffrey Overstreet

“Children of Men”: A Mother’s Perspective 2013-01-29T15:43:59-07:00 Jeffrey Overstreet

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Here’s an intriguing response to Children of Men that was posted by Jen Zug (who blogs here) over at ArtsandFaith.com…

Caution: SPOILERS!

Bryan and I saw this movie last night, and it evoked a response in me that I have never before experienced from a movie. I am familiar with sad movies, and scary movies, and emotionally manipulating movies, and even action and violence, but I felt none of the usual responses to these types of films. It has taken a day or so for me to put words to my emotion, and I think I have finally found the right description: grief.

I disagree with the comments about the film lacking seriousness and being filled with meaningless violence. I consider myself an apathetic person who finds it fairly easy to separate myself from the tragedy of other people and cultures. Even in the face of actual footage of the devastation of tsunamis and floods and hurricanes, I move about my business unfazed.

I was not expecting to see any of what I saw. I was simply on a date with my husband who picked the movie, and his choice in film never let me down. This was no exception. It was an excellent film – definitely in my top 10. But as brilliant as it was, it was also difficult to watch – much like the movie, Life is Beautiful.

As a woman who has given birth twice in a froo froo bed in a fancy hospital with staff doting over me and a warm meal brought at my request, I was moved by the experiences of Kee – the filth of the room, the cold, the fear, the pain, the lack of soothing music and a birthing ball and a hot tub. As the baby was set on Kee’s belly, a frantic whisper escaped my lips: “Cover the baby…” I said, as steam from the warm newborn wafted up into the cold space.

As the end of the movie played out, I sobbed, even into the credits. This movie put into context a reality for many people that I have never been able to understand or even have a feeling for. People in other parts of the world, both currently and within my lifetime, have experienced what I saw in this film, and I was overwhelmed with grief from years of ignoring the plight of other people.

One cannot control when a baby is born, and if you happen to go into labor during a military siege, then you are not having a good day. I felt like I’d been hit by a truck after giving birth, and my insides were torn and stretched. But I slept in my soft, white bed for days until I felt strong enough to get up.

So for me, this movie was steeped in seriousness, and filled with bravery, and strength of character, and hope, and a commitment to something greater than one’s self.

And now, Anthony Lane of The New Yorker is raving about it.

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