Children of Men

Year: 2006
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Page: 940

Children of Men is a bleak and ultimately gloomy film presenting a not-to-distant future in which humans can no longer reproduce. Set in 2027, the film follows the plight of Theo Faron (Clive Owen), who unwillingly becomes a saviour to Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey), a miraculously pregnant refugee.

El Laberinto Del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth)

Year: 2006
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Page: 941

Pan’s Labyrinth is a beautifully dark and gloomy parable set in 1944 fascist Spain. It tells the story of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a young girl, who has moved deep in the forest with her mother (Ariadna Gil) and step father (Sergi López i Ayats). The discovery of a mysterious labyrinth offers an escape from her step father and enters her into a deep and dark fantasy world.

The Last King Of Scotland

Year: 2006
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Page: 942

The Last King of Scotland details the real events of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin’s (Forest Whitaker) reign of power, through the eyes of fictional character Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). “Inspired by true events”, the film gives a supposedly accurate interpretation of Amin’s charm and malice, in a film that whilst highly revered, fails to live up to expectations.

The Queen

Year: 2006
Director: Stephen Frears
Page: 945

The Queen is a revealing look at the events surrounding Princess Diana’s death, and the royal family’s reaction. A deep and interesting film experience, it brings to light the actions and reactions of Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) in the face of personal and public tragedy.

Apocalypto

Year: 2006
Director: Mel Gibson
Page: 946

Apocalypto is a gory, gruelling action epic masking a soppy romantic melodrama. An “historical” journey of a man trying to save his wife and child, it delves into the gruesome lives of ancient Mayans in a semi-historical yet slightly inaccurate story.

Volver

Year: 2006
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Page: 948 – 949

On the surface Volver is a somewhat unassuming Spanish film telling the story of women dealing with tragedy. Gradually the story unravels, leading and you to become deeply engrossed and emotionally invested in their dark family history.