One of the best films of the 21st century starring Michael Caine is on TV today | Films | Entertainment

Based on PD James’ 1992 novel of the same name, Children of Men premiered in 2006 to critical acclaim. Directed by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón, this dystopian action thriller takes place in 2027.

The film is set in an alternate timeline where two decades of human infertility have led to civilisation being close to collapse. As a result, the UK is flooded with asylum seekers who are detained, deported and sometimes executed by the government.

Clive Owen stars in this Oscar-nominated modern classic as civil servant Theo Faron, who attempts to help a refugee called Kee. The film co-stars Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Charlie Hunnam and Michael Caine. The latter plays an old hippy called Jasper, based on the actor’s old friend John Lennon. The film is considered one of the greatest films of the 21st century so far and was voted 13th in a BBC critics’ poll of the best films released between 2000 and 2016.

Children of Men is on BBC2 at 10:45pm tonight and will be streaming on BBC iPlayer for a limited time afterwards.