A potentially intriguing idea for a science fiction film unfortunately is dealt with in a shallow manner here. "Z.P.G." means "Zero Population Growth," which is the law of the land in the 21st century. No one is allowed to have children for the next 30 years under penalty of death. In
this world one must wear a gas mask to get around because of the pollution caused by previous generations. Chaplin and Reed are a married couple who work at the State Museum of Nature (artificial grass being a popular attraction there) who decide to have a baby in secret. Their neighbors Gordon
and Cilento discover the secret. Tired of the robot doll they must use in place of a child, the pair grow jealous and blackmail their friends into sharing the child. When Gordon and Cilento become too possessive Reed and Chaplin refuse to let them see the baby again. Their angered friends report
them to the authorities, and the couple, along with the child, are set to be executed. However, Reed has planned ahead and runs with wife and child through the sewers until they come upon a boat and supplies he's stowed away. Together they travel by sea to a pollution-free island, ready to live a
life of peace.
Visually this is a wonderful film, presenting an interesting futuristic society. However, the story, which starts with an interesting premise, quickly wears down into utter tripe, championing the virtues of family and motherhood. Both direction and script go for easy answers and the result is a
predictable, boring mess. The film is too somber for it's own good, as a strong sense of satire would have helped immensely. Real Z.P.G. groups strongly denounced the film as contrary to their goals and a complete misrepresentation. The acting is bad, with one of the most maudlin casts science
fiction had seen in some time. leave a comment
