Absolutely terrific.
Comment
06/24/06
L'Enfant (2006)
86 %
Reviews Counted: 102 Fresh: 88 Rotten:14 Average Rating: 7.5/10
Consensus:
The Dardennes continue to excel at presenting works of rigorous naturalism, with detached observations of authentic characters that nevertheless resonate with complex moral issues.
Rated: 12A
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Theatrical Release: 10-03-2006
Synopsis: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne present another uncompromising, emotionally devastating depiction of human struggle with THE CHILD. Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival (their second, after 1999's ROSETTA), the film opens just as 20-year-old Bruno (Jeremie Renier) and... [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Jeremie Renier, Deborah Francois, Fabrizio Rongione, Olivier Gourmet
Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Producer: Denis Freyd
Screenwriter: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Producer: Denis Freyd
Screenwriter: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Reviews
Top Critic
By recording events with such detailed dispassion, the Dardennes avoid undue melodramatics. Consequently, this Palme d’Or-winning confirmation of the world’s cruelty remains unflinchingly powerful.
04/01/06
Top Critic
An example of how cinema has the power to convince, to move and to compel with the fewest possible material resources.
03/11/06
Top Critic
François is heartbreaking in her debut role - here's hoping the Belgian film industry takes note and we see more of her in future.
03/09/06
With Belgian auteurs the Dardenne brothers behind the camera, there are deeper levels to explore in another stark but gripping construction of social realism.
02/22/06
Top CriticClick to read the article
11/01/07
the Dardennes have managed to concoct an engaging and often suspenseful drama without ever calling upon fancy camerawork, sensational performances, or even so much as a musical score.
07/03/07
There is a very short list of films that have actually made me physically ill. It's not necessarily a bad thing.
06/26/07
It doesn't need a lot of dialogue. It is able to deliver its message in almost purely cinematic terms.
01/17/07
A film about roads and cell phones, decaying buildings and people who ought to be budding, indifference masked by buffoonery, the belief that money just floats around.
11/11/06
An exploration of the existence of morality -- where does it come from, especially in a world as cold as what's presented here?
09/06/06
Un baldazo de realidad que confirma a los hermanos Dardenne como dos sensibles observadores de personajes marginales.
08/30/06
It's a thin story and the film is unremarkable in cinematic terms, except for the tension that the Dardennes manage to maintain, thanks to top performances from Jérémie Renier and Déborah François
08/19/06
"L'Enfant" follows in their fierce and unsparing tradition, a tale of a destitute young couple under extraordinary pressure from without and within.
06/30/06
In the end, the film itself may be of less consequence than the emotions it stirs up in the viewer. Can we forgive the unforgivable? Should we?
06/16/06
Its story appears simple, but L'Enfant offers subtle insights into Bruno's behavior as it progresses.
06/02/06
The journey and character evolution of Bruno is subtle and believable, thanks to Renier's performance.
06/02/06
Related Forums
(NYFF)-the Dardenne Bros. L'ENFANT (THE CHILD) selected for the 43rd NY Film Festival
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(NYFF)-the Dardenne Bros. L'ENFANT (THE CHILD) selected for the 43rd NY Film Festival
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(NYFF)-the Dardenne Bros. L'ENFANT (THE CHILD) selected for the 43rd NY Film Festival
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