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T O P I C R E V I E W
BaftaBaby
Posted - 12/29/2012 : 12:46:41 Those talented Belgian Dardenne freres, having donned Truffaut's mantle, have produced another modern charmer both with its eponymous kid [Thomas Doret in a remarkable debut as 12-year-old Cyril Catoul], and with this heart-warming, sassy film as well.
The brothers clearly have a calling for exploring families in trouble, generally focusing on the effects on the kids.
Set in and around a boring Belgian suburb, Cyril's been given temporary shelter in a children's residential facility. He seems convinced that his father hasn't abandoned him, but hopes of a visit appear dashed.
He's sure, even when it's clear his former flat is empty, that his dad must be keeping his beloved bike safe for him. That quintessential kids' freedom machine represents his determination to find and reunite with his father.
When he recognizes the bike being ridden by another kid, the ensuing fight lands him ka-pow into harsh reality.
How he eventually does confront his father, and more particularly the relationship that develops between him and an independent business-woman, a total stranger who offers to look after him at week-ends, provides the film's core.
The whole is mush-free and a joy to watch, with humor growing naturally from situations rather than being stapled on. The direction is precise and a perfect accompaniment to the development of the characters.
It's the latter where the film scores big-time. The performances are simply magic.
