100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 74: The Kid with a Bike

Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Cécile de France, Thomas Doret en Jérémie Renier

Description: Abandoned by his father, a young boy (Thomas Doret) is left in a state-run youth farm. In a random act of kindness, the town hair-dresser (Cécile de France) agrees to foster him on week-ends.

Review: I was interested to see this film and the movie got me from the beginning. The leading character is the young Cyril. He is abandoned by his father, but still thinks he is his hero. He doesn’t believe all the things that are said about him, when they are actually true.
Although Cyril does some terrible things, you do feel for him. He is a troubled boy, because of everything that happened to him. Cyril has lived a life full of rejections, where he is looking for love. He eventually finds it in Samantha who, in a random act of kindness, decides to foster him on weekends.
The young Thomas Doret, who plays Cyril, is outstanding. And so is Cécilde de France, as Samantha.
The films of the Dardenne brother are often pessimistic and negative. “The Kid with a Bike” also has that vibe, but has hope in there as well. The movie is really strong and doesn’t have a weak moment. A very good film.

Rating: 4,5/ 5