The Child (L' Enfant)

"The film clearly wishes to explore the topic of children having children, but it only inspires a great desire to smack them both..."

"For all its seeming simplicity, this is an emotionally and intellectually complex film that holds the viewer in a grip as tight as any classic thriller you can name..."

"A grim and irredeemably drab slice of life on the margins, this Belgian film challenges even the most optimistic spirit..."

"The Belgian directing brothers deal with themes they have made their own: the difficulty of being moral in an amoral world and the grinding, unforgiving nature of reality for those forced by poverty to live on the margins of society. These are not easy films to experience, but they are uncompromising and unforgettable..."

"Bruno's actions speak louder than his words and while he brazenly talks his way out of almost any situation, it's his mannerisms (such as playing in the mud to kill time) that reveal his true nature. It's hard to empathise with such a blatantly self-centred individual but Renier's rakish charm is more than enough to carry the film. And when events finally push him towards redemption, it's as if an irresponsible but much-loved younger brother has finally managed to get back on the rails..."