L'Enfant (The Child)

This is a very interesting movie that can be described as an urban-realistic parable from Belgian directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Set in a blue-collar milieu tells a story of two young adults that make many mistakes; the one most remarkable is having a baby.

The story develops following Bruno (Jeremie Renier), the baby’s father and a thief interested only in making money –to survive his common and meaningless life. He makes and appalling mistake and his reaction to its aftermath leads him, improbably but always believably, towards grace.

One thing I love about French movies is that most stories do not have a beginning nor and end. They are like a slice of life where you have to imagine what happened before and what could happen after. This movie shows just a slice in this two characters life and does it brilliantly with suspense and even thrilling moments.

Most remarkably is that this is a movie that has no special effects, planned cinematography or any soundtrack and yet, it involves you totally.

This is what I call a very European movie, that unless you love European cinema, it will not be for your taste. Honored with many award nominations, won 10 awards, including the 2005 Golden Palm at Cannes Film Festival.

Bravo!