The Kid With A Bike is a French film released in 2011 that did not end up as the French nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. Instead, the French put forward Declaration of War, which did not make the Academy's short list. Having seen all five films on the Academy short list for 2012, it is my opinion that Kid With A Bike could have made the list. I would place it fourth of the foreign language films I saw that year.
Cyril Caotoul (Thomas Doret) is a troubled child. His father (Jeremie Renier) left him at a boy's home for "a month" while he "gets back on his feet." In reality, his father moves to a new address without telling Cyril where he moved to. Cyril cannot accept that his father has abandoned him and flees the home to try and locate his father. As the staff from his home attempt to capture him, he hides in a clinic, clinging to an unkown woman.
A few days later, the woman (hairdresser Samantha, played by Cecilie de France) shows up at the home with Cyril's bike. Cyril ends up asking the woman to foster him on weekends, which she agrees to. Cyril is a calculating child who is using the woman to try and locate his father. The pair develop an unusual yet warm relationship that is tested by Cyril's constant struggle. Amazingly, Samantha refuses to abandon Cyril in spite of the personal and phsyical toll her commitment to him takes.
The Kid With A Bike was not a complete story. It was more of a character study. Examining the lives and interaction of characters thrown together by fate. Deeply drawn characters make this type of film work. Like Footnote (which I was not very fond of), this film leaves viewers with an open ending. However, this type of ending works when the audience is given substance in the process. In this case, we are rewarded with rich characters and strong personal interactions. The story is a bit predictable at times, but was unique enough to be good in spite of it.
The characters in The Kid With A Bike would not have been nearly as endearing if the film had not been so carefully cast. The performances allowed the characters to take on personalities that were hard to dislike. This is especially true for Doret, who delivered an amazing performance. He was seemingly unphased working alongside veterans like de France and Renier. The relationship between Samantha and Cyril was carefully crafted to keep the characters credible while adding a great deal of strain. This craftsmanship was animated by performances that elevated the story.
The Kid With A Bike recieved a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. The rating was a combination of minor issues like smoking and language. The biggest factor is the violence, which does not include any gore. It is straight forward street violence which is contextual and very carefully portrayed. The underlying theme of this film is one of patience and tenderness. The payoff was worth a few minor rating issues. I would not restrict anyone from seeing this film.
The Kid With A Bike was enjoyable enough to make the Academy short list, had I been choosing the films. However, I don't get a vote. So there is that. The film has some predictable moments, but the rich characters and tender story were worth watching. I was involved with the characters and wanted the happy ending that we are left to ponder when the credits roll. The film is worthwhile enough to stream, if you have it streaming for free. 7.5/10.
