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Jérémie Renier, Déborah François, Jeremie Segard, Fabrizio Rongione, Olivier Gourmet

After learning he has a newborn son, a small-time thief attempts to go straight - but not until his amorality is pushed to its breaking point - in this social-problem drama from writer-directors Jean-... read more read more...Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. Eighteen-year-old Sonia (Déborah Francois) has just given birth to a baby boy. The baby's father Bruno (Jérémie Renier) is panhandling in the street when Sonia tracks him down, and he shows little interest in fathering the child, or even providing a roof over the heads of the fledgling family. As the new and inexperienced mother navigates the bleak industrial landscape of the small Belgian town they live in, Bruno falls in with a clandestine group that buys and sells healthy children on the black market. He tragically learns that one avaricious decision, made in an instant, can affect the lives of everyone in his orbit. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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55% liked it

31,881 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

105 critics

R, 1 hr. 36 min.

Directed by: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Release Date: March 24, 2006

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DVD Release Date: August 15, 2006

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Flixster Reviews (1,082)

  • tsigur
    August 3, 2011
    tsigur
    I just didn't feel enough for the main character to be that invested in his plight, especially considering he brought all of his drama on himself through his own actions. Maybe that's the point of it, but if I want to watch an idiot make stupid decisions that effect other people'... read mores lives negatively, I'll keep watching reality television. And here's the other thing about Italian neo-realism vs. the French style of the same thing (yeah, I'm getting all film schooly on your asses): at least the Italians new how to frame. I get it, it's part of the slice of life thing, but try the camera on the tripod once and see what it looks like. Paris is too beautiful of a city to be seen of out focus.
  • kiriyamakazou
    September 18, 2008
    kiriyamakazou
    Wonderfully subdued tale of a father's (eventual) love. In many ways a latter day Oliver Twist, focusing more on the pickpocketing aspect. It shows how far people will go for money and how it can also blind their common sense. Bruno may be a bit naive in his actions but unfortuna... read moretely we never see the real Bruno until the last few frames. He only does the right thing when pushed into it due to very harsh circumstances. It's excellently shot, capturing the realistic harsh nature the film sets out to achieve. Slow in some places and not so well developed in others it is for the most part a truly affecting tale that doesn't sentimental.
  • puffchunk
    July 29, 2008
    puffchunk
    Touching, but it really makes no sense that a guy so crappy as to sell his baby would be such a good person in the end. I guess it says something about becoming an adult, but still...it's about as abrupt a change as Anakin Skywalker turning to the dark side.
  • dreamfaeries
    October 10, 2006
    dreamfaeries
    Nice little film.
  • michaelneumann
    August 12, 2006
    michaelneumann
    I have lots to say, but no time to say it. Except for this: Toodles. I'll be out there for 6 weeks, doing some sidebar getaways into SE Asia and exploring as much as possible. But, mainly, it's for work.

    A change in the season's enough of a reason to want to get away...
  • gator681
    April 24, 2006
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]"L'Enfant" begins with Sonia(Deborah Francois), the mother of a newborn boy, Jimmy, looking for Bruno(Jeremie Renier), the father of the child and a petty thief, because he has sublet their apartment for a couple of days. She does eventually locate him and t... read morehey have to spend their first night as a family, separately in a shelter. But Bruno does not stay the whole night, as he has a meeting with a fence at a bar in the middle of the night. After the money is exchanged for the goods, Bruno mentions that he has just become a father. The fence replies that there are people who would pay handsomely to adopt a baby.[/font]
    [font=Century Gothic][/font]
    [font=Century Gothic]"L'Enfant" is a searing drama about why certain people are not mentally equipped to be parents. It is not a matter of age or socioeconomic status because Sonia has her head on right but Bruno thinks purely on a day-to-day basis with little impulse control when it comes to making a buck or spending one for that matter.(He declines a job offer as a handyman.) He does not realize the responsibilities that are involved in being a father or the consequences of his actions but he is not uncaring. [/font]
  • ryguy4738
    March 12, 2011
    ryguy4738
    8.4/10

    I don't think that most couples are as dysfunctional and troubled as the one presented in "L'Enfant". This French romantic drama is a spectacular show-case of acting and directorial talents, solid story-telling, and quiet but honest comedy. The dysfunction in the r... read moreelationship of these two characters is the fact that the male goes out and sells the couple's baby for some money. Bet you haven't had that happen to you. Most of us haven't. But some of the best films don't ask us to relate with our lives; but rather our emotions. In that case, "L'Enfant" is one of the most strangely relatable movies ever made. And yes; that's definitely a compliment. Whilst watching the movie, my impression of the quality of the product continued to change. On moment I would love it, and one moment I would like it. I eventually couldn't take it anymore, and didn't take my pick out of the two. As you can see, I molded them together. I really, really liked "L'Enfant". It's a smartly written, artistically crafted film that puts honest emotions ahead of petty melodrama. It's a film worth seeing; as long as you can see that it's not quite a comedy, but rather a full-on drama. The premise suggests that it may indeed be a comedy. It can be funny. But in the end of the day, it is not a comedy at all. It's a touching film that touches human connection with honesty, caution, and the will to explore. I found it to be very interesting overall. It's a near-perfect film in its often fascinating examination of relationships and their issues. This relationship has an almost overly complicated issue; but it's nothing that the love cycle can't overcome. This is a romantic drama that is not about the love; but about the feelings of betrayal, hurt, sadness, and the overwhelming desire to please. These are the parts I loved about "L'Enfant". What I didn't love about it...well, I'll never know about that. But what I do know is that this is a pretty great film; nigh original and quite frankly, nigh brilliant. It's worth your while; put aside those pathetic twenty-something romantic dramas and choose this quiet, artsy, and well-directed French flick. I liked it; and so will anyone who has a basic understanding of the ups and downs of a relationship.

    The couple of the film is Bruno and Sonia. We first see Sonia while she is holding her new-born child; and we first see Bruno in the middle of the road, presumably trying to collect the money that he just does not have. Sonia is a safe woman, while Bruno is not. They are none the less happy together, and we get to see the better days of their relationship early on in the film. They have fun in spite of their lack of money, and Sonia is dedicated to taking care of the child. I don't know about Bruno, though; he seems less than interested. He cares so little for the child's existence in his family that he does a very stupid thing; he sells his new-born son for a big wad of cash. True, it pays well to sell your baby to a sleazy, cheap, lying son of a gun; but it begins to hurt when you can't feel the pain that your partner experiences. Sonia leaves Bruno, and he tries to win her back by returning the young child. Of course, he is successful in returning the baby; but it matters not. He made a bad choice, and Sonia is not about to forgive him for it. Thus; the relationship collapses, possibly for good. Perhaps you have read the short plot synopsis of this film. I think it is inaccurate; this film is not all about Bruno trying to retrieve his child. That happens quickly, briefly, but in a moment of great importance. What matters so much about the story (AKA, the part that most would not tell you because they think it might "spoil a lot") is Bruno's emotional transformation. By the end, we see the change that he has been aiming for ever since the young kid was born. Perhaps he can be a good father. If you see the film, then maybe you can make your own little guess. It's as fun to guess where the story will go from there as it is to watch it unfold. Few films make me feel this way; and this one happens to be cleverly written. It's a slightly underrated little French bastard of a movie that deserves to be seen whether you find it dull of not. It will ring hollow for some; but there is fascination to be found here, and plenty of it. What's not to like?

    It is impossible not to admire this movie couple. They're so endearing whether they're together, or as they usually are, on their own. Jeremie Renier is irresistible in the role of Bruno. He is a talented actor with an ambitious and inspired role; a man who has not quite matured enough to be the father that his wife wants him to be. Speaking of which, Sonia is played by the depressingly delightful Deborah Francois, who plays a convincingly pissed off woman as well as she plays a convincingly content one. The woman has two personalities; the man has two. It's quite fascinating, actually. These two stars deserve more acclaim than they have already garnered. I'm sure that they've been recognized as it is, but surely we Americans can show more love. I mean, really. How did either actor NOT get nominated for the Oscar?

    I've always been a strong believer that you must be visually involved in a film to be involved at all. That's damn right; and I will ALWAYS believe that. "L'Enfant" is the kind of visual pastry that tastes overwhelmingly good to eat. The film captured me visually from the moment I turned it on; mostly because of the contrast between the solid cinematography and the perfect scenery. The film nearly feels bleak, but then again it is not. It is given an artistic feel through its cinematography; something that most dramas don't have. It's a taut film; and feels almost like a thriller, sometimes. It blends genres so well that it could indeed be called a masterpiece by most. As I said, it might not work for some. But it has a lot going on stylistically and on a narrative level. I admire it; I enjoy it; and I kind of loved it. The thing is charming and often times darkly humorous. Despite what you may think, a story which involves a guy selling his baby for money is automatically funny- but as I said-, in a dark sort of way. This is a film of considerable craft, and it works emotionally without being a tear-jerker. I like that. I don't even like melodrama at the best of times, and it's good that a film like this does not inspire sappy sympathy. It's a quiet character study, devoid of music but plentiful when it comes to cheery, complex craftiness. I am officially interested in whatever directors Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne have in store for the future, the past, and the present. I'm sure everything they've made is at least moderately interesting. Judging on this film, I would surely think so.

    "L'Enfant" is really something else. It's a drama, a dark comedy, and somewhat of a romantic thriller all rolled up into a pretty darn satisfactory ball of epic fun. Yes, I just said fun. That's a good word to define this experience. It's not the kind of fun that most would expect when they hear the word, but it's the kind of crafty, well-made production that I find entertaining and interesting. The film says something about love and how easily your inconsistency can interfere with it. Few films make such a true and solid statement, but "L'Enfant" is not an ordinary romantic drama. It's smart, intelligent, and well worth watching as long as you can warm up to it as fast as I did. It's not quite for everyone- not quite. I don't know why, but something tells me that not everyone is going to praise it as highly as I did. But I give a film credit when credit is due. This film deserves a lot of credit; all of it good. I cannot recommend the thing more. It's the kind of movie that I was in the mood for; an artistic and thoroughly intriguing one. Some of the best films connect with the audience without truly relating to an event in their lives. If you look at "L'Enfant" one way; I couldn't relate to the thing for shit. But if you look at it another way, you'll see just how much of Bruno we have in all of us. We're all children waiting to grow up through some sort of awakening. Bruno's was particularly challenging. Let's hope ours is less so.
  • jeffboam
    July 17, 2010
    jeffboam
    Borne out of simplicity, yet decisively powerful, LEnfant regales us with a parent's vilest nightmare personified. Down and dirty filmmaking that's - at times - alternately up and cleansing, the film preys on filmgoers' worst fears while giving them a well-played lead to believe ... read morein. Heart-tugging, harrowing, and can't-turn-away captivating, the mother's loss makes viewers fully understand the reason why French is a true romance language.

    In the French export L'Enfant: When Sonia (Francois) returns home with a newborn, her street hustler boyfriend Bruno (Renier) promises to make good and provide for the family unit. Unfortunately, making good means selling anything not nailed down, including the child, which begins a downward spiral in both their lives.

    Directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne take their times in crafting this lovely story of redemption. Unlike many American filmic eyes, they understand the value and, ultimately, the heavy payoff in patiently letting a scene play out, watching and waiting with, yes, the eyes of a curious child.

    Bottom line: Infant irresistible.
  • panta2
    December 2, 2009
    panta2
    Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne made a good movie but I'm still wondering how did they won Palme d'Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival... it is not in a quality category of the previous winners... too simplistic and raw to give you that feeling of a great film! Without the brilliant... read more performace of the debutant Deborah Francois we could put this movie in average section!
  • crazydannielle16
    July 30, 2008
    crazydannielle16
    My sisters didn't care for it but I enjoyed it. Even though I very much disliked Bruno's character, I couldn't help feeling sorry for him and hoping that he'd turn over a new leaf because in a way, I sort of liked him. It was looking to be one of those really depressing movies wi... read moreth a hopeless ending, but I really enjoyed the note on which it closed. Overall, great art!

View All L'Enfant (The Child) Reviews

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore
June 2, 2006
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

A simple moral fable told with compassion and nerve. Full Review

Richard Nilsen
May 25, 2006
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic

What is astonishing, and most admirable, is the way the filmmakers manage to create sympathy for this pathetic loser. Full Review

David Edelstein
May 12, 2006
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

Every act in the film has a mythic resonance. Full Review

April 21, 2006
Detroit Free Press

No one is likely to leave L'Enfant unaffected by the Dardennes incisive exploration of the consequences of a world where some of its citizens have found a way to rationalize, and even ignore, what was... Full Review

Michael Booth
April 21, 2006
Michael Booth, Denver Post

A gritty slice of real life, relentlessly in focus, though always humane. Full Review

Ann Hornaday
April 20, 2006
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

Like all the Dardennes' films, L'Enfant is a vivid, Dickensian report from the most dispossessed precincts of society. Full Review

Peter Howell
April 14, 2006
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Bruno is a classic character from the pen of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, the Belgian filmmakers who find beauty and redemption in the direst of circumstances. Full Review

Stephen Cole
April 14, 2006
Stephen Cole, Globe and Mail

The miracle of the filmmakers' work would seem to be the perfectly struck performances of the leads. Full Review

Roger Ebert
April 14, 2006
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Here is a film where God does not intervene and the directors do not mistake themselves for God. It makes the solutions at the ends of other pictures seem like child's play. Full Review

Wesley Morris
April 14, 2006
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Without a lot of overheated action, the consequences of Bruno's behavior cloud the next few hours of his life. The character is a surprise as both a dramatic creation and a human being. Full Review

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