Saw a restored version of this with a live piano score at the 100th anniversary of the last of Dallas’ movie palaces (which only occasionally shows films). Fantastic,
Chaplin's first full-length film as a director, The Kid is a sweet blend of comedy and melodrama, with a baby essentially delivered on the Tramp's doorstep, so he has to raise him in the ways of the street. It's very cute, and a little poignant as you wait for the boy to be inevitably ripped from his arms by social services or the regretful mother. There's a neat fantasy sequence reminiscent of similar (but less relevant) fare in Sunnyside, that's part of the film's commentary on Christian values, in particular, charity. I can't help but see a subtle criticism of Christian hypocrisy in the early scenes - and perhaps that's always been implicit in the use of the Tramp persona - followed by true examples of it in the way the mother behaves, informed by how she was treated. While Chaplin is equal to himself as a performer, it's the eponymous kid who is a nice surprise. Young Jackie Coogan is both affecting in the dramatic bits, and able to do Chaplin-style physical shtick. Later films would have more technically mastery, but The Kid takes a few steps in that direction, and is about the lovable characters anyway.
I never really cared for silent movies but this one is a thing of beauty even though I also thought that the dreamland sequence was unnecessary.
Still, this movie made me curious about other Chaplin movies from this era (since the only Chaplin film I've seen so far was 'The Great Dictator'...which was awesome by the way).
A very important movie in the development of film, and I did find it enjoyable, but time and countless other sentimental films have rather eroded the power of this film to the point where it seems crude and schmaltzy. I was also rather non-plussed by the Dreamland sequence, which seemed to interrupt and distract from the emotional climax of the film.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 17
jamesmcavoy
The flying dog was the best thing about this whole movie. Made me laugh so hard!Angellike
Fantastic Chaplin film! The child is adorable and the film as a whole is fun and heartwarming. 8.5/10Scream1008
Decent Chaplin film, but I much prefer Modern Times, City Lights, The Great Dictator, and The Gold Rush.Dieguito
Good one! Funny and sentimental.MilenaFlaherty
Saw a restored version of this with a live piano score at the 100th anniversary of the last of Dallas’ movie palaces (which only occasionally shows films). Fantastic,Siskoid
Chaplin's first full-length film as a director, The Kid is a sweet blend of comedy and melodrama, with a baby essentially delivered on the Tramp's doorstep, so he has to raise him in the ways of the street. It's very cute, and a little poignant as you wait for the boy to be inevitably ripped from his arms by social services or the regretful mother. There's a neat fantasy sequence reminiscent of similar (but less relevant) fare in Sunnyside, that's part of the film's commentary on Christian values, in particular, charity. I can't help but see a subtle criticism of Christian hypocrisy in the early scenes - and perhaps that's always been implicit in the use of the Tramp persona - followed by true examples of it in the way the mother behaves, informed by how she was treated. While Chaplin is equal to himself as a performer, it's the eponymous kid who is a nice surprise. Young Jackie Coogan is both affecting in the dramatic bits, and able to do Chaplin-style physical shtick. Later films would have more technically mastery, but The Kid takes a few steps in that direction, and is about the lovable characters anyway.thaisquisito
Gotta love this one.Henry K Hurtin
I never really cared for silent movies but this one is a thing of beauty even though I also thought that the dreamland sequence was unnecessary.Still, this movie made me curious about other Chaplin movies from this era (since the only Chaplin film I've seen so far was 'The Great Dictator'...which was awesome by the way).
ChrisReynolds
A very important movie in the development of film, and I did find it enjoyable, but time and countless other sentimental films have rather eroded the power of this film to the point where it seems crude and schmaltzy. I was also rather non-plussed by the Dreamland sequence, which seemed to interrupt and distract from the emotional climax of the film.sureup
Great movie! Really fun and touching. Only minus for the start and the too short ending. 9+/10krisflushednemo
Great movie!bartekfm
very good film and one of best comedies of silent erablisot
his best movie!ecnered
A landmark in film-making.Joker of Gotham
Not so funny in this days, but still is a good movie3.5/5
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