Kids 2011
Original title: Kinder
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Synopsis
In Bettina Büttner’s exquisitely lucid documentary Kinder (Kids), childhood dysfunction, loneliness, and pent-up emotion run wild at an all-boys group home in southern Germany. The children interned here include ten-year-olds Marvin and Tommy. Marvin, fiddling with a mini plastic Lego sword, explains matter-of-factly to the camera, “This is a knife. You use it to cut stomachs open.” Dennis, who is even younger, is seen in a hysteric fit, mimicking some pornographic scene. Boys will be boys, but innocence is disproportionately spare here. Choosing not to dwell on the harsh specifics, Büttner reveals the disconcerting manner in which traumatic episodes can manifest themselves in the mundane — a game of Lego, Hide and Seek, or Truth or Dare. Filmed in lapidary black-and-white, Büttner’s fascinating film sheds light on childhood from the boys’ characteristically disadvantaged perspective — one not yet fully cognizant — leaving much ethically to ponder over.
Cinemoodly
Mood and atmosphere
Experience a poignant exploration of childhood's complexities, where loneliness and raw emotion intertwine in a stark, black-and-white aesthetic. This film invites you to reflect on the fragile innocence of youth, set against the backdrop of a boys' group home, evoking a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet memories. The atmosphere is charged with the tension of unexpressed feelings, as playful moments of Lego and games contrast with the darker undercurrents of trauma. Perfect for those seeking a slow, contemplative journey that resonates with themes of identity, dysfunction, and the longing for connection. Ideal for cozy evenings when you want to dive deep into the emotional landscape of youth and vulnerability.
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Trailer
