The Kid (1921) Review in 2025
The Kid is a 1921 American silent comedy-drama film directed by Charlie Chaplin, where a young orphan gets into various misadventures with his adopted father.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes and slapstick humor.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of Charlie Chaplin and silent films. It's a classic comedy-drama that will leave you laughing and feeling good.
Spoiler Alert!
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The Kid tells the story of Charlie Chaplin's character, a tramp who adopts a baby and gets into a series of hilarious misadventures with the baby's mother, who tries to take the baby back. Along the way, Chaplin's character must navigate the complexities of parenthood and deal with the consequences of his own actions.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is simple yet effective, with a clear narrative that explores the complexities of parenthood and the challenges of raising a child. However, the pacing is a bit slow in some parts, and the plot could have been more developed.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Chaplin and Coogan delivering standout performances. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Edna Purviance being particularly memorable.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Chaplin's character being particularly memorable. The chemistry between Chaplin and Coogan is excellent, and their interactions are some of the funniest moments in the film.
direction9.00/10
Chaplin's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters. The film's pacing is well-balanced, and the editing is seamless.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a clear and crisp visual style that captures the essence of the film. However, the lighting could have been better in some scenes, and the camera work is a bit static at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Kid is a timeless classic that showcases Chaplin's genius as a director, actor, and writer. The film's themes of parenthood and the challenges of raising a child are still relevant today, and the comedy is still hilarious.
Cons
The pacing is a bit slow in some parts, and the plot could have been more developed. The cinematography could have been better in some scenes, and the camera work is a bit static at times.
Notable Quotes
"'I'm a tramp, but I'm a happy tramp.'"
"'The kid is the greatest joy I've ever known.'"
