Kids (2011)

Kids (2011) poster

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.

Director: Bettina Büttner
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 65 min
Release Date:

Screenplay

Editing: Eduard Stürmer, Bettina Büttner
Production: Büttner und Stürmer, Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe
Country: Germany
Language: Deutsch
Budget: $20,000
Original Language: de

Keywords

society

Trailer

Kids Trailer
More Films by Director: Bettina Büttner
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kids about?
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.
Who directed Kids?
Kids was directed by Bettina Büttner.
How long is Kids?
Kids has a runtime of 1h 5m (65 minutes).
What genre is Kids?
Kids is a Documentary film.
What is the budget of Kids?
Kids had a budget of $20,000.
Where was Kids produced?
Kids was produced in Germany.