Kix ! 400 coups à Budapest

KIX is not just a film-it is an experience, an emotional rollercoaster that grips the audience from the first frame and never lets go. Directed by Bálint Révész, this documentary is an intimate and unflinching portrayal of a young boy, Sanyi, growing up in poverty in Hungary. What makes KIX so special is not just the subject matter but the way it is presented. The film spans over a decade, following Sanyi's journey from childhood into adolescence, offering an unparalleled level of depth and honesty. It is deeply personal, heartbreakingly real, and one of the most compelling films to come out of Hungary in recent years.

One of the most striking aspects of KIX is its raw, almost journalistic approach to storytelling. The film doesn't rely on dramatization or overproduction. Instead, it gives us direct, unfiltered access to Sanyi's life-his dreams, his struggles, his moments of joy, and his deep disappointments. By following him for so many years, the film captures not just snapshots of hardship but the way poverty shapes and wears down a person over time.

What makes KIX particularly powerful is its emotional impact. As viewers, we become attached to Sanyi, a boy who, despite facing enormous obstacles, remains full of energy and hope. He is charismatic, funny, and incredibly resilient. However, as the years pass, we see how circumstances push him into a downward spiral, where opportunities are scarce, and survival becomes the main goal. The transformation is devastating to watch, but it is also crucial in understanding the reality of poverty in Hungary. This is not just Sanyi's story-it is the story of many children growing up in similar conditions, trapped in a cycle that is incredibly difficult to break.

Hungarian cinema has always had a talent for portraying social issues with brutal honesty, but KIX takes it to another level. It does not romanticize poverty or offer easy solutions. Instead, it shows the harsh reality as it is. The film highlights the systemic failures that make it nearly impossible for children like Sanyi to escape their circumstances. Lack of education, unstable family situations, financial struggles, and societal indifference all play a role in shaping his fate. These elements are not presented in an overly political way but rather as undeniable truths that need to be confronted.

The cinematography of KIX also deserves praise. Despite being a documentary, the film often feels almost cinematic in its visual storytelling. The use of handheld cameras creates an intimate and immersive experience, making the audience feel as if they are right there with Sanyi, living through his highs and lows. The passage of time is handled beautifully, allowing us to witness his growth not just physically but emotionally. There are moments of joy-scenes where Sanyi is simply being a kid, laughing and playing-which make the darker moments even more heartbreaking.

Beyond its technical achievements, KIX is important because it gives a voice to those who are often ignored. It sheds light on the struggles of the underprivileged in Hungary, showing that poverty is not just about financial hardship but about the lack of opportunities, support, and hope. The film challenges viewers to confront these uncomfortable truths and, hopefully, to think about ways to create change.

In the end, KIX is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking. It is personal, deeply emotional, and brutally honest. It stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a mix of admiration for Sanyi's strength and sadness for the unfairness of his situation. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the reality of poverty in Hungary, and more importantly, for anyone who believes in the power of cinema to tell real, human stories.

I wonder if the filmmakers had (negative) influence. In a home situation where the whole family, including a sweet grandma, has to sleep on one bed, with a father who is a weakling and a mother who is never home because she works three jobs. When she is finally home, she feels no sense of responsibility-neither for Sanya nor for her other son and daughter, whom she has been fattening up year after year. The likelihood of a drama like this happening is greater than him diligently finishing his studies and happily going through life.

The documentary shows that poverty still exists in Europe. I expect the mother would have preferred to present a different picture. This is not such a flattering family portrait; I therefore find it very brave that they participated in this.

I liked this film a lot, very authentic and raw material. Unfortunately there were consequences for main hero which makes a great finale but it was tragedy for many.

About argument that filmmakers benefited from kids' behavior - there are many poor families in Hungary, you cannot know who do something wrong and who can get lucky and change their path. Most of them don't but would it be any different if they (filmakers) snitched them directly, as kids?

I'd like to know how the story continues, but I guess there will not be any cute imagery...:( Other aspect is also today's totalitarian Hungary, there is no interest on human lives anymore.

For me the film didn't add anything, but at the same time it made me angry. How can you, as a filmmaker, assist anyone to commit crimes (breaking windows, vandalising public property). The really funny thing to do here would have been to keep the kids there until the police arrived.

The young filmmakers didn't seem to have a clue what to make their film about, so instead of dealing with the millions of problems lying around, they created one, in case it would turn into an even bigger scandal, which would become docu material.

I'm not sure how it affects the psyche of a street kid to have to produce mischief for the camera in exchange for food (and/or money) and the chance to star in a docu-film that will be released later.

A stunning and deeply moving documentary. It uniquely portrays the journey of a young adult rising from a disadvantaged background. With poignant intensity, it conveys the sense of loss and hopelessness that comes from a lack of prospects. The film authentically highlights the importance of social awareness and creating equal opportunities. All of this is done without pathos, in a raw and natural way. It is neither preachy nor overbearing, yet it strikes a deep emotional chord. An incredible piece of work.

The only drawback is the slightly lower quality of image stabilization in the first 20-30 minutes, but this is entirely understandable given the level of handheld camera technology at the time.

All things considered, it is a remarkable, outstanding film. Highly recommended to everyone!