Dardenne films have a distinctive rhythm; although they convey the feeling of real life, they are tightly edited and exciting dramas, where not a single second of screen time is wasted and every scene has a purpose.
It would not be a stretch to imagine that Bresson was an influence on the Dardennes. In contrast with Bresson’s increased pessimism, however, the Dardennes seem to be feeling more hopeful about the future.
The Dardennes finally afford huge dignity and strength to Cyril. They also leave us with a big-hearted film far more complex than its brisk simplicity may at first suggest. You think you know what you’re getting with a Dardennes film – and then they give you a whole lot more.