Liberty Kid (2007)

87% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(114 ratings)

Director Ilya Chaiken explores the lives of Tico and Derrick, two friends and former Statue of Liberty employees who lost their jobs in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Tico is a quick-tempered youth who responds to his unemployment dilemma by dabbling… More Director Ilya Chaiken explores the lives of Tico and Derrick, two friends and former Statue of Liberty employees who lost their jobs in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Tico is a quick-tempered youth who responds to his unemployment dilemma by dabbling in petty street crime and half-baked scams. Meanwhile, Tico's friend Derrick becomes convinced that the only means of providing for his family is to finally give in to the persistent Army recruiters who have been hounding him for months. As the situation begins to get desperate and neither of the pair proves successful at landing a legitimate job, each struggles to make ends meet by any means necessary. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Ilya Chaiken
Written By: Ilya Chaiken
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Jan 9, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Nov 11, 2008

Critic Reviews

, Los Angeles Times
[Director] Chaiken has a keen eye and ear for street-level realism and an evident love of the city's as-yet-ungentrified fringes.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
There is no shortage of films about the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but there is a lack of good ones. The low-budget indie Liberty Kid, produced by downtown auteur Larry Fessenden, is one of those that succeeds.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Evident throughout is Chaiken's ability to patiently build a scene without fanfare or artifice.
Stephen Farber, Hollywood Reporter
Even though Liberty Kid is a small film, much of it is deeply poignant; it enhances our compassion for all the ghosts of Sept. 11.
, New York Magazine
Chaiken's subtle narrative touch, along with the exceptionally strong performances of leads Al Thompson and Kareem Savinon, gives this one a rare emotional pull.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
There's not a single wrong note in Liberty Kid...
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
almost anthropological in its careful attention to colorful Brooklyn detail
Cynthia Fuchs, PopMatters
The effects of Derrick's wars -- multiple, low-key, endless -- were in motion long before he went to Afghanistan.
Sara Maria Vizcarrondo, Boxoffice Magazine
As volatile as the subject matter is here, Liberty Kid is shockingly subtle. Massive aspects about the relationship between Tico and Derrick are only inferred and the performances of the leads are really quite good.
Bruce Feld, Film Journal International
For all its good intentions, Liberty Kid ultimately disappoints.
Paul Schrodt, Slant Magazine
Unanswered questions about Derrick's kids and Spanish-speaking mother abound, and their all-too-infrequent interactions point to a hard-knuckled realism about post-9/11 New York that begs to be seen.
Scott Foundas, L.A. Weekly
The strong performances and Chaiken's vivid NYC locations, lend the film unexpected resonance.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Chaiken's focus drives home the fact that collateral damage comes in many forms and marginal lives are easily derailed.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Cast

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