Chicken (2001) User Reviews

Two boyhood chums wasting time

[Havan_IronOak · 8/10 · 23 October 2001]

It's one of those moments in childhood. Two young boys play a game of chicken with a knife. To one it may be no more than a way of wasting time but to the other its something he'll remember forever. Maybe they both will.

This evocative short is well made and fast paced and well worth the entire 3 minutes it takes to see.

Perfect

[showtrmp · 10/10 · 10 January 2011]

A beautiful, impressionistic short film, which makes its point without having to spell it out. Sometimes I think titles automatically filed under what DVD stores call "gay interest" are better when they treat their subject in this kind of short-film format--and when they dare to explore genres other than "teenager coming out" and "coy is-he-or-isn't-he romantic comedy." This film takes only three minutes to tell us all we need to know about the two characters, and yet there's a definite, uneasy current of suspense (signalled by the approaching train) that isn't quite resolved at the end. Yet you emerge feeling as if you've seen a full-length movie. How many major Hollywood releases can make that claim?

Gently Macho

[Hokit · 8/10 · 4 November 2006]

Although I felt "Chicken" was a little abrupt, it did a great job in arousing a myriad of emotions.

The setting takes place on a rural train-track. Two friends re-affirm their macho identity by engaging in a test which only a "real man" can stomach. "Mick" is the brash, confident fellow, calling the shots and dictating what's needed to separate a "man" from a "momma's boy". "Kev", on the other hand, is a little less sure of himself, yet is determined to prove his manliness by subjecting himself - or, rather, his hand - to a game of "chicken". It's a dangerous measure used as a test of guts and subsequent glory. For those who may not be familiar, the game involves a pocket knife, a hand and plenty of good luck. What follows is an affirmation of a relationship that both boys share but, for reasons unknown, have never been openly expressed.

Overall, I felt that the subject matter and the depth involved could've benefited from a longer duration. Whether it was due to budgetary or time constraints, it was a shame that such a wonderful portrayal of boys and their relationship with one another wasn't explored any further. The subtleties and the open-ended freedom afforded for the viewers are certainly appreciated. However, this could also end-up confusing people, as there are too many ambiguities and not enough material in the film to help clarify them.

A brilliant depiction ... just a little flawed.

It gives you the message....

[Irishchatter · 8/10 · 18 May 2014]

I found this film really inspiring because you see a beautiful countryside, a train passing by and two lads mocking about.

It really alerted me when a knife was involved in this film.I thought Mick was really going to cut all of Kev's hand off although it still didn't look good as if he was having the laugh cutting off Kev's fingers.

All of sudden the train comes and Mick holds his hand. Then they spin around and kissed each other so passionately which is very romantic! The knife really gives you a shocking message to people that cut because of who they love which shouldn't happen at all because love is love at the end of the day!