I have seen just about all of Chaplin's feature films and I would have to say that this is the worst of them, though it does have a rather high IMDb rating and quite a reputation. For me, the problem with the film is that it doesn't even come close to the polish and quality of films made just a few years later. THE GOLD RUSH (1925) and THE CIRCUS (1928) are masterpieces, as were his next few films. They managed to combine pathos, excellent story telling and comedy. THE KID, instead, was mostly a very superficial attempt to elicit tears and pathos--while having very little comedy and a paper-thin plot.
On top of these complaints, I also was amazed how "out of left field" his whole dream sequence was. The flying angels and neat special effects did not in any way contribute to the plot and it served more as a distraction.
So, in summary, I found the film not particularly enjoyable. See any of his other features (even the much earlier and very rough TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE) or a feature by Harold Lloyd or perhaps Keaton. Historically, this is an important film because his other features and those of Keaton and Lloyd did follow THE KID, but unless you are watching this solely for historical interest, don't.
On top of these complaints, I also was amazed how "out of left field" his whole dream sequence was. The flying angels and neat special effects did not in any way contribute to the plot and it served more as a distraction.
So, in summary, I found the film not particularly enjoyable. See any of his other features (even the much earlier and very rough TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE) or a feature by Harold Lloyd or perhaps Keaton. Historically, this is an important film because his other features and those of Keaton and Lloyd did follow THE KID, but unless you are watching this solely for historical interest, don't.