The 400 Blows (Quatre Cents Coups, Les) (1959)
LOW LEVEL COARSE LANGUAGE, SEXUAL REFERENCES
Praised by film-makers and critics the world over, Truffaut's 400 Blows launched the Nouvelle Vogue and paved the way for some of cinema's most important and influential directors.
Twelve-year-old Antoine Doinel has troubles at home and at school. Ignored and neglected by his parents, his relationship with his mother is further strained when he discovers that she has taken a secret lover. Added to this, his school teachers have written him off as a troublemaker and, with luck seemingly never on his side, it is Antoine who ends up getting the blame for bad behaviour. Finding refuge only in his love of cinema, Antoine soon finds it necessary to break free, and discover what the world can offer outside of the confines of his everyday life.
This remarkable film features the extraordinary talent of Jean-Pierre Leaud as the rebellious Antoine, a character based on Truffaut himself.
| Status: | LongWait |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 95mins |
| Origin: | FRANCE |
| Aspect Ratio: | 2.35:1 |
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Member Reviews (19)
19 Member
Reviews
A.Wizard
says
A solid film.
Nicholas W.
says
Truffaut's first film pretty clearly reflects his own upbringing, giving his characters a tenderness because of how personal they must be to him. Often I find that films with autobiographical elements can feel awkward, like some Spike Lee efforts. The 400 Blows reminded me of Bergman's Fanny and Alexander, their personality always feels true and warm. They mirror life in a way that an entirely fictional story could never achieve.
Jack K.
says
Director Francois Truffaut’s compassionate and perceptive ground-breaking cinematic exploration of a troubled adolescent, Antoine Doinel. Shot in Paris in black and white, the cramped apartment and decrepit classroom of Antoine including other city locations are realistically depicted without comment. Antoine’s parents are finding making ends meet difficult; they can’t relate to him let alone want him very much. It’s no better at school; Antoine’s misdemeanors are harshly dealt with and he decides he has no option but to escape to a life on the streets and petty crime. Truffaut’s direction is impartial and nonjudgmental, the acting without melodrama, the cinematography excellent and the movie experience poignant.
Emma J.
says
John N.
says
One of Truffaut's early films about a school kid persistently getting into trouble. It wouldn't hold the attention of the average child for five minutes these days. It still appears in lists of top movies.
Adrian S.
says
I found the plot dithered about and I lost patience with this movie after trying to persevere and finally turned it off.
Debbie E.
says
If you like subtexts. Didn't realize it was in French. Very disappointed. Didnt watch it after 5 minutes but it may have been a great movie.
Matt T.
says
Nigel W.
says
An influential French movie focusing upon how uncaring family and institutions can 'destroy' the young. Though stunning in its time, I find the juxtaposition between what is happening on the screen and the soundtrack extremely annoying. Maybe its a French thing.
Tim R.
says
Vivienne B.
says
It is so sensitively spare, disciplined, intelligent, insightful and compassionate. Beautiful B&W cinematography.
Christopher F.
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David P.
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Trevor H.
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Trevor H.
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Peter F.
says
A masterpiece of the French Cinema.
Ashley Moses
says
Slow to start, fell asleep.
Terry Snell
says
Very much enjoyed this as classic black and white 50/60s cinema.... Shots of Paris interesting
Lina Clayton
says
An excellent commentry of the responsabilties of parenting. Superb direction and acting. very watchable. A memorable experience