Jules and Jim
A Hymn to Life and Love
Overview
In the carefree days before World War I, introverted Austrian author Jules strikes up a friendship with the exuberant Frenchman Jim and both men fall for the impulsive and beautiful Catherine.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released during France's cultural renaissance after World War II, 'Jules and Jim' reflects the societal changes and liberalization of attitudes towards relationships and sexuality.
- This French New Wave masterpiece is renowned for its innovative filmmaking techniques and fresh, unconventional narrative style.
- The performances by Jeanne Moreau, Henri Serre, and Oskar Werner are widely acclaimed, delivering complex characters and emotional depth.
- The exploration of themes like love triangles, friendship, and personal freedom make 'Jules and Jim' a thought-provoking and engaging watch.
- Its influential impact on the development of European cinema is another reason to appreciate this classic.
Fun Facts
- 'Jules and Jim' was directed by François Truffaut, who also starred in another iconic film, 'The 400 Blows'.
- The movie's title comes from the names of the two male protagonists, Jules Renard (Henri Serre) and Jim Garcia (Oskar Werner).
- Jeanne Moreau, who played Catherine, went on to become a significant figure in French cinema, earning the nickname 'The French Marlene Dietrich'.
Available Languages
English
US
Title: Jules and Jim
"A Hymn to Life and Love"
Deutsch
DE
Title: Jules und Jim
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Français
FR
Title:
"Un hymne à la vie et à l’amour"
Italiano
IT
Title: Jules e Jim
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Dansk
DK
Title: Jules og Jim
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普通话
CN
Title: 祖与占
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Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Jeanne Moreau is superb here with her portrayal of "Catherine", a rather selfish and erratic woman who manipulates two men - "Julius/Jules" (Oskar Werner) and "Jim" (Henri Serre). Sometimes married to one, but in love with them both - or with neither, or maybe even not with herself - Truffaut juggles these three balls terrifically well. The pace changes frequently - hectic then glacial; the dialogue is sparing - especially from "Jim", and the style of the film evolves effortlessly with a narrative that starts before WWI and continues long after. The photography is frequently intimate and potent and we are invited to follow these flawed individuals as they age pretty gracelessly trying to find some solution to their predicament - who gets the girl; who does the girl want; what does the girl want? As ever with this director, there is humour and glamour - and if you get an opportunity, try and see it on a big screen to immerse yourself in the detail of this quality production. It sags a little in the third quarter and I have to say that I didn't much like any of their characters - but otherwise an entertaining look at life when the norms don't apply - and well worth a watch.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
New trailer for Jules et Jim - in cinemas from 4 February 2022 | BFI
Featurette
Michael Peyser on JULES ET JIM
Trailer
JULES & JIM TRAILER