The 400 Blows
Angel faces hell-bent for violence.
Overview
For young Parisian boy Antoine Doinel, life is one difficult situation after another. Surrounded by inconsiderate adults, including his neglectful parents, Antoine spends his days with his best friend, Rene, trying to plan for a better life. When one of their schemes goes awry, Antoine ends up in trouble with the law, leading to even more conflicts with unsympathetic authority figures.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in 1959, 'The 400 Blows' was one of the earliest films from the French New Wave movement. The movie also marked the debut of actor Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine Doinel, a character he would reprise in several subsequent films directed by François Truffaut.
- The movie is a groundbreaking example of French New Wave cinema, known for its innovative visual style and narrative techniques.
- It presents a raw and empathetic portrayal of juvenile delinquency, offering a unique perspective on adolescent struggles.
- The charismatic performance by Jean-Pierre Léaud as the troubled protagonist Antoine Doinel makes for an engaging watch.
- Its exploration of themes like identity, freedom, and family are universal and resonate with audiences.
Fun Facts
- The title 'Les Quatre Cent Coups' translates to 'The 400 Blows,' but the exact meaning of this phrase is unclear. Some believe it references the number of slaps Antoine receives, while others suggest it refers to a school punishment.
- In one scene, Antoine watches a film called 'Les Misérables' by Marcel Carné – a nod to François Truffaut's admiration for the director.
- Jean-Pierre Léaud's portrayal of Antoine Doinel was so convincing that many people mistook him for the character in real life.
Available Languages
English
US
Title: The 400 Blows
"Angel faces hell-bent for violence."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Sie küssten und sie schlugen ihn
""
Français
FR
Title:
"Des visages d'anges qui s'acharnent à la violence."
Italiano
IT
Title: I 400 colpi
""
Español
ES
Title: Los cuatrocientos golpes
"Los rostros de los ángeles están marcados por la violencia."
Türkçe
TR
Title: 400 Darbe
"Şiddete can atan melek yüzlüler"
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Jean-Pierre Léaud is super in this story of a troubled young lad who goes from having troubles at school to petty crime, all under the not so very watchful gazes of his adulteress mother (Claire Maurier) and happy-go-lucky father (Albert Rémy) who spend most of their time squabbling with each other. When his antics finally attract the attention of the police, they decide that maybe some time in juvenile detention might not do him any harm so off he goes - but he is not there for long! It's an episodic story that raises laughs and heckles in equal measure. You cannot help but like this tearaway. It's not so much that he wants attention (though he certainly does), it is that he is has initiative. He is bored; bored of his constantly rowing parents, of the teachers who don't really care about him. He is mischievous, he likes having fun - especially with his pal "René" (Patrick Auffay) with whom he has a few escapades and even lives for a short time. Theft is a serious matter but somehow when he pinches a typewriter from his dad's office - one that doesn't work, by the way, it has to make you smile. The ending features one of these scenes from a film that you will never forget. It is simple, and it's that simplicity coupled with this young boy's charming and enthusiastic performance that makes this film memorable, enjoyable and probably my favourite from François Truffaut.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
WRITING (Story and Screenplay--written directly for the screen) - 1959
Francois Truffaut, Marcel Moussy
Media
Featurette
Mark Kermode reviews The 400 Blows (1959) | BFI Player
Trailer
New trailer for The 400 Blows - in cinemas from 7 January 2022 | BFI
Featurette
Robert Weide on THE 400 BLOWS