The 400 Blows (1959) poster2

France10 Essential French FilmsStop 2 of 10

The 400 Blows

Les Quatre Cents Coups

1959 · 99 min · Drama

Neglected by his parents and misunderstood at school, a spirited Parisian boy drifts into petty trouble and small rebellions, searching for freedom in an uncaring adult world. François Truffaut's tender, semi-autobiographical debut and a cornerstone of the French New Wave.

Why it’s here

Francois Truffaut's French New Wave landmark and one of the defining French films.

Runtime
99 min
Genre
Drama
Mood
thoughtful
Entry
easy entry
Best for
first visit · shorter watch · film history
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Part of 10 Essential French Films

This film is stop 2 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through France. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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