It's not so much that this is the best movie of France's nouvelle vague. It actually shares only superficial characteristics with the movement (the jump cuts and a few other editing shticks, the youth and youth culture). It lacks the underlying pomposity, masturbatory intellectualism and cold-heartedness. In essence it is entirely in the Italian tradition of its time: Naturalism, ingenious insight, radiant warmth and omnipresent humor. It is also densely packed with lush visuals and rich music.

Although mostly forgotten now, it fully embodies the nouvelle vague and all its characteristics. Rejection of old studio methods, location shooting, youth-oriented, pop culture, modern music, minimal plotting with more focus on episodic "moments", improvisation, experimental techniques (especially jump cuts). It's a perfect example of French New Wave. It seems to run out of gas at times, wallowing in certain dead spots for a little too long, but it's mostly a lot of fun and very charming.