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The 400 Blows

The 400 Blows

1959
Drama, Crime
1h 39m
Antoine Doinel is a Parisian adolescent. His parents do not show much interest in him. He skips school to go to the movies and play with his friends. He discovers his mother has a lover (imdb)
Your probable score
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The 400 Blows

1959
Drama, Crime
1h 39m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 76.79% from 4457 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(4457)
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Rated 01 Mar 2007
94
97th
Thoroughly engaging from start to finish, assisted by a series of dynamic and exciting shots, many of which are now canon, and also some gorgeous scenery. This isn't a great movie because it's especially deep or profound, or because it breaks cinematic ground. It's a great film because it tells a good story in a nearly flawless manner. All the elements come together just right.
Rated 21 Jan 2007
5
91st
The sea at the end symbolizes his mom's vagina.
Rated 22 Jan 2007
6
99th
The first Truffaut film that I saw, and I was taken immediately. For a film about childhood it is unusually sincere, rejecting sentimental notions of nostalgia and other drivel. Instead, we are charmed by Antoine but recognize his flaws and vulnerabilities. He isn't free of guilt, but you can't help but sympathize with him. A delightful film to watch, a truly inspired and personal effort, and one of the greatest debuts in the history of cinema.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
99
99th
This is a brutally honest portrayel of a young boy who is constantly getting into trouble. It's incredibly touching and intense as this boy goes from one problem to the other until he is finally out on his own and is finall free. An absolutely beautiful movie that is almost completely flawless. A true masterpiece.
Rated 21 Jun 2010
20
6th
François Truffaut my ASS!!! This movie is about a boy being sentenced to a youth facility and then escaping, boo - freaking - hoo - think that's tough? Listen here young man, try fighting dinosaurs, a killer robot from the future or even a speeding bus! All of the sudden the boys home isn't that bad is it? Get a haircut and a job you spoilled brat!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
91st
A touching and sad story about a troubled youth. I suppose by today's standards one could say it has some pacing problems and a slightly aimless story but I didn't find that at all. The relatively slow pace and wandering story perfectly capture the boy's life. Masterful film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
98th
Beautiful vanguardist film. The last scene unfolds all the repressed feelings you create through the rest of the movie, and it's quite a pleasant feeling.
Rated 02 Feb 2007
100
98th
There are many movies about troubled youth, but this is easily the best of the bunch.
Rated 01 Jul 2008
10
98th
Truffaut's brilliant debut and one of the most important films to come out of the New Wave. Jean Pierre Leaud is perfectly cast and plays the role of Antoine so well. The ending is so great, love the sense of hopelessness. It really couldn't have ended any other way.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
96
96th
One of the best films about childhood ever made. Heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
0
8th
I hate to say it but I was bored stiff
Rated 17 May 2007
55
44th
Pretty decent all around, but way, way overrated, the movie's central concern is with excusing young Antoine's petty crimes because society failed him and his mother doesn't love him. This may be autobiographical but it relies more heavily on thematic convention than on personal integrity. I definitely prefer Ken Loach's similarly themed Kes, released ten years later, a film that's realistic and devoid of cliche.
Rated 07 Mar 2008
97
92nd
I was shocked at how much I could still identify with this, having been an elementary school student some 35 years later. It wonderfully captures all of the confusion of youth, of having to go to school instead of dreaming or exploring. One of the greatest endings of all time.
Rated 26 Jul 2008
99
95th
This film is such a work of modern art. Paralyzing, crushing and almost completely flawless.
Rated 31 May 2009
10
97th
(after repeat viewings) Another coming-of-age film that - together with The Bicycle Thief and To Kill a Mockingbird - has stood the test of time. With each new viewing, though, it's hard to pick a favorite. Truffaut handles his story with both ease and grace as we follow Antoine through his troublesome childhood. The soundtrack is like music to my ears and the ending brilliantly reflects the state of solace Doinel's character has been seeking while emphasizing the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Rated 04 Nov 2009
92
93rd
This film doesn't stoop to doing things the easy way, it doesn't try to make you feel for Doinel, it just shows him to you and lets you decide. The camerawork is the real star of the movie though, it's simply phenomenal and every shot is a new wonder.
Rated 12 Mar 2010
87
94th
Léaud completely convinces as a rebellious youth who might be beyond saving. The scene where the entire family goes to the movies and things look like they might be on the mend gave me such hope for a positive upswing, but when things go south again it just makes a painful situation even more painful. Stop toying with my fragile emotions, Truffaut! The whole final act is heartbreaking and visually amazing.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
94
99th
"Three films a day, three books a week and records of great music would be enough to make me happy to the day I die." - François Truffaut
Rated 23 Sep 2020
90
92nd
Growing up, I really wanted to see this film based on name alone. Rewatching it ten years later, I realized I had completely forgotten everything except for the ending shot. Because I am very smart, I noticed that Doinel's jacket is similar to Brando's in "On the Waterfront". You are welcome for this lil nugget.
Rated 08 May 2007
100
99th
Mayis 07 (2) & Truffaut'un basyapiti, bugune kadar izledigim en iyi film. 3.izleyis: 28 Nisan 09. 00:20am. -bitis- 4. izleyis; kasim 12, zevahir.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
99th
Truffaut and Leaud have created an amazing character in Antoine Doinel - rebellious yet delicate, proud yet sensitive, dishonest but imaginative. This is the best Doinel film, but it's definitely worth seeing the others (I think Stolen Kisses and Bed and Board are also amazing, Love on the Run is very good but not really of the same caliber).
Rated 26 Apr 2008
80
76th
A charming film, both cheerful and poignant in its infectious temper. The recurrent music enforce the appetizing sentimentality already slightly present in the tender images, and Truffaut display a compassionate attitude towards his colourful characters throughout the film. It's simply a pleasure to watch.
Rated 06 May 2008
5
80th
The only reason this film should be remembered is for being the catalyst for many, many, many coming-of-age movies to come [Louis Malle being a filmmaker who brings something more intimate to me for this subgenre] and also the beginning of Truffaut films eclipsing a much greater artist of the French New Wave - Alain Resnais. I could have spent this review praising what I enjoyed about this film, but I'd rather name-drop something that matters to me.
Rated 31 Jul 2008
95
97th
An amazing, honest film that sucks you in from the very beginning. It feels much like reading a novel, actually.
Rated 12 Jan 2009
97
73rd
Truffaut sounds like a poison truffle but it's one god damned hell of a director!
Rated 28 Feb 2009
90
98th
No film better captures the pointlessness of young rebellion. A boy simply trying to make sense of the world around him, clumsily causing trouble whever he goes. Not so much due to any particular malicious intent but mostly out of ignorance and ambivalent disrespect for social norms.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
97
98th
A beautiful and sensitive film, without being very sentimental. The childhood has a happy and sweet side, but also sad and bitter side. The world can be very hard with a child. It's funny the irony with the maximum three of the French Revolution: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity...
Rated 12 Jun 2009
86
92nd
I didn't think much of it after seeing it. But now, few days after viewing, I still have this haunting image of Antoine looking piercingly into the camera. And it made me realise what a beauty this is. So honest, sensitive, serene and calming. ... Very much the masterpiece it is said to be.
Rated 24 Jun 2009
81
78th
A good, but over-rated movie that is scripted and acted well. If the entire movie was shot like the scene where he finally gets taken away, this would be much better. The majority of the camera work is satisfactory, but not great. The acting was fairly decent, actually a couple notches above decent--and same goes for the music. With a more tightly written script, and some more daring, but calculated, camerawork it would have turned out much more enjoyable.
Rated 14 Sep 2009
90
93rd
The perfect way to kick off the French new wave. It's not immediately groundbreaking, but it tells a realistic story very well.
Rated 28 Oct 2009
95
94th
What's that in Doinel's pocket? Why, it's my heart, which he stole so guilelessly from me.
Rated 29 Nov 2010
8
88th
A film not only about trying to break free; but also of seeing reality for the first time, captured in the stark innocence of youth. Honest, sensitive, innocent, often carefree, but always realistic & without need for exaggeration or visual flattery. Captured with Truffaut's beautiful, expressive B & W cinematography.
Rated 18 Jul 2011
70
54th
Touching, well-told story that unfortunately holds no appeal to me. Doinel is an extremely well-drawn character, but, to me, the movie is too understated and ultimately shallow for its "masterpiece" reputation.
Rated 17 Dec 2012
85
94th
François Truffaut's affecting chronicle about the coming of age of Antoine Doinel is a must-see.
Rated 14 Feb 2013
95
91st
Perhaps the most honest and compelling look at a child, his environment and the way he perceives it. It's filmed beautifully, still feels very unique and perfectly blends drama and lightheartedness.
Rated 26 Mar 2018
50
47th
Bunuel filminde toplumdaki alt kesimleri çok güzel analiz etmiş. Ancak eleştiri kısmı eksik kaldığını belirtmeden edemiyceğim. Bence Bunuel'in bu filminden çok daha iyi filmleri var. Los Olvidados'a puanım ancak 6 olabilir. Aaa pardon ya yanlış yere atmışım. Bu Los Olvidados'tan araklama versiyonu. Çok pardooon..
Rated 20 Apr 2022
76
67th
Apparently this movie has a Reputation. Somewhat overrated, but stands the test of time pretty well.
Rated 20 Mar 2007
99
98th
A movie about juvenile delinquency without moralizing. A coming of age tale with no nostalgia. Stunning camera work with almost no condescending bombast. Really, it's about as good as you can get in a teen movie (stop punching me in the nuts for calling 400 Blows a teen movie, I meant that it's about a teen).
Rated 14 Apr 2007
80
95th
Great film.
Rated 06 Jul 2007
76
71st
Maybe I just don't enjoy movies about angsty boys as much as some.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
97th
Truffaut aptly captures the confusion and desperation of youth. It is a slow realization of the perpetually waning ability to dream, and that true freedom can be a difficult yet fulfilling path.
Rated 24 Sep 2007
100
99th
Truffaut's best film (followed closely by The Soft Skin). Everything about it just so gritty and real and...perfect. A touchstone of the New Wave--that informal real-life everyday intimacy. I loved the plot to swipe the typewriter--him seeing his mom kissing a guy (while he's truant)--that stupid classroom and the Balzac shrine that starts a fire and the stupid reform school (with the handslapper guy).
Rated 23 Jun 2008
94
95th
The 400 Blows is absolutely amazing. I, and I'm sure countless others, can relate to Antoine. It is such a subtle film with such a harsh and unpleasant story. Truffaut really loves his characters, the development of characters in this and Jules et Jim are some of the best I've ever seen. I reccomend this film to everybody, especially those who believe they are always picked on by family, or teachers, it is something you can easily relate to. God Bless You Truffaut.
Rated 18 Jan 2009
58
56th
a great film in many respects, but ultimately i didn't feel as close to antoine as i should've...
Rated 07 Sep 2010
85
81st
A joyful portrayal of youth misbehaviour and presents one of my favourite themes; how children's failures stem from the adults around them. The ending is a killer, it's so appropriate and technically audacious.
Rated 08 Oct 2010
6
81st
Such a relatable coming-of-age story, full of sympathetic characters, realistic dialogue, and insight into the mind of neglected and troubled youths. It carries a great deal of emotional weight without ever feeling forced or manipulative. The ending is perfect.
Rated 13 Nov 2010
88
91st
Antoine Doinel is such a good character; he's not a good kid at all but you still feel for him when he gets into trouble. The movie is great at showing you the ups and downs in his life, and the ending is spectacular.
Rated 30 Jan 2011
100
85th
3 Shaqtaculars
Rated 14 Apr 2012
65
54th
Film buffs are going to have to forgive me here, because I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand the praise for this film. It was quite charming and it wasn't boring or anything. And it was technically good. I just don't get what's so great about it. Maybe I've seen too many coming-of-age films for an early one like this to be truly effective. Yeah, I don't know. I really wanted to like it and connect with it. I just didn't.
Rated 23 Oct 2013
80
88th
Nowadays we make movies about the mental issues that this boy might have (à la It's Kind of a Funny Story or Perks of Being a Wallflower) and somehow that strips a bit of the humanity away from it all. This is just simply the happenings of a troubled boy rather than a string of humorous events leading us to a cathartic lesson that none of us need. Amanda Bynes might need it. But that's where I draw the common sense line.
Rated 22 Apr 2015
91
97th
Realistic yet forcefully stylised. Builds on the strong neorealist foundation while adding some well thought out magic & poetry. Amazing performances from everyone and the style is endlessly inventive. Like the title suggest, there are countless fun details everywhere yet the rambling narrative retains a strong emotional flow. Loses some of the purity of say Bicycle Thieves, but is so vibrant and dynamic, it's hard to see it as a flaw.
Rated 05 May 2015
96
98th
Breaking free, into despair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4jGNoag_1g
Rated 13 Oct 2015
90
97th
Unlike most movies that would tackle the subject, it really feels like at any point, things could go either way for Antoine. You never know how things are going to shake out until they do. Some particular standouts for me were the jogging scene and Antoine's interview with the psych. Damn it's great to see a movie like this when it actually lives up to the acclaim.
Rated 09 Mar 2018
40
10th
Naturalistic and with some sociological impact. But, it is not enjoyable or intriguing.
Rated 01 Jul 2019
70
31st
never taken much to Truffaut.
Rated 27 Dec 2021
75
84th
It's impossible to say anything new about 400 Blows. It has been written about and referenced extensively, and Léaud's performance is among the best of its kind in the entire history of cinema. Then you have the infamous finale, which remains startling in execution, suggestion and meaning. Truffaut was perhaps a greater humanist than artist, but 400 Blows makes a legitimate case for his directorial greatness, revealing the depths of his compassion and insight into the human condition.
Rated 31 Jan 2007
75
95th
My favourite French new wave film. It contains some of the best acting ever by child actors. Truffaut mixes light and dark magnificiently and you're smiling at the events and then realizing how dark it really is. It's a glimpse at an era but also something that I believe you can still relate to. Haunting last scene and score.
Rated 06 Apr 2007
90
95th
Truffaut at his best and most innocent.
Rated 17 Apr 2007
95
96th
# 48
Rated 05 Aug 2007
72
30th
Interesting but ultimately forgettable.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
96th
Perhaps the best example of what I guess should be called Truffaut's humanism. Re-watched 3 August 2020.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
67th
one of the classic French films that is worth to watch
Rated 14 Aug 2007
45
9th
Maybe I'm a bad film buff, but I just found this movie boring. The long run at the end just went on forever.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
98
96th
# 46
Rated 18 Mar 2008
89
83rd
You really get the feeling that Truffaut put a lot of care and heart into making this. It's such a fine story and contains one of the most poignant shots in a film I have seen in its final minutes.
Rated 07 May 2008
76
48th
Not bad, for the French
Rated 24 Jun 2008
100
77th
One of the most important films ever made
Rated 18 Dec 2008
75
40th
It raises some good questions and it's a interesting movie.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
98
96th
44
Rated 23 Dec 2008
87
90th
A great watch, yet dated in some respects, such as the use of fades in the editing, and I get the feeling that Truffaut is simply using this film as a learning experience for himself. The use of restless adolescence as the storyline was a smart choice, as it allows the plot to be timeless and relatable. The last few shots and the ending are incredible.
Rated 07 Feb 2009
95
96th
A film that stays with you and every time I look at my ratings I've had to move it up, albeit begrudgingly. I do so despise cinematic depictions of children. For the love of god, if I keep ranking this movie up, I'm going to run out of points.
Rated 21 Feb 2009
9
97th
I'm actually not a wild Truffaut fan, although he has never let me down, so I think this is a tad over-rated, but still a wonderful little character piece.
Rated 22 Mar 2009
90
66th
Truffaut has a lot of fun with everything in the film. Definitely an inspiration to pretty much every film made since it was released and definitely a one-of-a-kind movie. Slow, though.
Rated 20 Apr 2009
100
97th
"...it informs everything we know today about watching movies."
Rated 01 May 2009
75
60th
although I hate 9 year-old boy based Melodramas but I can make an exception
Rated 01 Jun 2009
78
89th
Good Movie
Rated 01 Jul 2009
80
89th
Chalk this up there as one of the greatest first films for a director of all time.
Rated 01 Jul 2009
87
97th
A beautiful movie, nuanced and emotionally powerful.
Rated 02 Jul 2009
96
98th
I was really surprised with this movie. This movie is hard for me to review. It was great. The story and characters were really interesting. The direction and photography were great. The acting was really good, and could have screwed everything up. There are a few scenes that the main actor nailed that could have ruined the entire film.
Rated 04 Jul 2009
86
81st
A boy is mistreated by his parents and teachers, and falls into a bad way of life. This subject has never been done with such pathos and humanity. The ending scene is brilliant.
Rated 04 Jul 2009
80
95th
The film that defines "coming of age". For one thing it failed to impress me as much as I hoped for. But nevertheless it's solid, well filmed drama.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
100
97th
This is my favorite film of all time.
Rated 18 Aug 2009
30
2nd
Its no Eurotrip.
Rated 29 Aug 2009
95
91st
The first real recommendation I took from criticker was a real success. I wish I could of been a police officer in France because I love playing board games!
Rated 08 Sep 2009
100
96th
"The 400 Blows" covers the devastating line that every child faces: that fearful change into adulthood. At times director Francois Truffaut uses a basic narrative structure to his study, by mixing both autobiographical and relatable situations into the film's young character. But it also works in some aspects as allegory, especially in its final shot. A freeze frame that hits the viewer in the gut, and gives the film's theme of "growing up" its final, blunt answer.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
90
80th
Honest and real. I love how plotless and meandering it is, an accurate depiction of what it's like to be a kid and just not realize how much the world requires from us all, so you can play hooky if you want to and then excuse yourself for missing school by pretending your mother is dead. There's a lightness to Truffaut's touch, a sympathy and understanding of Antoine Doinel that makes the film all the more powerful. (two times)
Rated 13 Jan 2010
98
96th
41
Rated 30 Jan 2010
80
81st
watched: 2010, 2012, 2022
Rated 31 Jan 2010
75
89th
I don't see anything new wave in the movie, but other then that, it's absolutely great. So much emotion and childlike feelings, the innocence of the children is outstanding.. Truffaut truely is a master of emotion.
Rated 11 Mar 2010
95
98th
The character Doinel is basically Truffaut so this film is more or less autobiographical which gives it a certain honesty.
Rated 20 Mar 2010
75
71st
Classic French. A movie intense and sensitive. It is not hard to understand why it is so revered.
Rated 28 Mar 2010
10
98th
The best movie about being a misunderstood brat. Sorry "Problem Child" and "Problem Child 2".
Rated 26 Jul 2010
64
48th
Interesting to hear that this was inspired by a Sesame St Monsterpiece Theatre sketch. It could've reached poignancy if it was more poignant.
Rated 26 Jul 2010
85
85th
I won't write much about it, just that it's a fabulous film, both in the light of it's relevance, but also just as a piece of art. The boy was what impressed me most, he's just there 100% from the first shot. It's exciting and better than it's inspiration (Zero de Conduit).
Rated 26 Jul 2010
96
95th
Truffaut's first feature film is one of the key entries from the dawn of the French New Wave. Even putting historical significance aside, the film is vivid, darkly amusing and exciting in a way characteristic of great art. The film is naturalistic and empathetic, perfectly conveying the urgency that the lead character feels as he bolts through the world, running for his life, or, more accurately, a life worth living.
Rated 09 Aug 2010
95
95th
Truffaut encapsulates the fleeting nature of adolescence within 14-year-old Leaud, who dedicates himself completely to the role. We follow rebellious, delicate, and misunderstood Antoine as he learns about the harsh realities of life, the viewer pains and frees themselves alongside him. The ending scene is both subtle and reviving; a moment that will no doubt trigger a memory of breaking free. Simply beautiful, all around.
Rated 20 Sep 2010
100
99th
binlerce film izlemiş sinema meraklısı biri olarak, "en sevdigin film?" gibi zor bir soruya bir cirpida verecegim cevaptir. onlarca favori filmim var ama bu gozbebegimdir, canimin icidir, cigerimin kosesidir, bebisimdir, en kiymetlimdir.
Rated 08 Oct 2010
100
93rd
My favorite Truffaut film.
Rated 02 Dec 2010
40
97th
"The 400 Blows, one of the initiating sparks of the French New Wave, ultimately boils down to the film's trendsetting coda, perhaps the most exclamatory question mark in movies." - Eric Henderson
Rated 17 Dec 2010
97
76th
Classic of French New Wave. You will love following misunderstood Antoine on his adventures in rebellion.

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