Band of Outsiders (1964) Review in 2025
A French New Wave classic about three outsiders who hatch a plan to kidnap a wealthy heiress, but things don't go as smoothly as they thought.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-see for fans of French New Wave cinema and anyone looking for a unique and thought-provoking film experience. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes and some explicit content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the story of three friends, Franz, Arthur, and Odval, who are all outsiders in their own way. They hatch a plan to kidnap a wealthy heiress, but things take a turn when they discover that the heiress is not what they expected. The movie takes a dark and unexpected turn, exploring themes of class, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique and unexpected twist. The characters' motivations and actions are believable and relatable.
acting8.00/10
The acting is solid, with the leads delivering convincing performances. However, some supporting actors feel a bit wooden at times.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. However, some characters feel a bit one-dimensional at times.
direction9.50/10
The direction is exceptional, with Godard's unique visual style and editing techniques adding to the film's tension and energy.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful black-and-white shots that capture the essence of 1960s Paris.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's unique visual style, engaging story, and complex characters make it a standout film in the French New Wave canon. The direction and cinematography are exceptional, and the acting is solid.
Cons
Some characters feel a bit one-dimensional at times, and the pacing can be a bit slow in some places. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall impact of the film.
Notable Quotes
"I don't know what to do, I'm so bored."
"We're not going to kidnap anyone, we're just going to have a little fun."
