Breathless (1960) Review in 2025
Breathless is a 1960 French New Wave film that tells the story of a young car thief and his American girlfriend on the run from the law.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, violence, and strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
Breathless is a must-see for fans of French New Wave cinema, but it may not be for everyone due to its mature themes and uneven pacing.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Michel, a young car thief, and his American girlfriend, Patricia, as they embark on a series of crimes and evade the police, leading to a dramatic and violent confrontation.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it lacks depth and character development. The plot is predictable, and the ending feels rushed.
acting7.00/10
Jean-Paul Belmondo gives a charismatic performance as Michel, but his acting is often wooden and lacks subtlety. Jean Seberg is better as Patricia, bringing a sense of vulnerability to the role.
characters6.00/10
The characters are underdeveloped and lack complexity. Michel is a one-dimensional character, and Patricia is more of a prop than a fully fleshed-out person.
direction9.00/10
Jean-Luc Godard's direction is innovative and bold. He uses unconventional camera angles and editing techniques to create a sense of urgency and energy.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a mix of black-and-white and color footage that adds to the film's visual interest. However, the lighting can be uneven at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Innovative direction, stunning cinematography, and a charismatic performance from Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Cons
Underdeveloped characters, predictable plot, and uneven pacing.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a thief, I'm a poet."
"You're very beautiful, but you're also very stupid."
