The 400 Blows (1959) Review in 2025
A young boy struggles with his troubled home life and finds solace in his relationships with others.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is not suitable for young children due to its mature themes and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is a must-see for fans of drama and coming-of-age stories. It is a powerful and poignant portrayal of a young boy's struggles with his home life and his own identity.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Antoine Doinel, a 13-year-old boy who is struggling with his parents' divorce and his own feelings of abandonment. He finds solace in his relationships with his friends and a kind-hearted teacher, but ultimately, he is unable to escape the turmoil of his home life.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is a powerful and poignant portrayal of a young boy's struggles with his home life and his own identity. The narrative is well-structured and engaging, with a clear and concise pace.
acting9.00/10
The acting in the film is superb, with Jean-Pierre Léaud delivering a standout performance as Antoine Doinel. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Claire Maurier and Léa Fabri delivering memorable performances.
characters8.50/10
The characters in the film are well-developed and complex, with Antoine Doinel being a particularly memorable and relatable protagonist. The supporting characters are also well-cast and add depth to the story.
direction9.50/10
François Truffaut's direction is exceptional, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters and their emotions. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a beautiful and evocative use of light and shadow.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography in the film is stunning, with a beautiful use of light and shadow to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. The camerawork is also impressive, with a range of techniques used to capture the emotions and actions of the characters.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's powerful and poignant portrayal of a young boy's struggles with his home life and his own identity, the exceptional direction and cinematography, and the superb acting performances.
Cons
The film's mature themes and some explicit content may not be suitable for all audiences.
Notable Quotes
"I don't know what I want to be when I grow up."
"I'm not a bad boy, I'm just a little mixed up."
