The 400 Blows
(Les Quatre cents coups)
Release date 4th May 1959
Country : France
Running time : 99 mins
Genre : Drama
Starring Jean-Pierre Leaud
Screenplay by Francois Truffaut and Marcel Moussy
Directed by Francois Truffaut



  Antoine Doinel is a restless adolescent. His parents and teachers don't understand him,he skips school to go to the movies and play with his friends. Eventually he ends up in an institution but finally breaks free of all constraints.

This fascinating study of a rebellious teenager is the best of the French New Wave films. The reality of the film is brilliantly conveyed as is the atmosphere of the Parisian streets. The final freeze frame is daring and unexpected.

 

The character of Antoine Doinel was supposedly based to an extent on the director's own childhood.

The adventures of Antoine continued in a series of Truffaut films starring Jean-Pierre Leaud as he grew :

Stolen Kisses (1968), Bed and Board (1970), Love on the Run (1979)