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The 400 Blows

Original title: Les quatre cents coups
  • 19591959
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 39m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
120K
YOUR RATING
François Truffaut and Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of 'The 400 Blows' (Les Quatre Cents Coups), we take a look back at François Truffaut's critically acclaimed film, starring Jean-Pierre Léaud, Albert Rémy, and Claire Maurier.
Play clip1:06
Watch 'The 400 Blows' | Anniversary Mashup
1 Video
99+ Photos
CrimeDrama
A young boy, left without attention, delves into a life of petty crime.A young boy, left without attention, delves into a life of petty crime.A young boy, left without attention, delves into a life of petty crime.
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
120K
YOUR RATING
    • François Truffaut
    • François Truffaut(scenario)
    • Marcel Moussy(adaptation)
  • Stars
    • Jean-Pierre Léaud
    • Albert Rémy
    • Claire Maurier
    • François Truffaut
    • François Truffaut(scenario)
    • Marcel Moussy(adaptation)
  • Stars
    • Jean-Pierre Léaud
    • Albert Rémy
    • Claire Maurier
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 241User reviews
    • 182Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #240
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar

    Videos1

    'The 400 Blows' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:06
    Watch 'The 400 Blows' | Anniversary Mashup

    Photos108

    Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)
    Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)
    Jean-Pierre Léaud, Claire Maurier, and Albert Rémy in The 400 Blows (1959)
    Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)
    Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)
    Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)
    The 400 Blows (1959)
    The 400 Blows (1959)
    The 400 Blows (1959)
    The 400 Blows (1959)
    1 sheet movie poster app. 27" x 40
    The 400 Blows (1959)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Jean-Pierre Léaud
    Jean-Pierre Léaud
    • Antoine Doinel
    Albert Rémy
    Albert Rémy
    • Julien Doinel - le beau-père d'Antoine
    Claire Maurier
    • Gilberte Doinel - la mère d'Antoine
    Guy Decomble
    • 'Petite Feuille' - l'instituteur
    Georges Flamant
    Georges Flamant
    • Mr. Bigey - le père de René
    Patrick Auffay
    • René Bigey
    Daniel Couturier
    • Bertrand Mauricet - un élève
    François Nocher
    • Un délinquant
    Richard Kanayan
    • Un élève
    Renaud Fontanarosa
    • Un élève
    Michel Girard
    • Un élève
    Serge Moati
    • Un élève
    • (as Henry Moati)
    Bernard Abbou
    • Un élève
    Jean-François Bergouignan
    • Un enfant
    Michel Lesignor
    • Un enfant
    Luc Andrieux
    • Le professeur de gym
    Robert Beauvais
    • Le directeur de l'école
    Bouchon
      • François Truffaut
      • François Truffaut(scenario) (adaptation)
      • Marcel Moussy(adaptation) (dialogue)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      All the young actors who unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Antoine were used in the classroom scenes.
    • Goofs
      (at around 1h 39 mins) At the very end right as Antoine reaches the water's edge, the shadows of the crew can be seen on the sand and water.
    • Quotes

      Antoine Doinel: Dad, I need some money.

      Julien Doinel: What?

      Antoine Doinel: I just need 1,000 francs.

      Julien Doinel: Which means you're hoping for 500, meaning you really need 300, so here's a hundred. All right, 500. But your mother should pay for that.

    • Connections
      Edited into Histoire(s) du cinéma: Une vague nouvelle (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Les Quatre Cents Coups
      Music by Jean Constantin

    User reviews241

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10
    Good movie, but hardly brilliant or a classic
    Good movie, but hardly brilliant or a classic.

    A boy, Antoine Doinel, is often in trouble at school and doesn't get along with his parents, especially his mother. He briefly runs away from home but then returns (or is returned...). After a while he ups the ante and turns to petty crime...

    Interesting drama. It also has its lighter side. There are many moments of comedy - the scene with the gym teacher taking the class for a walk was priceless!

    However, hardly the classic this is made out to be. Directed by Francois Truffaut, this is regarded as being the vanguard of the French New Wave movement. But it really isn't THAT good. It is hardly profound - the plot is a few weeks/months in the life of a early/mid-teens boy. There is no big realisation at the end, or plot closure.

    Even as a character-based film it is not fantastic. Yes, you feel some empathy for and engagement towards the boy but he is more villain than hero. (The adults are hardly saints either, I might add).

    Worth watching though, as it is a reasonable story, and to see what all the fuss is about...
    helpful•13
    3
    • grantss
    • Oct 7, 2015

    FAQ1

    • Why is the movie named "The 400 Blows"?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 16, 1959 (United States)
      • France
      • French
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Avenue Frochot, Paris 9, Paris, France
    • Production companies
      • Les Films du Carrosse
      • Sédif Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • 1 hour 39 minutes
      • Black and White
      • Mono

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