Instantly recognizable to anyone who was ever a child, this debut film from Francois Truffaut helped launch a cinematic revolution.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 28, 2025

The story paints a grimly authentic portrait of troubled adolescence, with 13-year-old Jean-Pierre Léaud effortlessly conveying both mischief and vulnerability in the lead role.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jul 9, 2024

Jean-Pierre Léaud’s revelatory turn...

Full Review | Feb 11, 2023

As far as great filmmakers’ fictionalized childhood stand-ins go, Antoine Doniel would probably steal Sammy Fabelman’s lunch money and stuff him in a locker.

Full Review | Dec 11, 2022

“The 400 Blows” is a gripping and deeply penetrating picture that instantly grabbed me with its heartfelt realism and its crisp visual style.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 20, 2022

Sympathetic, amused, reminded, occasionally puzzled, you are carried along with it. I don't think you will get away before the end.

Full Review | Aug 10, 2022

The 400 Blows makes one wish Truffaut had allowed it to be a singular work, as the possibility contained within the film's final shot remains one of the most compellingly equivocal yet moving images in all of cinema.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Mar 2, 2022

A portrait of the artist as an unhappy child.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jan 6, 2022

Truffaut has a knack for communicating the uneasiness of life about him, of the fussy and despoiled, though too often he achieves it by diddling his people and situations annoyingly like a piano player stoically hitting the same sour note.

Full Review | Sep 15, 2021

I have to say I really enjoyed The 400 Blows. Its authenticity, wonderful performances, and examination of youth made the film impactful and easy to watch.

Full Review | Mar 24, 2021

To sum up, what shall I say? This: Les 400 Coups will be a film signed Frankness. Rapidity. Art. Novelty. Cinematograph. Originality. Impertinence. Seriousness. Tragedy. Renovation. Ubu-Roi. Fantasy. Ferocity. Affection. Universality. Tenderness.

Full Review | Feb 2, 2021

Truffaut's natural direction is a master stroke for this film.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 8, 2020

One of the most moving films ever made about adolescence.

Full Review | Aug 11, 2020

It would be impossible to screen a more infectious film than The 400 Blows.

Full Review | Dec 11, 2019

Film connoisseurs should try not to miss it. François Truffaut's first movie has instantly established him as one of the most gifted directors in the business.

Full Review | Dec 11, 2019

Without ever being sentimental, the film draws a moving contrast between the purity, honesty and sheer courage of the boy and the corruption or obtuseness of the adults who control his life.

Full Review | Jul 11, 2019

The cinematography by Henri Decaë is gorgeous and 400 Blows is great to watch just on a technical level.

Full Review | Original Score: A+ | Apr 11, 2019

[The 400 Blows'] most prevalent connection to the then burgeoning French New Wave is its message of freedom

Full Review | Mar 18, 2019

This beautiful, tough and some- times funny film is a lesson (by implication) in love : here's what it does, being without it.

Full Review | Jul 19, 2018

Truffaut imbues the movie with the irrepressible energy and optimism of youth.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Oct 29, 2015