Angel faces hell-bent for violence.|Jun. 03, 1959|France|99 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Drama
Description: “The 400 Blows,” a 1959 French film, follows the story of Antoine Doinel, a young boy living in Paris. Misunderstood by his parents for skipping school and stealing, and punished by his teacher for various disciplinary issues, Antoine often runs away from both home and school. After being accused of plagiarism for an essay inspired by his love for Balzac, he decides to leave school. In an attempt to finance his departure from home, he steals a typewriter from his stepfather’s workplace but is caught while trying to return it.
Antoine is handed over to the police by his stepfather and spends a night in jail alongside criminals. During an interview with a judge, Antoine’s mother reveals that his stepfather is not his biological father. As a result, Antoine is sent to an observation center for troubled youth, where a psychologist tries to understand the reasons behind his unhappiness.
One day, while playing football with the other boys, Antoine escapes the center and runs to the ocean, a place he has always longed to see. The film ends with a freeze-frame of Antoine standing at the shoreline, looking directly into the camera. This iconic scene leaves a lasting impression of his journey and inner turmoil.
Cast director: François Truffaut
Cast actor: Jean-Pierre Léaud, Claire Maurier, Albert Rémy, Georges Flamant, Patrick Auffay, Robert Beauvais, Yvonne Claudie, Pierre Repp, Guy Decomble, Daniel Couturier
Original name: Les Quatre Cents Coups