Francois Truffaut´s first feature is also his most personal. Told through the eyes of Truffaut´s cinematic counterpart, Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Léaud), The 400 Blows sensitively re-creates the trials of Truffaut´s own difficult childhood, unsentimentally portraying aloof parents, oppressive teachers, and petty crime. The film marks Truffaut´s passage from leading critic of the French new wave to his emergence as one of Europe´s most brilliant auteurs.
Director: Francois Truffaut
Cast: Jean-Pierre Léaud (Antoine Doinel)
Year: 1959
Country of origin: France
