WoodyFan1987

(I'd like to apologize ahead of time for the hyperbolae.)

Looking at other users' comments I feel redundant adding my two cents to the already long list of satisfied customers.

"Small Change" is beautiful, one of Truffaut's best, and watching it was among the most satisfying film experiences of my life.

This is stunning cinema. "Small Change" is a mature "400 Blows" and is certainly Truffaut's best movie about kids – maybe even the definitive childhood film yet made.

As I watched "Small Change" I lost a good deal of respect for Steven Spielberg's shallow attempts (E.T., Tears of the Sun, et. al.) to reproduce the kind of youthful energy, spirit and heart that Truffaut captures in this film.

Astounding stuff. Couldn't recommend it higher.

Jules et Jim is a difficult film, there's no question about that. I'd say the only thing that kept me watching was my love of Truffaut – his ingenuity in cinematography, dialogue and just the whole tone of the film. That he could keep such melodramatic (if not drab) stuff somewhat entertaining is a testament to his mastery of the medium. I loved the blending of historical film into the narrative; I don't know if he was the first person to do this – I highly doubt it – but he certainly did it well in this picture.

Jules et Jim is a study of capriciousness. Catherine – a woman to whom monogamy seems like a foreign concept – is, to paraphrase the film, `not particularly intelligent, beautiful or kind, but she's treated like a queen.' Why Jules and Jim love her so, I don't know. They seem like strong enough characters to be without such a difficult woman, but I guess that question is at the center of the film.

For some reason, Jules et Jim reminded me of L'Avventura by Antonioni – maybe because it was also a hard movie to enter and because the characters were so inaccessible. There are certainly elements of the neo-realism in this film, (one need look no further than the extensive use of mist and the forest scenes that closely resemble the dream sequences of Fellini, De Sica, et. al.)

Overall, I would say this picture is worthwhile, although there are certainly better, more accessible and mature Truffaut films out there.

I was a big Truffaut fan before I saw The 400 Blows but it wasn't till then that he really converted me. This is easily one of the most moving films I have ever seen. Technically brilliant, well acted and stunning on all accounts, Blows is a tearjerker in the best sense of the word.

Two scenes that really stuck out in my mind. Obviously the incredible ending (don't worry I'm not ruining anything). Who ever thought that watching someone run for five minutes could be so enthralling (or so fulfilling)? Also the scene with the other boys slowing trailing off until there were only four or five left. There's brilliant stuff everywhere you look in this film.

I recommend The 400 Blows to anyone who appreciates good movies, because this one has something for everybody.