Chinese Version

Les 400 Coups (France)

Youth pursuing freedom

Director: Francois Truffauti

Cast: Jean-Pierre Leaud   Robert Beauvais

Footage: 97min

Year: 1959 

Francois Truffaut drew inspiration from his own troubled childhood. 

13-year old "problem youth" Antoine turns to a life of small-time crime to escape the neglect he receives at home from his parents and the harsh criticism of his teacher. He finally quits school after being accused of plagiarism by his teacher. He steals a typewriter from his father to finance his plans to leave home but is sent to the police, who lock the boy up with hardened criminals. Running away again, Antoine pauses at the edge of the sea, pondering his future—he discovers the freedom he longs for is not so easily attained.