Review of Jules and Jim (1962) by Samuel B — 14 Aug 2009

Francois Truffaut's masterpiece, this great film is the story of Jules, an Austrian who is too timid to have a strong relationship with a woman, and Jim, a Frenchman, who is too promiscuous to have a strong relationship with a woman, in the early 20th century.

Jules falls in love with Catherine, a free spirit whose sly smile remind him of a beautiful statue he and Jim saw. Jim also begins to be attracted to Catherine, as World War I beckons, and Catherine's impulsive nature threatens to tear all three lives apart.

A breathlessly romantic, mysterious film, whose whimsical first half leads to a bittersweet, and eventually tragic, second half. One of the best French films ever, up there with Children of Paradise and Truffaut's own The 400 Blows.