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The Rules of the Game
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The Rules of the Game

1939
Comedy
Drama
1h 50m
Renoir's look at bourgeois life in France at the onset of World War II. An assorted cast of characters - the rich and their poor servants - meet up at a French chateau for various reasons and the result is murder. (imdb)
Directed by:
Jean Renoir Jean Renoir
Written by:
Jean Renoir Jean Renoir Carl Koch
+1 more
Starring:
Mila Parély Mila Parély Gaston Modot Gaston Modot Marcel Dalio Marcel Dalio Julien Carette Nora Gregor Paulette Dubost Odette Talazac Claire Gérard Anne Mayen Jean Renoir Jean Renoir Roland Toutain Lise Elina
More
Genres:
Comedy, Drama
AKA:
La Règle du jeu
Country:
France
Languages:
English, French, German
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Rules of the Game

1939
Comedy
Drama
1h 50m
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Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 73.84% from 1732 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 06 Mar 2007
5
91st
This is simply a wonderful film. The plot and the relationships of the characters are complex but handled so well that it's never confusing, and visually the film is a delight, with labyrinthine staging and camera movements that move from room to room, following the characters in twisting movements. It's fresh and sublimely elegant. Renoir injects some moments of humor into this, but overall, this film ends on what is, to me, a note of resonant sadness. Brilliant.
Rated 06 Mar 2007
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 17 Jun 2008
5
93rd
Probably the greatest and most influential ensemble piece of all time, remarkable for the supreme eloquence with which it renders a complex tapestry of affairs and rivalries. These characters, bound by class roles and social customs, are disparaged with farce and made to look fickle and petty. It's all so ridiculous, and though Renoir finds comedy in a carnival of absurd behavior, the film's clear and resonant note is one of pity.
Rated 17 Jun 2008
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 07 May 2010
2
21st
Technically this film is average as others during this time period were moving the camera much more fluidly with better editing and cinematography. The story, characters and almost everything else are totally dull. It also feels like a stage play, which is one of my biggest pet peeves in film. The fact that some people say that this is the greatest film of all time is truly unbelievable to me. Very overpraised.
Rated 07 May 2010
stainStain
Rated 14 Apr 2007
0
8th
This movie bores my face off
Rated 14 Apr 2007
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
77th
Intricate staging, wonderful camera moves, and a plot that juggles many characters in many different configurations without ever leaving the viewer feeling lost. And it's funny, too.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
ihatemoviesIHateMovies
Rated 04 Jun 2008
95
87th
An excellent film in all regards, The Rules of the Game deftly mixes comedy, drama, and scathing political satire into one fascinating package. The moments of comedy are well-placed; in another movie the action during the "chase" scene would be solely between Schumaker and Marceau, but Renoir mixes things up with all the romantic drama occurring simultaneously. There are so many lovable characters that despite their obvious flaws, the entire final act is stressful and ultimately sad.Brilliant.
Rated 04 Jun 2008
afx237viafx237vi
Rated 30 Apr 2011
55
43rd
It works better as a comedy than a social commentary. The scenes around the party and the stage-show are brilliant - farcical and slapstick and very funny. I don't think I connected with the satire as much as others, though. I spent most of the film wondering whether I'm supposed to sympathise with the characters or revile them, or both. For a supposed lampooning of the idle rich, the downstairs staff appeared to be just as bad as their superiors, which left me wondering if I'd missed the point.
Rated 30 Apr 2011
trixrabbiTrixRabbi
Rated 24 Jun 2011
65
20th
I just didn't get it. Everybody talks about this film as if it is this magnificent masterpiece, and while I'm not saying it's bad, it has to have gone straight over my head. I just didn't get it, it bored me and I didn't find anything particularly funny in it. I picked up on some of the social commentary but I still don't see what makes this movie stand so tall as one of the greatest ever made.
Rated 24 Jun 2011
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 20 Mar 2007
98
98th
The rules of the game is a monumental achievement in ensemble character storytelling. It's truly in a league of its own thanks to its excellent character depth and wonderful subject matter that is dealt with both seriously and whimsically. This is a movie for that ages that anyone can enjoy no matter how familiar they are with film history.
Rated 20 Mar 2007
farzanFarzan
Rated 22 Apr 2008
97
98th
The Rules of the Game is such an amazing character study, it is truly one of a kind. It has some hard hitting drama that will make you feel depressed and yet have really sharp dialogue and comedic gold that will make you laugh. The characters are so well texturized and the plot is so intricate that you will never feel lost or confused, it is very easy to understand. The performances were great and a lot of scenes were extremely memorable, especially the ending. Not to be missed. Classic.
Rated 22 Apr 2008
drstrangeluvdrstrangeluv
Rated 04 Feb 2010
95
96th
Widely regarded as one of the greats, and deservedly so. Renoir excels both behind the camera and in front. This scathing tragic comedy established a lot of techniques we see used in many films today. The elegant roaming shots and a masterful use of depth-of-field immediately come to mind. Renoir's on-screen turn as Octave is but one magnificent performance in a film with a brilliant ensemble cast where no one gets lost. The writing is sharp, dry, and a joy to behold. A masterpiece, no doubt.
Rated 04 Feb 2010
kasperlKasperL
Rated 17 Aug 2010
60
50th
Well-made but nowhere near as good as its reputation. I found it neither funny nor particularly interesting.
Rated 17 Aug 2010
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 14 Nov 2010
4
13th
The film left like an unfinished product, part of an unseen bigger picture. Much to my dismay, Renoir's stab at satire was really disappointing, no wonder this film was met with a lukewarm reaction during its initial release. It should've poked fun at its subject while taking the audience aback, rather than repulsing them. In other words, I expected a sharp mockery rather than an uninvolving portrait.
Rated 14 Nov 2010
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 19 Mar 2007
87
87th
While it may not be my favorite Renoir, it's certainly his masterpiece. The visuals, the social commentary, the huge cast it's all really well put together and a lot of fun to watch.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 01 Mar 2008
100
99th
#3
Rated 01 Mar 2008
tonytheponyTonythePony
Rated 10 Jan 2009
91
94th
Equal parts insightful satire, farce and romance replete with witty dialogue from a myriad of masterfully juggled characters. Renoirs camera skips between rooms of the chateau, cutting sparingly, effortlessly following overlapping conversations. Adversely, the 'Lisette Triangle' characters are occasionally annoying and I was baffled at the unanimous infatuation with the dull Christine. Minor complaints for such a intricately layered film.
Rated 10 Jan 2009
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 16 Feb 2010
82
96th
Simultaneously tragic, comic, and satiric, this film is a beautiful, intricate web of characters, desires and romances.
Rated 16 Feb 2010
magbMagb
Rated 28 Nov 2010
85
73rd
The Rules of the Game is first and foremost a comedy and a satire. The fluid camera work and boisterous acting make for great entertainment, and towards the end the film builds to a dramatic crescendo. It seems like every man wants to elope with every woman, and the truth sinks in: all these people are deeply unhappy in their lives. Thus the film ends up being quite melancholy in spite of all its comedic elements.
Rated 28 Nov 2010
prowlerprowler
Rated 10 Jul 2011
86
87th
A really sophisticated and modern film, not just for 1939. Snappy satire and romantic farce over an expertly-drawn, almost operatic story arc. I think the absence of incidental music contributes to the film's longevity - no matter how sentimental or tragic, it never descends into melodrama.
Rated 10 Jul 2011
nobletNoblet
Rated 21 Jul 2011
91
95th
Very entertaining, every interaction between characters is gold. Still immensely impressive after all these years.
Rated 21 Jul 2011
sebbysebby
Rated 23 Jul 2011
80
91st
Depending on your interpretation, the pilot either followed the rules or broke them throughout, and that is the crux of the film. The moment he stepped off the plane and started to publicly air his laundry, it became a question of when this public intrusion into the game of hush-hush bourgeois thrill-seeking would become his undoing. Examples of Renoir's disgust for the upper class are ubiquitously evident and, in the case of the rabbit-hunting scene, often brilliantly rendered.
Rated 23 Jul 2011
friendo55friendo55
Rated 16 Feb 2012
82
54th
A fun film on the bourgeois and their selflish actions on each other. Thank goodness we have this longer 106 minute cut and not the original at 94 minutes - let alone the 81 minute cut to follow that! I enjoyed the movie but it hasn't stuck with me like it seems to do with everyone else.
Rated 16 Feb 2012
overratedoverrated
Rated 05 Nov 2012
43
37th
Where's the fantastic camerawork, the biting satire, the hilarious conversations? This was severely disappointing given the expectations. Can't see why it's considered among the best films of all time.
Rated 05 Nov 2012
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 20 Apr 2013
80
90th
An unusually insightful and multidimensional movie about often senseless and awkward social norms, examined through both the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Jean Renoir is great as a washed up actor who, not realizing his whole life is a big play, feels so nervous about acting as to choose to dress himself as a bear to hide himself from the audience. Reading nerds trying to wrap their minds around something to do with actual human relationships is almost as entertaining as the movie itself.
Rated 20 Apr 2013
mkellinsmkellins
Rated 20 Apr 2013
65
65th
It's well-acted, well-shot and quite funny at times. But still, I couldn't really relate with the characters or the social commentary. I'm pretty disappointed I can't see the greatness in it.
Rated 20 Apr 2013
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 22 Jun 2024
83
76th
Bursting with energy and charisma, it really captures the spirit of a party. You know it's gonna be a classic when the director's name is Jean Renoir - I'm more into the Jean Resci-fi myself
Rated 22 Jun 2024
zmoatszmoats
Rated 23 Aug 2016
95
94th
Social conventions be damned, Jean Renoir (and collaborator Carl Koch) doesn't have time for them. The weaving of the characters from rich to poor with an attention to detail that allows them to come alive beyond just the labels bestowed upon them makes for a great satire. Renoir's direction during moments of dialogue was a delight as well.
Rated 23 Aug 2016
jpfergusonJPFerguson
Rated 10 Nov 2022
85
93rd
“Corneille, put an end to this farce!” “Which one, your lordship?” Indeed! Is it reasonable to consider Christine (an Austrian) as Hitler (i.e., Nazi Germany) and Robert, André, Octave and fellow sycophants as Pétain (i.e., Vichy France)? This really is a masterclass in visual storytelling, which is not to say that there are no dull moments but these are overwhelmed by scenes of extreme depth (spatial and emotional) and dynamism (spatial and temporal) that inevitably enrapture the viewer.
Rated 10 Nov 2022
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
97th
A very long time since I saw it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
eveeluneveelun
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
90th
Sharp and delightful satire that draws laughs from smart dialogue, madcap physical humor, and biting observations on decadent and selfish social mores.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
monstergearMonsterGear
Rated 06 Sep 2007
81
67th
Fascinating characters and some wickedly sharp satire. An excellent insight into the attitude and class structure of the time.
Rated 06 Sep 2007
icarusIcarus
Rated 23 Oct 2007
87
83rd
Much improved on second viewing, so much missed the first time around. This time, the truth vs lies theme was striking. Each of the characters (outside of one person) is playing something of a part, according to the rules of their society. This includes both upstairs and downstairs, of course. In the end, the one who lives authentically is eliminated, while the rest of the group explicitly lies to themselves in order to carry on with their depraved and small lives. Also, that hunting scene.
Rated 23 Oct 2007
moroccomoleMoroccoMole
Rated 12 Jan 2008
100
98th
Remains one of the greatest films of all time. Essential viewing for anyone who cares about movies.
Rated 12 Jan 2008
theyshootpicTheyshootpic
Rated 01 Mar 2008
100
99th
# 2
Rated 01 Mar 2008
ruloaasruloaas
Rated 30 Jun 2008
100
92nd
I loved it, even if I don't get what it's about
Rated 30 Jun 2008
blake_leydenBlake Leyden
Rated 11 Sep 2008
97
94th
Tragically hilarious
Rated 11 Sep 2008
joseywalesjoseywales
Rated 05 Dec 2008
90
97th
The term 'tragicomedy' comes immediately to mind. Rules of the Game stands on that fine line between black comedy and dramatic satire where you're not entirely sure who to cheer for -- everybody's wicked in their own ways. I'm not wowed very often, but wow! Wonderful film!
Rated 05 Dec 2008
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
100
99th
# 3
Rated 19 Dec 2008
roujinroujin
Rated 05 Jan 2009
60
55th
This was funny.
Rated 05 Jan 2009
eldred08Eldred08
Rated 25 Jan 2009
93
89th
"The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie"
Rated 25 Jan 2009
renoirRenoir
Rated 28 Jan 2009
80
55th
quite a nice movie, full of the air of frivolity and absurdity of love affairs.
Rated 28 Jan 2009
pompousasspompousass
Rated 02 Mar 2009
80
94th
Renoir's timely, finger-wagging comedy of manners about the French leisure class and its pastime pursuits, pre-WWII, offers a good deal more than the prologue promise of simple entertainment. It is more shrewdly conceived than normal for Renoir and more splendrously dressed and decorated. The acting, however, conforms to the customary, fey, hippity-hoppity gait, with Renoir himself, in the role of old-faithful Octave, setting the pace.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 20 Jul 2009
73
79th
Undeniably great, even though it did lose my interest here and there. The text is really good, but these large-ensemble films can be trying to the patience sometimes.
Rated 20 Jul 2009
countyhellcounty_hell
Rated 16 Sep 2009
85
89th
class film from jean renoir. a biting look at the french bourgeoisie, that wonderfully blends satire, madcap humor and twisted love affairs that only the french can dream up!
Rated 16 Sep 2009
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 13 Jan 2010
100
99th
#3
Rated 13 Jan 2010
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 29 Jan 2010
79
46th
A mildly entertaining satire with some subtle absurdity and interesting characters. Good, but not great.
Rated 29 Jan 2010
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 22 Aug 2010
75
79th
the subtle humor, the drama, jean renoir the actor - what a wonderful film.
Rated 22 Aug 2010
mblake23Mblake23
Rated 22 Sep 2010
90
95th
very funny, smart
Rated 22 Sep 2010
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 17 Oct 2010
78
57th
An enjoyable farce. It's not the kind of film you can make much of an emotional connection with, and although it's a quality production for its time I don't revere it as a classic like many people do.
Rated 17 Oct 2010
nunstranglernunstrangler
Rated 23 Oct 2010
100
95th
Renoir's masterpiece. The film was banned by the French government, pulled from distribution by the Nazis, and not restored to its original form until 1959, when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. A great, subtle, ominous film landmark. Heavily copied and poorly remade in 1989 as "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills."
Rated 23 Oct 2010
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 28 Oct 2010
100
99th
A rich, complex tragicomedy featuring many levels of French society, from the nobility to the servant class. Dalio and Renoir himself, and Nora Gregor Dubost give memorable performances. This is the rare film that aims for both the head and the heart, and it succeeds completely.
Rated 28 Oct 2010
judge_holdenJudge Holden
Rated 11 Nov 2010
5
69th
Well-crafted and enjoyable, but I didn't love it. Couldn't quite connect with its satirical tone or themes. Had a similar reaction to Discreet Charm. And not to get too nitpicky, but many of the character developments felt rushed & unbelievable. Still, Renoir's fluid camerawork is outstanding. As well, the script is humorous and clever, employing a host of sympathetic characters in an elegant story that spans the emotional gambit (from romantic tragedy to slapstick comedy).
Rated 11 Nov 2010
hnassirih.nassiri
Rated 10 Jan 2011
82
50th
I like it so much. One of the best comedies I've ever seen. Criticizing a dishonest and unfaithful community is one of my favorite themes...
Rated 10 Jan 2011
rubanddugRubAndDug
Rated 02 Mar 2011
76
66th
A movie which elevates everything as the plot progresses; The camera movements, lighting and especially staging becoming increasingly advanced to reflect the characters whose traits are slowly revealed. The start, however well it fits into this directorial MO, is unfortunately too slow and took a shot of caffeine to overcome. Carette is enormously enjoyable (as in Illusion) and Renoir plays a nice self-mockery on the director leeching on man. Much fun ensues on this chateau.
Rated 02 Mar 2011
mandymandy
Rated 26 Apr 2011
6
43rd
interesting but it wasn't a classic for me.
Rated 26 Apr 2011
zayankZayanK
Rated 22 Aug 2011
97
97th
There's a prescient Buñuelian Hitchcockness to this.
Rated 22 Aug 2011
toxicwindtoxicwind
Rated 13 Sep 2011
2
3rd
once again im at a loss
Rated 13 Sep 2011
coheedCoheed
Rated 20 Oct 2011
80
78th
The first 20 minutes suggested a film I wasn't going to like, but its necessary set-up for the film, a ripping into the French bourgeoisie which, in its greatest virtue, still portrays them as very flawed people capable of virtue, balancing the comedy and the seriousness very well. The extended play sequence, with its swooping cameras keeping track of all the characters around the main house, is a text book example of how to make such a complicated scene work and make sense to the viewer.
Rated 20 Oct 2011
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 30 Nov 2011
100
99th
#3
Rated 30 Nov 2011
hulothulot
Rated 26 Feb 2012
100
96th
watched: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2019
Rated 26 Feb 2012
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 21 Apr 2012
85
59th
This did not blow me away the way I thought it would. But towards the end, it reaches this ridiculous level with screaming and gunshots and the way it flows it's like a mad bourgeoisie circus and I've really never seen anything like it. Absolutely brilliant. There are a lot of good performances in this film, too and Renoir's style is fascinating.
Rated 21 Apr 2012
iyisinekiyisinek
Rated 26 May 2012
10
2nd
sosyete, aldatmak, yasak ask, ask üclüsü, av, tavsan avi, sülün avi, tüfekle vurmak, oynak hizmetci asiri sikan bi film bu konuda rakipsiz
Rated 26 May 2012
davidthomsonDavidThomson
Rated 02 Sep 2012
100
98th
It is the greatest film by the greatest director. Jean Renoir. A house party has been arranged in a society where a virus called love has descended - everyone is in love with the wrong person. In the attempt to see an art in the movies, as well as entertainment, a culture as much as a business, I think that for some of us every attempt at judgment has come from this film's exhausted urging not to judge. But it is so hard not to be in love.
Rated 02 Sep 2012
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 05 Sep 2012
42
4th
This movie was disowned by the french public for exposing society for being concerned only with appearances and parties. I find it entertaining that the British have long indulged in writing stories about trite and melodramatic upper class people for years and they don't mind at all. I, on the other hand, hate them all equally.
Rated 05 Sep 2012
damildamil
Rated 16 Sep 2012
65
54th
I got that this was a critique of the bourgeoisie, & I guess I liked that element of it in some way. However, I didn't really feel like this was enough to sustain the film. I was a little bored sometimes, and confused as to who everyone was and their relationships to each other even more. There were definitely some good scenes, such as the chaos that erupts at the party. Overall, I found myself largely disinterested. That doesn't mean I think the film is bad, just that it's probably not for me.
Rated 16 Sep 2012
parcalihamparcaliham
Rated 24 Sep 2012
85
77th
22 Eylul 2012 & Bence bir sanat eserini donemine gore degerlendirmek (kismen) mantikli lakin gelisimin onunu tikayan bir durumdur. "Yine de bu filme bakarken donemini yadsiyabilmek olanaksiz. Neticesinde II. Dunya Savasi'nin tam oncesi. Filmdeki burjuvazi ve ahlak meselesi çaglar ustu geliyor bana. Oradaki bicem degisimleri falan acayipti, baslardaki bayağılıktan sondaki trajiklige evrilisi cok cok acayiptir.
Rated 24 Sep 2012
caimancaiman
Rated 21 Jan 2013
78
56th
The blocking was the most impressive thing, with characters moving all around the frame and in and out of it to create a sense of chaos. Renoir's camera skillfully showed multiple events going on all at the same time. Some of the comedy worked for me, but a lot of it was bland. Maybe I've seen too many of the films that imitate this movie. This film didn't wow me, but I appreciated what I saw and I was entertained.
Rated 21 Jan 2013
oskarhuoskarhu
Rated 20 Feb 2013
83
87th
Not nearly as good as some lists rate it as.
Rated 20 Feb 2013
dougiedDougieD
Rated 22 Mar 2013
100
97th
A fascinating look at bourgeois life in 1930s France, showing differences as well as likenesses between classes. It isn't hard to see how The Rules of the Game influenced such directors as Robert Altman, Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson. Every shot is a master class in the use of mise-en-scene to tell a visual story. It is all directed with a sure hand by Renoir, with no shot feeling like excess, every moment in service to telling a captivating story.
Rated 22 Mar 2013
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 17 Aug 2013
80
95th
Excellent.
Rated 17 Aug 2013
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 15 Sep 2013
6
83rd
renoir's rather dry and subtle style finds a better match with an ensemble bourgeois satire. however his problems still remain: fairly toothless satire and drab presentation. thankfully they're not as present as in, say, la grande illusion, and so this is easily his best that i've seen.
Rated 15 Sep 2013
foxyrussianFoxyRussian
Rated 07 Mar 2014
100
99th
A perfect film that is still instantly connectable to a modern day audience. Brilliant satire and a script that is both equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. The script and camerawork are also incredibly advance for its time. No wonder its considered one of the best movies of all time.
Rated 07 Mar 2014
mrkbinghammrkbingham
Rated 25 Jun 2014
85
56th
A movie likened to a chessboard: a labyrinth of relationships keeps this movie going. But at its heart, it explores the conflicting emotions that lead us to desire something - and what one will do for those one loves.
Rated 25 Jun 2014
jakeaestheteJakeAesthete
Rated 19 Nov 2014
54
51st
I feel sort of bad for not rating this higher, because i can clearly see how groundbreaking and innovative it was, both aesthetically an otherwise (and in truth admittedly as such it has aged surprisingly well, or should i say surprisingly little?) what with it's tonal shifts between outright farce and a remarkable degree of naturalism. Yet i have to admit it simply doesn't move me the way, say, most Lubitsch comedies do, perhaps because i personally prefer his more overtly scripted witticisms?
Rated 19 Nov 2014
salomaordsalomaord
Rated 02 Jan 2015
50
0th
Jean Renoir #1
Rated 02 Jan 2015
benoliver999benoliver999
Rated 05 Feb 2015
90
87th
This is a deceptive film in every way. It feels manic and uncomfortable, as if Renoir doesn't quite know where he's going. As the production rolls on and we being to dig beneath the surface, The Rules of the Game is the exact opposite. Renoir knows exactly what he's doing, and gives us a rare glimpse into how a nation can succumb to a horrific regime through ignorance and self-absorption; all whilst making us laugh.
Rated 05 Feb 2015
lexlex
Rated 22 Feb 2015
90
80th
Very influential, and has aged just as well as Citizen Kane, but I just don't think it's as good in the first place. The harsh satire of unlikable, but thoroughly real characters make this simultaneously funny, repulsive and engaging.
Rated 22 Feb 2015
punqPUNQ
Rated 29 Apr 2015
60
89th
While a brisk tempo, the scenario didn't seem to hit a spark with me. Visuals and editing was what you'd expect for a low priority B-movie. On top of that the execution felt half-hearted at a jogging pace when doing physical comedy, and they still managed to be off their timing! And worse.... the characters, apart from the clowns Octave and Marceau, they were simply bland. The last 25 minutes hit a comic nerve. The irony of the finalé struck and it finally got funny! The satire nailed!
Rated 29 Apr 2015
fuentissimoFuentissimo
Rated 23 Jun 2015
69
89th
Very good. I wasn't in love with any of the characters, but apparently none of them were either. What I particularly liked was the dual genre of the film; played from the lord's perspective this is a comedy of absurd and histrionic characters, and from the lady's it is a tragic drama concerning the death of an idea of love.
Rated 23 Jun 2015
neonmanNeonman
Rated 28 Jul 2015
75
51st
Brimming with movement, the intricacy of the staging and cinematography is really dazzling and makes this film feel so alive. There's so many plotlines and characters emerging, disappearing, then re-emerging (sometimes in the one shot), it's exhausting to keep up. I don't think it's a particularly amazing comedy (though the last joke was a good 'un), but I'm already looking forward to seeing this again -- this certainly has rewatchability.
Rated 28 Jul 2015
livLiv
Rated 28 Oct 2015
87
60th
Very good script.
Rated 28 Oct 2015
tomhetTomhet
Rated 08 Nov 2015
6
59th
Sorely needs a re-visit.
Rated 08 Nov 2015
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 07 Jan 2016
100
99th
O peculiar é que ao visualizar e interpretar esse filme você passa a compará-lo a obras primas da literatura e não do cinema, simplesmente porque o que o Renoir conseguiu aqui teoricamente só seria possível por meio da literatura.
Rated 07 Jan 2016
cosmicmonkeyCosmicMonkey
Rated 05 May 2016
60
17th
It may have broken ground when it first came out, but the reality is that in 2016, pointing out that rich people are assholes isn't a particularly original or insightful observation. Tell me Mr. Renoir, why is this so? What are the social patterns & structures that lead not just to the existence of the aristocracy but to them being empty and callous as well? Coupled with the fact that I didn't find it particularly funny either, I'm left questioning this film's legacy and reputation as a classic.
Rated 05 May 2016
yiannosYiannos
Rated 07 Jan 2017
80
92nd
Renoir's classic tragi-comedy was a genuine gamechanger, establishing an innovative multi-character narrative with a complex use of mise en scène, but Renoir was no technician; there is a sprawling spontaneous quality to his direction that seems almost effortless, yet the deep focus long takes are often brilliantly constructed, revealing a richness of depth and detail and demonstrating a complete mastery of movement. It's a tale of misguided manners and passions that is brilliantly told.
Rated 07 Jan 2017
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 28 Sep 2017
64
45th
Maybe it's just over my head, but I'm surprised at how much this is lauded for technical aspects that don't seem particularly innovative among some of its contemporaries. I enjoyed the satire and overall thought it was a good film, but hardly the masterpiece most believe it to be.
Rated 28 Sep 2017
jimmy_suedeJimmy Suede
Rated 29 Dec 2017
70
45th
A film about a pathetic group of people and their rampant infidelity. It helped that I was forewarned to expect a biting satire. Surprisingly, most of these silly, pathetic characters were sympathetic, which in itself is an achievement. The ending was particularly sad. Renoir's successful juggling of simultaneous goings-on was impressive, especially in the cinematography. In all, though, it was hard to like the movie. It was good, but I wonder if most of the raucous praise is bandwagoning.
Rated 29 Dec 2017
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 17 Feb 2018
60
26th
Octave: "The awful thing about life is this: Everybody has their reasons."
Rated 17 Feb 2018
n1k0o8N1k0o8
Rated 31 Jan 2024
65
29th
I don't know if I liked this movie... Or if I hated it. I still watched it until the end. It needs a new watch in some time to get an clear idea.
Rated 31 Jan 2024
larmorlarmor
Rated 01 May 2018
88
92nd
A lot of highly innovative yet masterly crafted cinematography. You can see how it influenced Welles, Hitchcock, Bunuel, Tati... The social commentary is good, the pacing is great, but the story unfortunately fell a bit flat for me.
Rated 01 May 2018
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 12 Jan 2019
50
20th
Some of the more farcical stuff is not bad but this just suffers from the same problem as Grand Illusion where there's too many characters to ever get a solid grasp on the actual satire.
Rated 12 Jan 2019
napolenbradynapolenbrady
Rated 22 Feb 2019
93
91st
93.00
Rated 22 Feb 2019
peterfernoldpeterfernold
Rated 13 Oct 2019
100
85th
Jean Renoir's masterpiece and his last French film before he went to Hollywood, Rules of the Game is an intricate, tragi-comic indictment of a decadent European culture on the verge of collapse and war.
Rated 13 Oct 2019
mike365365mike365365
Rated 09 Mar 2020
54
21st
I hated every character, rich or poor.
Rated 09 Mar 2020
michaelm2391michaelm2391
Rated 06 Apr 2020
60
48th
it's a film
Rated 06 Apr 2020
doyler29doyler29
Rated 12 Jul 2020
90
87th
I think it's a film that does not benefit from having the reputation of being one of the best films ever made since it does not set out to dazzle you with it's brilliance. It was in the second half that it really sunk in how effortlessly he was managing so many characters gliding through this film in complex relationships and conflicts, and that it was all resolving into a greater purpose that I realized I really did love it.
Rated 12 Jul 2020
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 12 Jan 2024
97
95th
The camera was exciting, controlled, modern. There were quick pans reminiscent of Scorsese, handheld shots predicting the New Wave. The writing was entertaining. Easy to see why this one holds up.
Rated 12 Jan 2024
xophorosxophoros
Rated 06 May 2021
5
81st
A broad and mild comedy of manners through most of its length, there is an undercurrent of resignation that makes it somehow tragic even before the ending. One highlight is the extended hunting scene, which is markedly out of tone with the rest of the film and provides a sort of interpretive lens on the rest of it.
Rated 06 May 2021
picklemanPickle_Man
Rated 13 Nov 2021
80
55th
Sort of a midpoint between the screwball comedies Hollywood was churning out at the time and a British comedy of manners. A great movie, but I don't know if it deserves the universal acclaim as best-in-category it seems to garner. I wouldn't even rate it as the best 1939 release involving a love triangle with an aviator considering Only Angels Have Wings exists.
Rated 13 Nov 2021
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 13 Mar 2022
45
46th
worth a watch
Rated 13 Mar 2022

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