Rules of the Game, The ( règle du jeu, La ) Movie Information

Movie Information

Overall Rank: 1629

Average Rating: 2.9/4

# of Ratings: 68

Theatrical Release Date: 02/08/1939

Language: French

Genre: Comedy, Drama

MPAA Rating: NR

Director: Jean Renoir

Actors: Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, Mila Parély, Odette Talazac, Claire Gérard, Marcel Dalio

Plot: Bored French aristocrats meet for a hunting party, and as they relax and the soap operas of their lives unfold, the witty satire gradually develops into high tragedy.

Quick Movie Reviews

Rating of
1.5/4

Indyfreak - wrote on 01/21/2024

I know this is seen as a classic of French cinema. But I thought it was just boring. I recognize the influence it had on Robert Altman's period drama 'GOSFORD PARK' which I liked far better than this.

Rating of
2/4

Gabe - wrote on 01/12/2016

I know that as a film connoisseur I'm supposed to not only enjoy this film, but sing its praises. But, I can't. I found it tedious and boring. I get it, your rich, your are completely oblivious to what's going on around you, and you probably have a case of "affluenza." I found myself not caring about these people, none of them. And what the fuck was going on during the theater scene? Who were they putting on a performance for? Maybe I just don't understand French film, and I probably don't, I prefer the Italians when it comes to foreign cinema. It's a biting satire at the rich, but I just didn't care for it.

Rating of
3/4

mitchellyoung - wrote on 09/02/2011

Renoir uses a pedestrian and observer approach in documenting a comedy of errors. I think the commentary on aristocracy and high society is biting, even by today's standards, although, occasionally the constant "couple-swapping" gets tiresome and confusing. Bold conclusion, though.

Full Movie Reviews

SteelCity99
SteelCity99
Director

Rating of
4/4

The Rules of the Game

SteelCity99 - wrote on 04/24/2018

After having a considerable amount of success with his prewar films La Grande Illusion (1937) and La Bête Humaine (1938), Jean Renoir, a cinema genius that did not receive the recognition he deserved in the 30's and 40's, brings along his second masterpiece and what is widely regarded nowadays as one of the greatest films ever made. Despite that Jean Renoir's take on the French upper-class society resulted, naturally, in outstandingly complete rejection, hatred and public insults, La Règle du Jeu is a film that constitutes the most complex and multifaceted critique towards the bourgeoisie of its time, brilliantly juxtaposed with absurd and profound elements, yet not resorting to the fantasy genre in a similar way Luis Buñuel (El Ángel Exterminador [1962], Le Charme Discret de la …

memento_mori
memento_mori
Producer

Rating of
4/4

La folie, la folie.

memento_mori - wrote on 11/02/2013

La règle du jeu could be the most multi-layered film I have ever seen. If you take it apart, line after line, you can see hints of just about everything hidden and masqueraded.

A wonderfully satirical view of the French bourgeoisie on the brim of the Second World War. It's the first French movie that I have grown to love and appreciate, because of its self-awareness.
Often, films like 'A bout de souffle' become very lost in their own little worlds. Plus, I hate it when every second shot in the movie is the Eiffel Tower.

In The Rules of the Game, this attitude is not only portrayed in such a light-hearted and witty manner, but celebrated and furthered through its excellent actors.
I couldn't decide which character I loved the most in this hilarious story of love, wealth, adultery …

Daniel Corleone
Daniel Corleone
Movie God

Rating of
4/4

The Rules of the Game review

Daniel Corleone - wrote on 05/06/2013

"Society has strict rules" as Octave mentioned. Definitely a film ahead of its time in terms of playing a satire of the upper/lower class and mocking its protagonists. An influential complex romantic comedy drama with lots of subplots. It starts of slow for excellent character development but the humor, core, direction, performances and dialogues were spotless from beginning to the ironic conclusion. André Jurieux becomes a hero but is saddened by his lovers lack of support and announces it on the radio live. He almost kills himself with Mr. Octave. Octave informs Christine about the actions of his friend. Octave and Lisette were very likable characters, Robert a great host and the rest of the support were fabulous.

One of the very best screenplays this critic has witnessed. …

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