Francois Truffaut"s first feature was this 1959 portrait of Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Léaud), a boy who turns to petty crime in the face of neglect at home and hard times at a reform school. Somewhat autobiographical for its director, the film helped usher in the heady spirit of the French New Wave, and introduced the Doinel character, who became a fixture in Truffaut"s movies over the years. Poignant, exhilarating, and fun (there"s a parade of cameo appearances from some of the essential icons and directors from the movement), this film is an important classic. --Tom Keogh