Le Samouraï

Name: Le Samouraï
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Released: 1967-10-25
Cast: Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, Cathy Rosier, Michel Boisrond

1967 | 105 min | Crime, Thriller, Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (7.8 out of 10) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved The Bourne Ultimatum, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
What might put you off: It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Made in 1967: an older pace and style.

After carrying out a flawlessly planned hit, Jef Costello, a contract killer with samurai instincts, finds himself caught between a persistent police investigator and a ruthless employer, and not even his armor of fedora and trench coat can protect him.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesStrong
7.8 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$215K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 171K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

Cast & crew

Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville

Alain DelonJef Costello
François PérierSuperintendant
Nathalie DelonJane Lagrange
Cathy RosierValérie
Michel BoisrondWiener
Catherine JourdanLocker Room Girl
Jean-Pierre PosierOlivier Rey
Robert FavartBartender
Jacques LeroyWalkway Man
Roger FradetInspector #1