
Band of Outsiders
Seen it?1964 | 97 min | Crime, Drama, Comedy
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
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 wants a laugh. If you loved Nightmare Alley, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Cinephile slackers Franz and Arthur spend their days mimicking the antiheroes of Hollywood noirs and Westerns while pursuing the lovely Odile. The misfit trio upends convention at every turn, be it through choreographed dances in cafés or frolicsome romps through the Louvre. Eventually, their romantic view of outlaws pushes them to plan their own heist, but their inexperience may send them out in a blaze of glory -- which could be just what they want.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 93 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$183K worldwide on a $120K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 57K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Killing ZoeWeeknight WatchAnother heist crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
High SierraSunday Safe BetAnother heist crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
FlypaperMonday Morning MaybeAnother heist crime comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
The Doom GenerationWeeknight WatchAnother heist crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Nightmare AlleySaturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jean-Luc Godard
- Anna KarinaOdile
- Claude BrasseurArthur
- Sami FreyFranz
- Danièle GirardEnglish Teacher
- Louisa ColpeynMadame Victoria
- Chantal DargetArthur's Aunt
- Georges StaquetLegionary
- Ernest MenzerArthur's Uncle
- Jean-Claude RémoleuxThe Alcoholic Student
- Michel DelahayeThe Doorman