After professional hitman Jef Costello is seen by witnesses his efforts to provide himself an alibi drive him further into a corner.After professional hitman Jef Costello is seen by witnesses his efforts to provide himself an alibi drive him further into a corner.After professional hitman Jef Costello is seen by witnesses his efforts to provide himself an alibi drive him further into a corner.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
Cathy Rosier
- La pianiste
- (as Caty Rosier)
Jacques Léonard
- Garcia
- (as Jack Léonard)
- Director
- Writers
- Jean-Pierre Melville
- Joan McLeod(uncredited)
- Georges Pellegrin
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Jean-Pierre Melville brought a copy of the script to Alain Delon, Delon asked him what the title was. When he was told the title was "Le samouraï", Delon had Melville follow him to his bedroom, where there was only a leather couch and a samurai blade hanging on the wall. Melville had written the screenplay with Delon expressly in mind for the lead.
- GoofsThe streets change from bone dry to soaking wet and raining when Jef flees from the female undercover cop in the Paris Metro.
- Quotes
[hitman enters the room of the bar owner]
Martey, Nightclub Owner: Who are you?
Jeff Costello: Doesn't matter.
Martey, Nightclub Owner: What do you want?
Jeff Costello: To kill you.
[shoots him]
- Crazy creditsThe movie's Opening Credits include an epigraph: " "There is no solitude greater than a samurai's, unless perhaps it is that of a tiger in the jungle." - The Book of Bushido."
- Alternate versionsThe West German theatrical version was cut by approximately eight minutes.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Zomergasten: Episode #10.3 (1997)
- SoundtracksLe Samouraï
Written and Performed by François de Roubaix Et Orchestre
Featured review
Delon will live forever
This movie is so revered but I had to watch it a couple of times before I saw the overall appeal. I enjoy films with little dialogue to establish intention and direction of the plot, and this describes Le Samourai. But the plot was convoluted at times, then it would be clear, then I'd get confused again. I felt on the edge of my seat (especially in the subway scenes) as I really didn't know which way this would go. There's so much that Delon's character, Jef, does that I don't understand but I really wanted to understand. I still don't, not really.
This is Delon's film, period. I believe the director, Melville, knew what he wanted and knew Delon could do it. He owns this part. So handsome but almost like a sculpture. There were small moments of vulnerability, enough to wonder how you feel about him.
The filming and the muted colors and the pacing, I can see why filmmakers worship this film. It's definitely not for everyone. You can read the synopsis so you have an idea of the plot, but trust me, it will fool you.
As I write this, Delon has recently turned 87. I saw a comment that said he hasn't aged well. At 87 years old, exactly how would one expect him to look? He's had health problems, needs a cane, but his kids occasional post pics of him on social media. He's aged naturally and I respect that.
Jef Costello is clearly the part that will always come to mind when discussing Alain's career. Sadly a lot of these films are not as interesting to the new generation.
This is Delon's film, period. I believe the director, Melville, knew what he wanted and knew Delon could do it. He owns this part. So handsome but almost like a sculpture. There were small moments of vulnerability, enough to wonder how you feel about him.
The filming and the muted colors and the pacing, I can see why filmmakers worship this film. It's definitely not for everyone. You can read the synopsis so you have an idea of the plot, but trust me, it will fool you.
As I write this, Delon has recently turned 87. I saw a comment that said he hasn't aged well. At 87 years old, exactly how would one expect him to look? He's had health problems, needs a cane, but his kids occasional post pics of him on social media. He's aged naturally and I respect that.
Jef Costello is clearly the part that will always come to mind when discussing Alain's career. Sadly a lot of these films are not as interesting to the new generation.
helpful•50
- darleneva621
- Jan 25, 2023
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Le Samurai
- Filming locations
- 11 Boulevard de l'Amiral Bruix, Paris 16, Paris, France(Jane's apartment)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $134,753
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $14,899
- Mar 31, 2024
- Gross worldwide
- $134,753
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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