Watch A Woman Is a Woman

A Woman Is a Woman is a 1961 French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard and starring Anna Karina, Jean-Claude Brialy, and Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film follows the story of a young woman named Angela (Karina) who wants to have a child with her boyfriend Emile (Brialy), but he is hesitant. Angela turns to Emile's friend Alfred (Belmondo) for help in achieving her goal, and a complicated love triangle ensues.

The film is a tribute to the American musicals of the 1950s, with colorful sets and costumes, song and dance numbers, and playful exchanges between the characters. However, Godard's signature style of breaking the fourth wall and self-reflexivity is also present, as the characters comment on their own actions and the plot of the film.

Anna Karina shines as Angela, a woman who is both strong-willed and vulnerable. She delivers her lines with a childlike innocence that is endearing, but also has a strong sense of determination in achieving her goals. Brialy plays Emile, the suave, intellectual boyfriend who is torn between his love for Angela and his fear of commitment. Belmondo's Alfred is the wild card of the group, bringing humor and charm to the film as the reckless and impulsive friend who shakes up the established relationships.

The film explores themes of love, desire, and identity, with Godard questioning traditional gender roles and societal expectations throughout. Angela's desire to have a child, even without the commitment of marriage or a stable relationship, challenges the idea that women are solely meant to be wives and mothers. The male characters, meanwhile, struggle with their own notions of masculinity and how the women in their lives fit into those perceptions.

The film is shot in vibrant colors, with each scene meticulously designed to convey a sense of playfulness and whimsy. Godard uses jump cuts and other experimental techniques to break up the narrative and offer commentary on the events of the film. The soundtrack, composed by Michel Legrand, adds to the playful tone of the film with its catchy tunes and catchy lyrics.

Overall, A Woman Is a Woman is a delightful and playful film that offers a unique take on the romantic comedy genre. Godard's signature style and innovative approach to storytelling make this film a must-see for fans of French New Wave cinema.

A Woman Is a Woman is a 1964 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 71.