# The Rules of the Game

> 1939 film by Jean Renoir

**Wikidata**: [Q748599](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q748599)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rules_of_the_Game)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-rules-of-the-game

## Summary
*The Rules of the Game* is a 1939 film directed by Jean Renoir, recognized as a landmark of French cinema. A drama, romance, and art film, it explores social hierarchies and moral ambiguities among the French upper class on the eve of World War II. Initially controversial, it is now celebrated for its nuanced direction and complex themes.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Jean Renoir and released on July 7, 1939.
- Classified as a drama film, romance film, and art film.
- Produced in France, a country with historical inception dates tied to West Francia (843), Francia (481), and the First French Empire (1804).
- Known by aliases *Rules of the Game*, *La Règle du jeu*, and *La Regle du jeu*.
- Wikidata sitelink count: 40; Wikipedia title: "The Rules of the Game".
- Described as a "1939 film by Jean Renoir" in Wikidata.

## FAQs
- **Who directed *The Rules of the Game*?** Jean Renoir, a pivotal figure in French cinema, directed the film.  
- **What genres does the film belong to?** It is categorized as a drama, romance, and art film.  
- **When was the film released?** The film premiered on July 7, 1939.  
- **Why is the film historically significant?** It critiques pre-WWII French society and influenced the development of art cinema through its layered storytelling and direction.  

## Why It Matters
*The Rules of the Game* is a seminal work in cinematic history, offering a biting critique of class relations and moral hypocrisy. Its innovative cinematography, use of deep focus, and exploration of human frailty raised the bar for narrative filmmaking. Initially met with hostility, it was later reevaluated as a masterpiece, reflecting Renoir’s ability to balance satire with empathy. The film’s timing—released on the brink of WWII—adds depth to its portrayal of a society in denial, cementing its relevance as both a cultural artifact and a timeless commentary on human nature.

## Notable For
- A landmark of the art film genre, emphasizing psychological complexity over conventional storytelling.  
- Influenced the French New Wave and global art cinema through its narrative ambiguity and technical innovation.  
- Notable for its ensemble cast and critique of aristocratic decadence, juxtaposed with the rising tensions of WWII.  
- Initially banned in France due to its controversial themes, later restored and recognized as one of the greatest films ever made.  

## Body

### Production and Release
*The Rules of the Game* was released on July 7, 1939, in France, a nation with a rich history dating back to the Treaty of Verdun (843) and the rise of the First French Empire (1804). Directed by Jean Renoir, the film emerged amid escalating political tensions in Europe, premiering just two months before the outbreak of WWII. Its timing influenced its reception, as audiences and critics struggled with its critique of societal complacency.

### Genres and Style
The film blends elements of **drama**, **romance**, and **art film**, defying straightforward categorization. As an art film, it prioritizes visual and thematic complexity, employing techniques like deep-focus cinematography to create layered compositions. Its romantic and dramatic elements are intertwined with social commentary, distinguishing it from conventional genre films of the era.

### Themes and Legacy
Set in the French countryside, the film dissects the moral ambiguities of the upper class, exposing hypocrisies in relationships and social norms. Renoir’s direction emphasizes ensemble dynamics, avoiding simplistic moral judgments. Its exploration of infidelity, class divisions, and the collapse of social order resonated deeply in the context of impending war. Over time, it has inspired filmmakers for its bold narrative choices and technical mastery, becoming a touchstone for discussions on cinema’s role in reflecting societal ills.

### Critical Reception and Preservation
Initially criticized and even banned in France for its perceived "immorality," the film was re-released in 1950 to widespread acclaim. This shift in perception underscores its ahead-of-its-time storytelling. Today, it is preserved as a cultural treasure, with a Wikidata sitelink count of 40 and a dedicated Wikipedia page, ensuring its legacy as a defining work of 20th-century cinema. Its aliases, including *La Règle du jeu*, reflect its enduring international recognition.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031885/)
2. [Source](http://www.interfilmes.com/filme_21993_A.Regra.do.Jogo-(La.regle.du.jeu).html)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=493.html)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031885/fullcredits)
5. [La Règle du jeu (Jean Renoir, 1939) - La Cinémathèque française. Cinémathèque Française](https://www.cinematheque.fr/film/50877.html)
6. [La Règle du jeu. Cinétoile, 22h50.. Libération](https://www.liberation.fr/medias/1999/09/21/la-regle-du-jeu-cinetoile-22h50_284037/)
7. The Movie Database
8. The Rules of the Game. Rotten Tomatoes
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/regle-du-jeu-la/)
11. [Source](https://www.unifrance.org/film/1731)
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2024&s_month=11&e_year=2024&e_month=11&pageID=2)
14. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/266)
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/42EB-BE43-8D3F-2BEF-3020-G)
18. [The Rules of the Game (Film) - TV Tropes](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/TheRulesOfTheGame)
19. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/82478)
20. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/76218)
21. Kanopy
22. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
23. Trakt.tv
24. FilmVandaag.nl