reviews were mixed in both france and in the u.s. georges sadoul praised the film's ability to speak to young people, while h. chapier criticized the film but praised leaud's performance. tom milne called it godard's "most complex film to date." pauline kael said that it was "that rare achievement: a work of grace and beauty in a contemporary setting." andrew sarris called it "the film of the season." judith crist said that it had "flashes of original wit and contemporary perceptions." bosley crowther disliked the film and called it "entertainment of only the most loose and spotty sort." gene moskowitz called it "naive and knowing, irratating and engaging."