Le Jour se Lève (Daybreak) is a French film noir released in 1939, directed by Marcel Carné and starring Jean Gabin and Arletty. The film is considered a masterpiece of French cinema and one of the best examples of poetic realism.
The story is told through a series of flashbacks, as the protagonist, François (Jean Gabin), locks himself in his apartment after committing murder. He remembers the events that led him to this point, including his love affair with a woman named Françoise (Jacqueline Laurent) and his violent confrontation with a jealous rival, Valentin (Jules Berry).
As François barricades himself in his apartment, the police surround the building, and a tense standoff ensues. Through his memories, we see the descent of François into a life of crime and desperation. He is a working-class man who falls in love with Françoise, a young flower seller, but their relationship is complicated by the presence of Valentin, an abusive and manipulative man who also desires Françoise.
François becomes increasingly jealous and obsessed with Françoise, leading to a violent confrontation with Valentin in which he shoots and kills him. Carné uses poetic realism to create a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere as François reflects on his life and waits for the inevitable confrontation with the police.
Le Jour se Lève is a powerful exploration of love, jealousy, and the human condition. It is a landmark of French cinema, a true classic that has influenced filmmakers around the world.
