A historic and influential film, today it plays a little flat because its been copied so many times. Taking it on its own, it is a remarkable film, expertly shot and acted. It has dated somewhat but mostly because its been copied so many times it seems tired now. Culturally speaking, this is a critical film since it really brought a different kind of film to American audiences. Prior to this more European flavors weren't really seen on American screens. This film, while it didn't have a huge initial run at the box office, changed that.