Title: Vivre Sa Vie
Year: 1962
Genre: Drama
Rating: 7.7
Cast: Anna Karina, Sady Rebbot, André S. Labarthe, Guylaine Schlumberger, Gérard Hoffmann
Description: A single, defiant cigarette hangs in the air, mirroring Nana’s precarious existence in Jean-Luc Godard’s masterpiece, *Vivre Sa Vie*. This isn't just a film; it's a fragmented mirror reflecting the brutal realities of female autonomy in 1960s Paris, and the chilling choices born of poverty and societal pressure. Godard masterfully eschews sentimentality, presenting Nana's descent not as a tragedy, but as a stark, unflinching portrait of a woman navigating a world that offers her little but exploitation. The episodic structure, a deliberate choice, mimics the fragmented nature of Nana's life, each encounter a fleeting moment of connection or despair. Anna Karina’s performance is breathtaking; her vulnerability is palpable, her defiance heartbreaking. *Vivre Sa Vie* isn't easy viewing, but its unflinching honesty and profound exploration of human resilience make it essential cinema, a film that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the complexities of choice and circumstance. Its impact resonates powerfully even today, a testament to Godard's visionary storytelling.