Jean Renoir (1894-1979) was one of the most influential French directors of all time, son of the renowned painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. His cinematic work is characterized by profound humanism, keen realism, and subtle social criticism, often exploring class dynamics and human illusions.

Among his masterpieces are two milestones of world cinema: *La Grande Illusion* (1937), a drama about war and social barriers that transcend borders, and *La Règle du jeu* (1939), a bitter comedy about the hypocrisies of the bourgeoisie. Renoir was a master of long takes and deep focus, allowing characters to fully express themselves in complex environments. His style profoundly influenced generations of filmmakers, from the Nouvelle Vague to Neorealism, establishing him as a central figure in film history.