What is the Nouvelle Vague ? And what does this movement represent in the history of French cinema and world cinema ? The film critic Jean Douchet, with verve, rich examples, and advice, tells the story of the Nouvelle Vague and explains its importance in cinema history. The Nouvelle Vague is a movement that had, and still has for some, an unquestionable importance in the evolution of cinema. It modified cinema's history at the same time as it was a product of history.