mentor-apprentice relationships

His films repeatedly explore the complex dynamics of masters passing down their craft and moral codes to younger protégés, most notably in Raging Bull and The Irishman.

His animated works consistently feature young protagonists learning wisdom and resilience from older, often unconventional mentors in transformative journeys.

His films, particularly The 400 Blows and Day for Night, intimately examine how mentorship shapes identity and artistic development across generations.