If my only exposure to the French New Wave....

....thus far has been a lot of Truffaut, would you still recommend I see this one? Most comments and reviews seem to describe it as an irrefutable classic of the subgenre, but that it's kind of relaxed and nonchalant. That seems to clash, at least in my mind, with it being a 3 1/2-hour experience.

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.