School of Life

Play trailer

School of Life

Released Sep 7, 2018

1h 56m

Comedy

Drama

Adventure

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

40%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Trapped behind the high walls of an austere orphanage in suburban Paris, Paul has only ever known one home. His chance to discover the great wide world comes when a bohemian couple, Célestine and Borel, take him back to their countryside home.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

Although he presents several characters fondly, Vanier emphasizes seriousness of purpose over playfulness.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 6, 2018

Full Review

Justin Lowe

The Hollywood Reporter

Gorgeous woodland scenery and spectacular wildlife photography cast a magical spell under Vanier's skillful direction, capably supported by Belle & Sebastian cinematographer Eric Guichard and an ace team of animal wranglers.

May 20, 2018

Full Review

Alberto Bermejo

El Mundo (Spain)

It's a shame that the solvency of these performances is not enough to save the simplistic story. [Full Review in Spanish]

Rated: 2/5

Feb 15, 2019

Full Review

Javier Ocaña

El Pais (Spain)

The film is friendly to those who seek easy resolution, but lacks a dose of getting muddy or physical with its themes. [Full Review in Spanish]

Feb 15, 2019

Full Review

Yago García

Cinemanía (Spain)

For undemanding palates. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 2.5/5

Feb 11, 2019

Full Review

Read all reviews

Audience Member

I loved this charming tale with its gorgeous scenery and excellent cast. The plot is a bit far-fetched with cardboard villains, but who cares when a film's heart is in the right place? Just enjoy it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Paul S

The plot is decent and the acting is strong. There is a developing mystery about the orphan Paul's origins. It has a happy ending, which is pleasant even if a bit predictable and probably too good to be true. Great scenery and some interesting characters make this an entertaining film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/03/20

Full Review

Audience Member

I have watched this so many times, I enjoy watching it over and over again. It is a wonderful story and it has a very beautiful scene!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Lovely settings are the backdrop for this inspiring coming of age comedy drama set in France between the wars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Nicolas Vanier

Director

François Cluzet

Totoche

Jean Scandel

Paul

Eric Elmosnino

Borel

François Berléand

Le comte de la Fresnaye

Valérie Karsenti

Célestine

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Yomeddine

77%

90%

Yomeddine

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Yomeddine

Burn Your Maps

67%

73%

Burn Your Maps

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Burn Your Maps

The Leisure Seeker

38%

57%

The Leisure Seeker

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Leisure Seeker

Hector and the Search for Happiness

38%

61%

Hector and the Search for Happiness

Watchlist

The Peanut Butter Falcon

95%

96%

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Peanut Butter Falcon

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Trapped behind the high walls of an austere orphanage in suburban Paris, Paul has only ever known one home. His chance to discover the great wide world comes when a bohemian couple, Célestine and Borel, take him back to their countryside home.

Director: Nicolas Vanier
Producer: Clement Miserez, Matthieu Warter
Screenwriter: Jérôme Tonnerre, Nicolas Vanier
Distributor: Distrib Films
Production Co: Radar Films, France 2 Cinéma, StudioCanal
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Adventure
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 7, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2019
Runtime: 1h 56m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now