School of Life

Released Sep 7, 2018

1h 56m

Comedy

Drama

List

40%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

69%

Audience Score

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.

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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

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

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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

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Nicolas Vanier

Director

François Cluzet

Totoche

Jean Scandel

Paul

Eric Elmosnino

Borel

François Berléand

Le comte de la Fresnaye

Valérie Karsenti

Célestine

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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: Matthieu Warter
Screenwriter: Jérôme Tonnerre
Distributor: Distrib Films
Production Co: Radar Films, Axia Films
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 7, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2019
Runtime: 1h 56m

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