Das schönste Alter (1995): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1995, Das schönste Alter is a drama film directed by Didier Haudepin, running about 85 minutes.

What it’s about. The grueling, emotionally torturous world of French preparatory schools provides the framework for this mystery. The deliberately rigorous courses are designed to prepare students to take the brutal examinations for entry into the elite Grand Ecoles, where a select few will gain the skills and education needed to insure a bright, prosperous future for themselves. The story centers on Delphine, a girl from the lower classes, and the upper class Claude. Both young women aspire to attend the Ecole Normale Superieure on the Rue d'Ulm. Delphine lives in humble public housing with her dull mother and two young brothers while Claude, who considers herself a Communist, lives in luxury with her own servant; she is sexually involved with fellow- student, Axel, who thinks himself a fascist.

Who’s in it. Das schönste Alter stars Élodie Bouchez as Delphine, Melvil Poupaud as Axel, Sophie Aubry as Claude and Gaël Morel as Bertrand, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Das schönste Alter has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Das schönste Alter page.

If you liked it. Fans of Das schönste Alter tend to enjoy Die Verurteilten, Der Pate, Schindlers Liste and Der Pate - Teil II.