Youth Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Youth
| Movie | Youth |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | Veit Harlan |
| Genre | Drama |
| Language | DE |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Youth (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Youth are led by Kristina Söderbaum . The supporting cast, including Eugen Klöpfer and Werner Hinz , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Youth does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Youth has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Youth
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Youth is a Drama film directed by Veit Harlan, written by Thea von Harbou. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kristina Söderbaum as Ännchen.
Ending Explained: Youth
Youth Ending Explained: Germany, 1890: Having just gotten his high-school diploma, Hans leaves for Heidelberg to begin his university studies. Directed by Veit Harlan, this 1938 drama film stars Kristina Söderbaum (Ännchen), alongside Eugen Klöpfer as Pfarrer Hoppe, Werner Hinz as Kaplan von Schigorski, Elisabeth Flickenschildt as Maruschka. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Youth?
Germany, 1890: Having just gotten his high-school diploma, Hans leaves for Heidelberg to begin his university studies. But first, he wants to visit his uncle, Pastor Hoppe, in the small village of Rosenau. It's here that he again meets his cousin and childhood friend Annie. Annie is the illegitimate child of Pastor Hoppe's sister, who's left the upbringing of her offspring to the man-of-the-cloth. Conservative chaplain Schigorski continually tries to convince Annie to join the nearby cloister and thus "atone" for the sins of her mother. And it's getting more difficult for the fun-loving girl to escape the chaplain's harrassment. When Hans arrives, old feelings of lust come back to the surface.
Veit Harlan's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Kristina Söderbaum (Ännchen)'s journey. But first, he wants to visit his uncle, Pastor Hoppe, in the small village of Rosenau.
How Does Kristina Söderbaum (Ännchen)'s Story End?
- Kristina Söderbaum: Kristina Söderbaum's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Eugen Klöpfer (Pfarrer Hoppe): Eugen Klöpfer's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Werner Hinz (Kaplan von Schigorski): Werner Hinz's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Youth Mean?
Youth's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Kristina Söderbaum may feel rushed. Veit Harlan's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Youth Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Youth Based on a True Story?
No, Youth is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Veit Harlan and starring Kristina Söderbaum may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Youth?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kristina Söderbaum or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
At just 0 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Youth Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Youth age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Youth is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Youth worth watching?
Youth is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Youth parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Youth identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Youth (1938)?
The official runtime for Youth has not been confirmed yet.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
