“Better Days” is a Chinese drama film that tells the story of a troubled high school student and a street-wise boy who form an unlikely bond to face their past traumas and confront bullies together. Through their journey, they discover the strength in their vulnerability and overcome the challenges that life throws at them, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The film highlights important issues such as bullying, violence, and suicide among young people, while also showcasing the power of human resilience and friendship in overcoming them.
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Review
In the world of cinema, there exist a few films that can only be described as works of art. Such a film is the Chinese drama “Better Days”, which, while exploring the harsh realities of life in modern China, manages to be more than just a social commentary. The film’s haunting visuals combined with its stunning performances make it an unforgettable masterpiece.
The plot revolves around the story of a teenage girl named Chen Nian (played by Zhou Dongyu) who is being relentlessly bullied by her peers. Left entirely alone and without any support from her family or school authorities, Chen Nian’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a street thug named Xiao Bei (played by Jackson Yee). The two strike up an unlikely friendship and soon become inseparable.
As they attempt to navigate their troubled lives together, Chen Nian and Xiao Bei face a range of challenges that test the limits of their strength. But what sets “Better Days” apart is its treatment of these challenges as merely symptoms of a much larger societal problem. The film paints a bleak picture of China’s education system with its high-pressure exams and cutthroat competition, marking it as one that actively encourages bullying.
Director Derek Tsang possesses an uncanny ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of his subject matter without ever falling into melodrama. His use of natural light combined with impeccable camerawork gives us a cinematic experience that feels more like poetry than reality.
From start to finish, “Better Days” is elevated by its superb performances. Zhou Dongyu brings poise and vulnerability to her portrayal of Chen Nian. Her subtle expressions convey so much emotion that one cannot help but feel for her character’s struggles. Jackson Yee delivers an equally nuanced performance as the streetwise Xiao Bei, balancing his tough exterior with his own vulnerabilities in ways that are both convincing and relatable.
The chemistry between Zhou and Yee is nothing short of electric, and it’s hard not to root for them as they navigate through their own personal traumas. Together, they give a powerful performance that not only carries the film but also leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
What is perhaps the most haunting aspect of “Better Days” is its score. Composer Varqa Buehrer’s blend of melancholy piano and strings creates a sense of unease that stays with us long after the credits have rolled. It’s as if the music is trying to tell us something, warning us about the dangers that lurk within our own society.
The film has also been recognized for its stunning cinematography, which was shot entirely on location in China. The gritty urban landscapes captured on camera make “Better Days” feel like a document of a time and place rather than just a simple story.
In many ways, “Better Days” is an exploration of what it means to be human in a world that can often seem uncaring and harsh. But despite its bleak subject matter, the film ultimately leaves us with a sense of hope and resilience. It reminds us that even in the midst of suffering, there are still moments of beauty and grace to be found.
As such, it comes as no surprise that “Better Days” has received numerous awards including Best Feature Film at Taiwan’s prestigious Golden Horse Awards, where Zhou took home Best Actress. For anyone looking for an unforgettable film experience that explores deep human emotions while simultaneously offering insight into contemporary Chinese society, “Better Days” is one movie not to be missed.
In Gabriel Garcia Marquez writing style, he would likely say something like:
“Amidst pain and despair lies hope – that elusive flicker we grasp onto when all else seems lost. Such is the spirit conjured by Derek Tsang’s cinematic masterpiece ‘Better Days’ – an ode to resilience amidst crushing societal pressures.”
Marquez’s style was marked by his vivid imagery and poetic language, something that perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Better Days”. The film is a mood piece, a meditation on life’s impossible struggles and the ways in which we grapple with them. It is a testament to the simple yet powerful beauty of human connection amidst such difficulties.
The film’s central message is one that has been seen in Marquez’s own works – that no matter how daunting and isolating the world may seem, hope remains a force stronger than despair. Through its stunning visuals, haunting score, and exceptional performances, “Better Days” ensures that this message resonates with viewers long after they have left the theatre.
In conclusion, “Better Days” stands out as a cinematic masterpiece for its haunting visual style and superb performances. As it explores themes of individual struggle within society at large, it brings to mind not only Gabriel Garcia Marquez but other great writers and filmmakers who have explored similar ideas. This film is both a stunning work of art and a poignant reminder of our shared humanity in an ever-changing world.
Technical Data
- Release : 2019-10-25
- Runtime : 135
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Zhou Dongyu as Chen Nian, Jackson Yee as Xiao Bei, Yin Fang as Zheng Ye, Huang Jue as Lao Yang, Wu Yue as Chen Nian’s Mother
- Crew : Arvo Pärt as Additional Soundtrack, Peter Chan as Executive Producer, Dora Ng Lei-Lo as Costume Design, Derek Tsang as Director, Jing-Pin Yu as Director of Photography
- Revenue : $225,879,065
- Budget : 0
- Company : Shooting Pictures, China Wit Media, Tianijn Xiron Entertainment
- Popularity : 19.536
- Summary : A bullied teenage girl forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious young man who protects her from her assailants, while she copes with the pressures of her final examinations.
- Tagline : You protect the world. I’ll protect you.
