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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.
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Zhou Dongyu Shooting Pictures
Production Company by: Shooting Pictures
Starring: Zhou Dongyu, Jackson Yee, Yin Fang, Huang Jue, Wu Yue, Zhou Ye
Language: 普通话
Country: China, Hong Kong
Release Date: 2019-10-25
Running time: 135 minutes
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bad ending
this movie should be good...coz the novel is really a good one. but i really didn't like the ending. IMO the ending is too bad, it was straying too far from the novel. But maybe becoz time is too short so can't bring out the complicated and satisfying ending like in the novel.The acting of both leads are really good though... salute to Zhou dong yu... already 27/28 years old but can act as a teenager and really does look like one. just like this character is meant to be for her. And her acting is excellent
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"However, What They Don’t Teach You Is How To Be An Adult."
I got a few recommendations from my buddies a while back to see this. I saw the good reviews of it in the news and also on MDL. I knew it wasn't going to be an easy watch. I appreciate the film makers, director, writers, and all who participated in this production in having the creative courage to tell a story about a social issue that is difficult to navigate and properly tell.This drama is gritty and tries to do a realistic portrayal of the characters so nothing goes through pretty pastel filters, you see the starkness as it is.
The focus of the story is about the extreme bullying a teenage girl deals with in her school. It starts off with her classmate who commits suicide due to the bullying. There's a difficult scene where her classmate's dead body is in the center of the school grounds with some students taking pictures of the scene and it was morbid. The FL goes to cover the dead body up out of respect, she becomes the new target of bullying.
Later on, her life intersects with a young thug who is an orphan. The FL and ML seem to have similar backgrounds of poverty and come from broken homes but they have different aspirations and trajectories. The FL is studious and does extremely well in school, she aspires to go to the best university. The ML has lived with a life of violence and has no direction. The FL gets his help to protect her from the bullying so she can focus on graduating and getting into a good university. Their relationship develops further as two lonely individuals who come to support each other.
The bullying continues to spiral out of control and turns into an absolute train wreck for the leads. Most of the adults in the drama give lip service on student bullying and turn a blind eye to it. It was difficult to watch towards the end when you feel the impending doom for both of the leads and the sacrifice one makes for the other.
Extraordinary story telling and deeply heartbreaking.
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This review may contain spoilers
Must watch
it is a really heartbreaking story. when u feel wronged, but all people just tryna get you down. the story between lead actors really touch my heart. some of the part made me smile so brigt, but some teared me up. the way the actor built the mood get 10/10 from me. it's so realistic and relatable.it wasn't cringe at all. we enjoy all the story and made me wanna watch it more and more. The relationship between nian and bei is beautiful yet painful. both of them try to protect each other. they try to cheer each other up. the way bei sacrifice himself is definitely teared me up again.
they always try their best but somehow the reality just punch them. good job for all the actor. i hope they'll make this kind of movies again
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A tearjerker
This is a movie about silver linings. I really did not expect myself to shed so many tears over this movie — but I sobbed throughout it, especially the second half.I was expecting a really depressing movie where it was just one tragedy and no good parts one after another, but there was a surprising amount of hope and friendship in this that made it really beautiful to watch. The two leads had amazing chemistry and really heart-warming dialogue and it felt like the main focus of the movie, as opposed to the bullying moments. I actually felt like the bullying situation at school and beyond wasn't fleshed out very much, but I think this actually worked in the movie's favor for the most part.
Overall, a really really beautiful movie that will make you ugly cry :)
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You should definitely watch it!
This was my first ever asian movie. I watched a video about this movie on Youtube by chance. Since then I have seen many korean and chinese dramas and some movies too.The acting was incredible, especially if you take into account the male lead's age. Female lead's acting was so convincing and emotional! I liked the story quite a lot. I loved how these two were connected by chance and bonded. They cared for each other and became their own kind of family. Love came quietly, as a result of care. If you haven't seen this movie, I highly suggest that you do. It's not a very happy or romantic one, but I think that you will feel all the emotions coming through!
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Empowering
Better Days is a cinematic gem that mesmerizes with its spellbinding storytelling and compelling characters. As a devoted fan who rates it 9.5/10, this drama delivers an immersive experience that grips your heart and mind from start to finish.The intricately woven narrative delves into the complexities of youth, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit. Zhou Dongyu's remarkable portrayal brilliantly captures every emotion, making her journey a poignant reflection of life's trials and triumphs.
Director Derek Tsang's artistic brilliance is evident in every frame, enveloping you in a world where every emotion resonates deeply. The visual aesthetics are awe-inspiring, complementing the heartfelt performances flawlessly.
Better Days is not just a drama; it's an emotional odyssey. It imparts a powerful message about resilience and the pursuit of justice. The chemistry between the cast is electric, adding layers of authenticity to an already captivating tale.
From a breathtaking soundtrack to thought-provoking themes, Better Days is an enriching experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With a riveting storyline and a stellar cast, it's a resounding testament to the magic of exceptional storytelling.
In a sea of dramas, Better Days stands tall as a shining example of cinematic brilliance. If you're seeking an immersive and deeply moving experience, this drama is an unmissable treasure. Prepare to be captivated, uplifted, and profoundly touched by its sheer brilliance.
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savage depiction of the unsafe high school environment
●HOW I CAME TO ITI watched a bullying theme movie and in the recommendation I found this movie. The synopsis seemed interesting so here I am, after finish this masterpiece.it took me three whole days to get back to my senses.
●STORY
Movie starts with a teacher taking an english class. Then the movie jumps back to 2011, in a school campus where students are pressured due to the upcoming college entrance exam called GAOKAO in chinese. Immediately after that Chen Nian only friends commits suicide having one final mortification as her classmates take pictures who had been a mute spectators when she was bullied. She goes to her friend and cover her with a jacket becoming the new target of queen bee. While going home she sees a guy being beaten up, she tries to call cops, but ends up getting caught and humiliated. Later she seeks the guy to protect him from the school bullies.
●PLOT VIEW
The plot is simple, which left me in jeopardy as I got immersed in this masterpiece.
It leaves chills down the spine, showcasing the brutal depiction of the society, mortifying the dead, bullying of weaklings, bad parenting with the ultimate pressure of the exams on the teens.
Though the main focus is bullying however the movie doesnt explain why?
The bullies are like monomaniacs with no empathy. it may start with pranks and when ignored it consumes the bullies to do more, leading to crimes. As in bullied they keep on enduring, because most of the times, bullies arent punished and gets fierce. the death seems only a way to finish the infinite pain of endurance. the school is filled with big red banners of optimistic phrases which is purely overlooked and serves as a piece of decoration.
the vicious bullying tale is compelling as it tries to keep emotional connection between the leads keeps growing as they understand each other pains.
Its an uncomfortable treat with a murder mystery which particularly escalates the story and gives a final finishing touch. They become innocent victims to the cruel law, which failed to protect them when it was needed.
There is minimal dialogue and everything is much conveyed with the actions this intensifies the agony of the movie.
●ACTING/CAST
Zhou Dongyu as Chen Nian is enduring everything, the home problems, exam pressure, physical and mental bullying yet is sharp headed and focused. her phlegmatic and frigid face is worth praises. She had nailed her character with breathtaking performance.
Jackson Yee as Xiao Bei, is a gold-hearted punk, he shows a touching vulnerability behind his braggadocio. His lean and thin body seemed as if he cant fight and gets beaten up easily, having bruises, deep cuts wearing ripped clothes, living in a small dark room beneath highway. He aced the role with perfection showing the deepest emotions with a bang.
the bullies were being little demons and I hate them to core, but they acted marvelous.
●MUSIC
The music truly transports you into the story as you were watching. It BGM works like magic with least dialogues in the movie.
●REWATCH
The movie is worth watch a million times, due to its touching and vulnerable melomance plot.
●APPRECIATION
I had an emotional breakdown after finishing this extreme graphic bullying movie. I must say the chinese movies depicting bullying is very gruesome way.
The suspenseful and agile camerawork in the latter part gives and a sensational effect.
I read that BETTER DAYS was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, indeed it deserves the accolades for such a realistic exposure to present pressured high school environment.
●CRITICISM
I hope nobody starts bashing me out for criticizing the over interference of the chinese government to the movie. I read that they banned the movie from releasing and we can understand now why. Its has exposed the bullying in Chinese high schools, where the pressure to achieve is lethal contrasting GAOKAO exam.
Also this movie is based on Novel but due to gov pressure, it has narrative scene saying the perpetrator has got 4year prison sentence, why make it a true story despite being made out of a novel.
final accord is one of the lead actors telling us about how we should be vigilant about school violence, and about oh so many things the government does to prevent it; instead of leaving some food for thought to the viewers, the film decides to spoon-feed, and that does ruin the impression quite a bit.
●FAV SCENE
The shaven head, it is one of the most terrifying scenes of the movies which shakes up souls.
●QUOTES
Chen Nian - Is it my fault they bullied me?
Chen Nian - Revenge may seem normal to most people.But those of us who have suffered. Are we the ones who are wrong?
RECEMMENDATION
Yes I would recommend this movie to peeps who love a soul stirring movie. Also “cry me a sad river” is another aching movie over bullying theme.
●AFTERTHOUGHT
Its very strange to see that she could be nostalgic about her school days or that maybe she is nostalgic about her one melomance.
I havent experienced this painful torture, though I got ragged in college pretty bad but that lasted only a few days with no physical injury. Bullying is physical and mental torture pushing one to a painstaking end.
●NOTE
There is a special post credit scene which satisfy the closure of the emotional saga, it could be missed as its after the end credits.
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A Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece
Some films leave a fleeting impression, while others carve themselves into your soul, refusing to let go. Better Days (2019) is the latter—a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of storytelling and becomes an experience. Without a doubt, this film has cemented itself in my top 10 movies of all time. It is a raw, visceral, and deeply evocative portrayal of youth, trauma, and the desperate yearning for hope in a world that often seems cruel.What struck me most about Better Days was its authenticity. Every emotion, every fleeting smile, every tear-soaked moment felt so painfully real. If you have ever been a teenager, this film will resonate with you on a profoundly personal level. It captures the unspoken frustrations, the quiet battles, and the unrelenting turmoil that come with that phase of life. The cinematography itself enhances this sense of realism—close-up shots of the characters’ skin, the exhaustion in their eyes, and the heavy silence between words make you live their experiences, not just witness them.
Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. These two don’t just act; they breathe life into their characters. The pain in their eyes, the hesitation in their voices, the unguarded vulnerability—these are performances that deserve every award possible, perhaps even an Oscar. There’s an undeniable angstiness that will leave you in pieces, making you bawl your eyes out, yet you won’t be able to look away.
Beyond its emotional depth, Better Days is a harrowing reflection of reality. The film sheds light on bullying—one of the most insidious forms of cruelty that exists, especially among the young. Even if one has never faced severe physical abuse, we have all, at some point, felt belittled, outcast, or ridiculed. This film doesn't shy away from showing the brutal consequences of such torment. It makes you question the world we live in, the systems that fail to protect the vulnerable, and the silent struggles countless individuals endure.
While on the surface, Better Days may seem like another enemies-to-lovers trope wrapped in a dark, angst-filled package, it is so much more. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, one that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. It is thought-provoking, yet somehow, in moments when you least expect it, it makes you smile. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of times, happiness can still find a way to exist, even if only for a fleeting moment.
The ending is nothing short of perfection—the kind that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The actors seamlessly transition into their adult roles, embodying a maturity that is both palpable and deeply moving. The shift in their demeanor is remarkable; no longer are they controlled by their emotions, but rather, they have gained the strength to control them. The weight of their past does not define them anymore—it shapes them into individuals who can finally breathe freely, unshackled from the chains of their former lives. There is an immense sense of relief, a cathartic realization that, at last, they hold their future in their own hands. The freedom to simply exist as themselves is a luxury they have fought for, and now, they finally get to embrace it.
As one wise soul once said, "Sometimes, in this small life, all we humans need is happiness above all." This film embodies that sentiment—through pain, through hardship, through tragedy, there remains an undying flicker of hope.
Better Days is not just a movie; it is an experience that will haunt you, move you, and ultimately, change you. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself for one of the most powerful films of this generation.
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“It’s a deal. You protect the world. I’ll protect you”
What can I say, except that this movie is a pure masterpiece. I don’t know if I remember seeing a clip of this on Instagram or Tik Tok, but I had put it in my watchlist along with my many other dramas. Lately I’ve been putting shows on hold, or dropping them altogether, or not even have a chance to start it. Seeing as this is a movie, I thought “why not”. At least I’ll know I’ll finish it in one go. And I’m glad I did. The topic of bullying is a touchy subject for some, and although I was teased as a kid by mean classmates, it never got physical. I tried putting myself in the main character’s shoes, and honestly, although it was a movie, things like this happen all the time, but the director and cast did a great job in portraying it. They didn’t gloss over the violence and actually showed the bullies the consequences of their actions. I think although most of us see this in movies and shows, it’s different than what we perceive. The way that even though the main characters got dealt a bad hand, they still found solace and comfort in each other. They wanted to better themselves and I love how they brought it out in each other.Okay, so the cast is relatively new to me, but can I say how Oscar worthy their performances were? It almost felt real and raw and that they weren’t really acting. Props to Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee for telling this story. I was in shock when I read that Dongyu was almost 30 years old when this came out and Jackson wasn’t even 20. It felt like I was watching real kids in high school and almost forgot that she was almost a decade older than him. They really had my head scratching, because I really thought he was older than her in the movie.
And as for the ending, it leaves it up to the viewers interpretation. Did she know he was out of jail and following her, or was he silently watching over her? I would like to think that she knew he was there and that they built a new life together. By the way, when you start to see the end credits, don’t assume it’s over. There’s dialogue and the actual end where I’m talking about him following her. Although I would like a sequel to show how their life is now as they’re adults, I’m very satisfied with the ending.
I watched this on Amazon Prime as I am a Prime member, but I see that you could watch it on Freevee with ads if you don’t have Prime, Hulu, or AppleTV. I highly recommend this movie. Just have Kleenex on hand as you will get emotional. 10/10 would recommend.
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A film that will forever have an effect on me
I didn't really pay much attention to the plot summary which is a blessing in disguise because I think it increased the quality of my watch, hence why I won't reveal any spoiler in this review. My advice is, if the trailer captured your interest, then it is most probably worth the try.I think it would be useful for some if I state some trigger warnings if you're planning to watch this movie. It has bullying, violence, and blood. This film is very emotionally charging so I hope you are prepared for that.
Bullying is a theme that is nothing new when it comes to all sorts of media, but I think what makes this shine above the others is the writing, the cinematography, and specially the acting.
First of all, I'm not really a film person, it is rare for me to be really affected on a movie I watched, because I feel like I need more time to care about the characters enough that I feel involved and engaged to whatever is happening in the story... but I must say, that this is one of the rare ones. It's been 9 months since I watched this movie and I still cannot get over how incredible it is. I admit, I initially wanted to watch this because I have a knack for emotionally damaged/troubled people leaning on each other for support and this one satisfed that, though the hint of romance made me want for more.
Here we have two leads who are both strong in their own ways. I appreciate the way the writing did not shy away to depict the harsh reality of Chen Nian (FL) and Bei Shan (ML). It is amazing truly, how the actors, Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yi portrayed their characters so well that I feel tremendous hurt as I watch them go through those tough things, and my heart weeps in joy when they get their rare moment of peace, comfort, and happiness. I really thought I was prepared for the heaviness but halfway through the film of me sobbing, I realized just how emotionally charging this is.
I personally don't like rewatching stuff but I would really love to watch this again, sometime, when I have seem to forgot how moved I was when I first watched this. So I could see the little things I didn't notice before, and still appreciate what makes this movie great.
I want to end this review with a quote written by the female lead, Chen Nian in the movie, because I think it is a good presentation of the premise and the message resembles that of what I think the movie is trying to convey:
"We are in the gutter
but some of us are looking at the sears."
(If you want to see more of what I have to say about this film, most of which includes spoilers, here is a thread I made on twitter: https://twitter.com/aeipathyforher/status/1357701103903592451?t=Q8obK7rddaA5hfUzTfoDgg&s=19)
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