This review may contain spoilers
This movie will break your heart, mend it, and then run it over with a train. I've always tried to avoid romance movies in general because I always think that they'll have unsatisfactory endings, but seeing that this movie received numerous nominations and awards, I decided to give it a shot.The storyline of Better Days isn't a stranger to the c-drama industry, and it seems very cliche. A "bad" ML, studious FL, and the 3rd person, whether it be a bully or a love interest, are the bases of a school drama. However, this movie illustrates the struggles of victims of abuse, bullying, and doesn't put a filter over it, making it different from other movies on the same topic.
Each person in this cast fits their role perfectly, from their outward appearance to their voice to their style of acting, it really makes you hate and love the characters. The protagonists make you want to give them a hug, and the antagonists make you want to give them a huge slap in the face, successfully engaging the viewers. To be honest, I didn't recognize many members of this cast, and only knew the FL and ML, and after checking it seems quite a few of them are rookies/newer to the industry, yet each of them portray their roles so well. Zhou Ye especially stood out, and her acting was exceptional throughout the film. She embodied the character of a high school bully so perfectly that it makes you feel as if she's not acting at all.
Overall, this movie is one that you must watch. It shows the beauty of teen romance, the stress of school, and the reality of school life.
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Keep walking. I will be right behind you.
This was one of the movies I had been procrastinating due to the heavy theme ─ although I heard nothing but positive reviews about it. It truly deserves recognition and praise, and no wonder has been one of the most memorable c-movies for many.While the theme is quite heavy, it also needs a careful and realistic approach, which I think they did right. There wasn't any glorification or gaslighting. It was raw and candid. The characters, of course, had flaws ─ even the main lead because she also, like others, chose silence before becoming a victim ─ but those flaws were understandable and for some, relatable.
One of the aspects I like is that they hinted that bullies became the people they are because of their parents, but they didn't use it as an excuse to demand redemption from the audience. Because at the end of the day, it was their own choice to become that person and not a better person.
The acting was really authentic, especially when they used silence and their eyes to deliver emotions. Cinematography and soundtrack, as well as symbolism they used, were phenomenal, added another layer of depth and a fresh point of view to the story. Love the dialogues as well. They are so beautiful and meaningful.
I'm glad I finally gathered my courage to watch this movie and also glad that they gave us a glimpse of hopeful ending.
cinematography edit : https://youtu.be/QhmYcdiQM2Q
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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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A calm but worthwhile drama
This drama doesn’t try too hard, and that’s what makes it refreshing. The story flows at a steady pace, never rushing yet never dragging too much, giving the viewer time to connect. The characters are written with subtle depth, and their interactions feel natural without being forced or exaggerated. It’s not a drama that overwhelms with endless twists, but it steadily builds an atmosphere that keeps you watching. A simple, quiet, and engaging series that feels worth every moment.Was this review helpful to you?
Speachless
This is such a masterpiece. The concept and storyline of this movie is so good and complete. The amount of tears I let out while watching this is unbelievable. I saw many edits of that viral scene where he asks her name and decided to watch it. The cinematography of this was amazing. I wish we would get more dramas with this vibe.It is a deep drama so TW so scenes may be sensible. The love and trust they had was beautiful to see. They would sacrifice anything for each other. They met under unexpected circumstances and they didn't stop seeing each other after that. They say romance is dead but they haven't seen this movie yet.
The acting was immaculate. Im baffled by their talent, both of them made me feel like I was in the story. I could feel their sadness and frustrations. Im replaying their scenes in my head and I legit want to cry like they left such a good impression.
The music is just basic I mean I didn't care for it that much.
I would love to lose my memories just to watch this again with the same emotions as I did for the first time watching.
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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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This review may contain spoilers
Incredible Acting!!
This movie is pretty good, the acting in specific ... Wow, it was amazing, these actors were shining on my screen, if it wasn't for bad storytelling i would rate this higher.The scene of the bully's death was terrible, i couldn't be convinced by that. How could she be prepared to bully and kill the protagonist and soon after beg for mercy , in the same circumstances. And her death was terrible, that was an accident, i would prefer if it were intentional , but that's not what was shown. That death being accidental made all the following scenes lose meaning(from the viewer's point of view).Although the bond between the main characters was incredible in the end, that was just an annoying situation to show that. I also felt a lack of scenes at the end, it ended abruptly.
Regarding the good traits, there were a bunch, especially the feeling of injustice that kindles rage and anguish, making you feel really disgusted and hateful toward bullying , the feeling of : "i'm fighting for a good life, but someone somewhere is fighting to survive". And amidst all that sorrow and discomfort, both victims of an unpleasant world become a shelter for each other and find a bit of happiness, a light, among all the darkness.
That's a good movie, i would recommend
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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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