Better Days

Synopsis

A top student preparing for China's grueling college entrance exam becomes the target of brutal school bullying. When she encounters a streetwise young fighter, two wounded souls find solace in each other. Winner of 8 Hong Kong Film Awards and nominated for Best International Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Overview

Better Days (Chinese: 少年的你) is a 2019 Chinese coming-of-age crime drama directed by Derek Tsang, starring Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee (Yi Yangqianxi). Based on the novel In His Youth, So Beautiful by Jiu Yuexi, the film tackles the devastating issue of school bullying in China's high-pressure education system.

The film grossed 1.55 billion yuan (approximately $220 million) at the Chinese box office and became a cultural phenomenon, sparking nationwide conversations about school violence. It was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards and swept the 39th Hong Kong Film Awards with 8 wins from 12 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.

Plot Summary

Chen Nian (Zhou Dongyu) is a quiet, academically gifted high school senior counting down the days to the gaokao, China's brutally competitive college entrance exam. When a classmate commits suicide by jumping from a school building, the fragile social order of the school is upended. Chen Nian, who had tried to cover the deceased girl's body out of simple compassion, becomes the new target of relentless bullying led by the wealthy and manipulative Wei Lai (Zhou Ye).

One evening, Chen Nian encounters Xiao Bei (Jackson Yee), a street fighter covered in blood and bruises. Abandoned by his parents and surviving on the margins of society, Xiao Bei recognizes a kindred spirit in Chen Nian. The two form an unlikely bond, with Xiao Bei promising to protect her from the bullying that has made her life a living hell.

But when the bullying escalates to a point of no return, both Chen Nian and Xiao Bei are forced into impossible choices that will test the limits of their loyalty, love, and sacrifice. The film builds to a devastating climax where truth and lies become indistinguishable, and the boundaries between protection and complicity blur.

Cast

Behind the Scenes

The film reunites the creative team behind SoulMate (2016), with producer Jojo Hui and director Derek Tsang. Zhou Dongyu immersed herself in research on real school bullying cases, while Jackson Yee, then primarily known as a pop idol, spent time on the streets to understand his character's world.

Cinematographer Yu Jingping, who won the Hong Kong Film Award for her work, captured Chongqing's rain-soaked streets and oppressive urban architecture to create a palpably claustrophobic atmosphere. The film's score was composed by Eman Lam.

Awards and Recognition

Cultural Impact

Better Days is one of the most socially impactful Chinese films of the past decade. By unflinchingly depicting school bullying in China's high-pressure education system, it ignited a national conversation that led to concrete policy changes. After the film's release, China's Ministry of Education and other government agencies introduced new measures to combat school violence.

For Zhou Dongyu, the role solidified her status as one of China's most talented young actors. For Jackson Yee, it marked a remarkable transition from teen pop idol to critically acclaimed dramatic actor.

References

1. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Days_(2019_film)
2. IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9586294/
3. Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/30166972/
4. Variety: https://variety.com/2020/film/asia/better-days-hong-kong-film-awards-coronavirus-1234599252/