Better Days
Better Days

Movie spotlight

Better Days

2019
Movie
90 min
English

At his best friend's New Year's Eve party, Gary desperately tries to spark the interest of Ann, his ex-girlfriend, without letting his friends embarrass him, but ends up receiving devastating news instead.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users94%
Director: Derek TsangGenres: Drama, Crime, Romance

Plot Summary

A high school student, Chen Nian, faces relentless bullying as she prepares for her college entrance exams. Her life takes a turn when she meets Xiao Bei, a small-time street hustler, and they form an unlikely bond. As the bullying escalates to a tragic point, both Chen Nian and Xiao Bei find themselves entangled in a dangerous situation, protecting each other at all costs.

Critical Reception

Better Days received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful performances, unflinching portrayal of bullying and societal pressures, and its compelling narrative. It resonated deeply with audiences for its emotional depth and the raw chemistry between its leads, becoming a significant box office success and a critically lauded film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive and impactful exploration of bullying and adolescent struggles.

  • Lauded for the outstanding performances of Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee.

  • Noted for its compelling storytelling and emotional resonance.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the film for its moving story, exceptional acting, and its bold tackling of difficult themes like school bullying and societal pressures. Many highlighted the strong chemistry between the lead actors and the film's ability to evoke powerful emotions.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards. Won Best Actress for Zhou Dongyu at the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Asian Film Awards. Received multiple nominations and wins at various prestigious film festivals including the Golden Rooster Awards and the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was initially set to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2019 but was withdrawn shortly before its scheduled screening due to 'technical reasons,' fueling speculation about censorship issues in China.

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