High School Entrance Exam
Kyoko, a newly-appointed English teacher at a rural but well-respected, prestigious prefectural high school, had spent her childhood and high school years overseas before returning to Japan. Because she lived abroad for a long time, she cannot understand the old-fashioned ideas peculiar to Japan and tends to be frank about what she thinks. On the eve and the day of the school entrance examination, various incidents occur. There is the spectre of someone attempting to wreck the examination for some motive. Everyone present is a potential suspect and the truth remains shrouded in mystery to the end.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this poignant Taiwanese drama, a young boy named Hsiao-Chi struggles with the immense pressure of the high school entrance exams. As he navigates the demanding academic world and the expectations of his family, he also grapples with his own insecurities and the complexities of growing up. The film captures the intense emotional landscape of adolescence and the universal challenges of finding one's place in the world.
Critical Reception
High School Entrance Exam received positive reviews, particularly for its authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles and family dynamics in contemporary Taiwan. Critics lauded its emotional depth and relatable characters, though some noted its deliberate pacing.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of teenage anxiety and academic pressure.
- Appreciated for its strong emotional core and exploration of family relationships.
- Some viewers found the pacing to be slow at times, but generally recommended for its thoughtful narrative.
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Fun Fact
The film was part of the official selection at the 2012 Shanghai International Film Festival.
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