Better Days (Film)

Better Days (Chinese: 少年的你; pinyin: Shàonián de Nǐ) is a Chinese drama film directed by Derek Tsang and released in 2019. The film focuses on youth peer bullying and the competitive nature of China’s education system. As an adaptation of a novel with the same title, it has been particularly noted for its character-driven narrative and social themes.

Better Days garnered significant attention both at the box office and among critics upon its release in China, quickly becoming one of the most discussed films of the year. The film is regarded not only as a coming-of-age drama but also as a narrative exploring the education system and societal pressures.

The film achieved wide international distribution, was screened at numerous festivals, and received major award nominations. It was especially praised for its acting performances and direction.

The film unfolds in one of modern China’s major cities, centered around the university entrance examination process known as the gaokao, which serves as a decisive factor in determining students’ futures.

^{Chen Nian} (IMDb)

The narrative structure is realistic and linear. The story moves from individual experiences to broader social issues. The shifting settings between school, the streets, and family life reinforce the characters’ sense of entrapment.

The film centers on Chen Nian, a high-achieving student who becomes increasingly withdrawn and socially isolated due to systemic bullying at school while preparing for the university entrance exam.

One day, her encounter with Xiao Bei on the streets becomes a turning point in her life. Her relationship with Xiao Bei, a youth marginalized by society, plays a crucial role in helping her cope with the pressures she faces.

However, a death incident at school irreversibly alters the lives of both Nian and Xiao Bei. From this point onward, the story transcends the boundaries of a typical coming-of-age drama and deepens into themes of crime, responsibility, and sacrifice.

^{Xiao Bei} (IMDb)

• Chen Nian is an introverted student focused on academic success and living under pressure. The character is portrayed by Zhou Dongyu.
• Xiao Bei (Bei Ye) is a youth with a difficult past who exists on the margins of society. His bond with Chen Nian forms the core of the story. The character is portrayed by Jackson Yee.
• Zheng Yi is the police officer investigating the events and represents the legal dimension of the narrative. The character is portrayed by Yin Fang.
• Wei Lai is one of the students who plays a key role in the school’s bullying dynamics. The character is portrayed by Zhou Ye.
• Chen Nian’s mother (Zhou Lei) is a parent struggling with economic hardship while trying to support her daughter. The character is portrayed by Wu Yue.

^{Chen and Xiao} (IMDb)

Better Days presents itself on the surface as a youth story but beneath lies a critique of social pressure and systemic failure. Peer bullying in the film is not treated as an isolated personal issue but as part of a systemic structure.

The education system is depicted as a source of intense pressure that directly influences the characters’ behaviors and decisions. The film also explores themes of justice, guilt, and individual sacrifice.

The narrative style is simple yet intense. The use of camera work and close-ups is deliberately chosen to reflect the psychological states of the characters.

Better Days has won significant awards in China and internationally and received prestigious nominations.

^{Chen and Xiao} (IMDb)

• Academy Awards (93rd Oscars): Nominated for Best International Feature Film (submitted by Hong Kong)
• Hong Kong Film Awards (39th Hong Kong Film Awards): Won Best Film, Best Director (Derek Tsang), Best Actress (Zhou Dongyu), and multiple technical awards
• Golden Horse Awards (56th Golden Horse Awards): Nominated in various categories including Best Actress
• Asian Film Awards: Nominated in acting and technical categories