Better Days

Promotional Poster

***Better Days*** (少年的你) is a 2019 Chinese drama film directed by Derek Tsang and written by Lam Wing Sum, Li Yuan and Xu Yimeng. Based on the Chinese young adult novel *In His Youth, In Her Beauty* (少年的你，如此美丽; literally "The Youthful You, So Beautiful") by Jiu Yuexi, the film stars Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee, and follows a high school girl struggling with severe bullying and the pressure of upcoming college entrance exams, whose life becomes intertwined with that of a teenage street thug.

## Plot

Chen Nian's life takes a turn when she befriends a street thug named Xiao Bei, who helps her navigate the harsh realities of bullying. Xiao Bei has his own troubled past and is trying to survive on the streets while avoiding the law. As they form an unlikely friendship, they find solace in each other's company amidst their challenging circumstances.

The movie delves into the intense pressures faced by students in the Chinese education system, including academic stress and bullying. As the story progresses, Chen Nian and Xiao Bei's bond deepens, and they find themselves implicated in a tragedy.

Amidst the turmoil, the movie explores themes of resilience, the consequences of societal pressures, and the strength found in unexpected friendships. It's a poignant tale that highlights the struggles of youth in a competitive and unforgiving environment while portraying the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.

## Cast

### Main

* Zhou Dongyu as Chen Nian
* Jackson Yee as Liu Beishan (aka "Xiao Bei")

### Supporting

* Yin Fang as Zheng Ye
* Huang Jue as Lao Yang
* Wu Yue as Chen Nian's mother
* Zhou Ye as Wei Lai
* Zhang Xinyi as Xu Miao
* Liu Ran as Luo Ting
* Xie Xintong as Wang Li
* Zhang Yifan as Hu Xiaodie
* Zhao Runnan as Da Kang
* Zhang Yao as Li Xiang
* Li Zhencheng as Da Kang's father
* Gao Xuanming as Lai Zi

## Production

"Better Days" was directed by Derek Tsang, the son of renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Eric Tsang. The movie is based on the novel "In His Youth, In Her Beauty" by Jiu Yuexi. The screenplay was adapted by Lam Wing Sum, Li Yuan, Xu Yimeng, and Zhang Ji.

The production faced some challenges, especially regarding its content and portrayal of sensitive themes such as bullying and the pressures faced by students in the Chinese education system. Initially, the film was pulled from the Berlin International Film Festival due to censorship issues and concerns about its content. However, after revisions and discussions with the Chinese authorities, the movie was eventually released.

The casting process was critical for the film's success. Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee portrayed the main characters, Chen Nian and Xiao Bei, respectively. Their performances received acclaim and were pivotal in conveying the emotional depth of the story.

The director, Derek Tsang, aimed to create a compelling narrative that not only highlighted the harsh realities of bullying and academic pressure but also depicted the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Tsang's direction and vision played a significant role in bringing the story to life and resonating with audiences.

The film's cinematography and soundtrack also contributed to its impact, effectively capturing the emotional tone and enhancing the storytelling.

Overall, the production of "Better Days" involved navigating sensitive themes while striving to create a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that resonated with audiences both in China and internationally.

## References

1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better\_Days\_%28film%29