Better Days

"Better Days" tells the harrowing story of Chen Nian, a high school student singularly focused on preparing for the gaokao, China's grueling national college entrance exam. Her life takes a dark turn when she becomes the target of severe and relentless bullying after a classmate commits suicide. Feeling isolated and unprotected by the adults and institutions around her, she forms an unlikely bond with Xiao Bei, a small-time street hoodlum. Their shared sense of alienation and desperation for a better life forges a powerful connection, as Xiao Bei becomes her fierce protector. Their fragile world is shattered when they are implicated in a murder, forcing them to make devastating choices to shield one another and preserve their dreams of a brighter future.

The film is a stark and unflinching look at the intense pressures faced by Chinese youth, from the overwhelming stress of the gaokao to the devastating impact of school violence. It navigates the complexities of their relationship, which transcends simple romance into a profound, sacrificial bond. As their lives spiral into a criminal investigation, "Better Days" becomes a gripping thriller that questions the societal structures that fail its most vulnerable members.

The core message of "Better Days" is a powerful indictment of societal indifference to the suffering of its youth, particularly in the face of pervasive issues like bullying and immense academic pressure. Director Derek Tsang aimed to raise awareness about the brutal reality of school violence and the systemic failures that allow it to fester. The film explores the idea that in an environment where adults and institutions fail to protect the vulnerable, the youth are forced to create their own moral codes and systems of justice, often with tragic consequences. It posits that true hope and resilience can be found in human connection and selfless sacrifice, as exemplified by the profound bond between Chen Nian and Xiao Bei. Ultimately, the film is a plea for empathy and a call to action, urging society to create a safer and more supportive environment for its young people to thrive.

While the film's primary narrative is a straightforward and powerful story of bullying and sacrifice, some alternative interpretations exist, particularly concerning the ending and the nature of Chen Nian and Xiao Bei's relationship. One perspective is that the ending, where Chen Nian is a teacher and Xiao Bei is still watching over her, is not entirely a happy one. It can be seen as a poignant reminder of the lasting scars of their trauma. Xiao Bei remains on the fringes, his future still uncertain, suggesting that their "better days" are still a work in progress and that the past will always be a part of them.

Another interpretation delves into the socio-economic critique of the film. Chen Nian's escape through the gaokao can be seen as a commentary on the limited avenues for social mobility in China, where education is presented as the only way out of poverty and hardship. Xiao Bei's fate, in this reading, represents the plight of those who are denied this opportunity and are trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime. Their story becomes a tragic allegory for the class divisions and inequalities in modern Chinese society.

"Better Days" had a profound cultural impact in China and internationally, becoming a pop culture phenomenon and a box office success. The film's raw and realistic depiction of school bullying and the immense pressure of the gaokao resonated deeply with Chinese audiences, many of whom had personal experiences with these issues. It broke the silence on the often-taboo subject of school violence, sparking widespread public discussion and media coverage. The film was praised for its social commentary and was seen as a brave and necessary critique of the societal and educational systems that fail to protect vulnerable youth.

The film's success led to a renewed focus on anti-bullying legislation and policies in China, with the government itself acknowledging the importance of the issue. The powerful performances of Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee were highly lauded, with Yee's transition from a pop idol to a serious actor being a major talking point. The film also achieved significant international recognition, including a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, which brought global attention to the issues it addresses. Its influence can be seen in the increased willingness of Chinese cinema to tackle sensitive social issues, paving the way for more socially conscious films.

Audience reception for "Better Days" was overwhelmingly positive, both in China and internationally. Viewers praised the film for its powerful and emotionally gripping story, its brave and honest depiction of school bullying, and its moving portrayal of the central relationship. The performances of Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee were widely acclaimed, with many viewers impressed by their raw and authentic acting. Audiences found the film to be both heartbreaking and hopeful, and many shared personal stories of how the film resonated with their own experiences of bullying and academic pressure. The main points of criticism from some viewers were that the film's second half, which focuses more on the crime and investigation, was slower-paced than the first, and that some of the plot twists felt overly melodramatic. However, the overall verdict was that "Better Days" is a deeply affecting and socially important film that leaves a lasting impact.