Shao Nian de Ni (2019)

Mixed feelings.

At its best, this is a really great drama, but that's really no surprise. This is not the first calling card that director Tsang has delivered. I have known for some time that he can make beautiful, honest and stylish films, but it took a while before I saw this one. In any case, he cannot hide his talent here again.

However, I had some reservations beforehand, which unfortunately seemed justified. The bullying theme in particular is too easy and rather flatly developed. With the texts at the beginning and at the end and the unsubtle way in which everything is presented. I thought it really got in the way of the rest of the drama. I was also a bit disappointed by the ending, which could have been a bit sharper. On the other hand, I don't know how much they took from the real case on which this film is based, but cinematically it didn't work that well.

On the other hand, there is great acting, a beautiful relationship between the two leads and a lot of visual enjoyment. Beautifully shot film, from which I would have liked to steal some pictures. The soundtrack is also on a high level and supports the film perfectly.

It's a pity that Tsang focuses too emphatically on the whole bullying thing, otherwise there would have been a lot more to it.

3.5*

Translated from Dutch · View original

Together with Después de Lucía (2012) - MovieMeter.nl this has to be one of the best films about bullying that I have seen. The consequences are somewhat exaggerated, but we should not be shy about it: bullying can have serious consequences that extend beyond the school gates. This film seems to be part of an anti-bullying program that has been going on in China for several years, so it should not be surprising that it is emphasized. But okay, it is indeed not subtle.

This rather heavy drama quickly caught my attention and, in addition to bullying behavior, also shows the remedy against it, namely support and solidarity. By the way, the symbiotic relationship between Chen and Beishan was one of the best parts in the film; it worked great and both actors are well matched. Fairly far into the film there is a strange twist, but to be honest I thought the whole police interrogation and the way in which both protected each other threw things out of balance. Suddenly we're right in the middle of a crime movie. Nevertheless, I think it is a strong end result that is also very compelling and beautifully filmed. The main character conveys the pain of what she is experiencing well.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Good film, a bit different as expected but still with some negative points. It's quite melodramatic, I don't have a problem with that and it's certainly not extreme. But it is different from what I am used to from Asian cinema, even though the moments of silence and affection and other typical features of that cinema remain present here. Cinematography is certainly good too. Narratively, I also think it is very good and catchy. Editing could have been a bit better, I think the film plays too much with time and perspective, which sometimes makes it a bit confusing or at the expense of the viewing experience. I also agree with the previous criticisms that the film takes a somewhat strange and unnecessary direction, but perhaps we also see it too much as a film about bullying, which it may not actually be? So also mixed feelings, but the balance is in the right direction. Certainly a film with a face that does not go unnoticed, but does not do so flawlessly, but nevertheless a strong end result.

Translated from Dutch · View original