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Better Days is a Chinese drama film released in 2019, directed by Derek Tsang and starring Dongyu Zhou, Jackson Yee, and Fang Yin. The movie has received critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of its lead actors and its depiction of Chinese youth culture. The film follows the story of Chen Nian, a high school student in China who is constantly bullied and teased by her classmates. Chen Nian lives alone with her mother, who works long hours to support them. Despite her difficult home life and challenging school environment, Chen Nian is a hardworking and dedicated student who dreams of attending a prestigious university.

One day, Chen Nian meets a boy named Xiao Bei, who is also an outcast at school. The two become friends and develop a close bond over their shared experiences of isolation and mistreatment. As their friendship deepens, Chen Nian begins to realize that Xiao Bei is involved in a dangerous and illegal world.

Xiao Bei is a member of a gang that extorts money from students at their school. He is also being pursued by the police for his involvement in a murder case. Despite his rough exterior, however, Xiao Bei is kind-hearted and often acts as a protector for Chen Nian.

As their relationship becomes more complicated, Chen Nian and Xiao Bei are drawn into a web of violence and corruption that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. With their futures and their lives on the line, they must find a way to navigate the treacherous underworld of their school and come out the other side intact.

The film's portrayal of bullying in Chinese schools has been commended for its realism and sensitivity. Director Derek Tsang has stated that he drew inspiration for the film from his own experiences of being bullied in high school. He has also expressed his desire to start a conversation about the issue and raise awareness of its impact on young people.

Better Days has been lauded for its performances, particularly those of Dongyu Zhou and Jackson Yee. Zhou, who plays Chen Nian, is a veteran actress in China and has won multiple awards for her performances in films such as Soul Mate and This Is Not What I Expected. Yee, who plays Xiao Bei, is a member of the Chinese boy band TFBoys and is making his acting debut with this film.

The cinematography of Better Days has also been praised, with many remarking on its stunning visuals and emotional resonance. The film's use of color and light is particularly striking, with scenes ranging from dark and moody to bright and vibrant.

Overall, Better Days is a powerful and moving drama that tells the story of two young people struggling to find their place in a harsh and unforgiving world. Its themes of bullying, friendship, and self-discovery resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making it a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of youth culture in modern-day China.

Better Days is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 83.