I found this movie through my Youtube video recommendations and I couldn't wait to begin it. I don't usually like bully-related media, I feel like most times it's riddled with cliches and falls flat, but this movie is not like that. I feel like it tackles the serious subject of bullying extremely well.

Better Days examines the socio-political conditions that perpetuate bullying very thoroughly, showing the viewers that bullying is a complicated problem to solve. From the intense competition and pressure the students face due to exams, through the illegal & borderline dangerous work Chen Nian's mother puts herself through in order to provide a better future and escape poverty, to Xiao Bei's life on the fringe of society, many of the characters in this movie are trapped in conditions that become tighter and tighter shackles on them as tensions rise, thus prompting them to take extreme measures to ensure their freedom.

Additionally, Chen Nian & Xiao Bei's tender romance is beautifully written, depicting two people who have nobody else but each other to depend on. Instead of depending on skinship to depict their affection for one another, this movie choses to mostly omit that and instead show their love through the actions and sacrifices they make for one another. I really appreciated this choice and I think it made their chemistry even better.

Finally, I want to highlight the beautiful cinematography of this film. It is filmed in such a way that the scenes naturally flow together, every directing choice feels deliberate to move the plot forward. I loved it so much that I plan to paint a few scenes from this film, that's how beautiful and painterly it was.

In conclusion, this is a beautiful & raw movie that I recommend to anyone. Please watch it, you will not regret it!