Overview
A poignant tale of resilience and unexpected connection amidst the pressures of academic life.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- harrowing
- tense
- melancholic
- serious movie night
- social issue film discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as a powerful and emotionally affecting school-bullying drama elevated by strong performances, impactful visuals, and social urgency.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The national college entrance exam governs Chen Nian's priorities and intensifies the film's social pressure.
Chen Nian is repeatedly targeted while classmates and authorities fail to protect her adequately.
Chen Nian and Xiao Bei make a pact that joins her need for protection with his criminalized survival skills.
The film combines grounded school and street environments with impactful, emotionally charged imagery.
Films like Better Days, and why
A Silent Voice
teenage romance shaped by social pressure, trauma, and protective devotion
The Class
emotionally intense school bullying drama centered on adolescent isolation and empathy
Lilya 4-Ever
young lovers confronting violence, marginalization, and difficult social realities
All About Lily Chou-Chou
romantic coming-of-age drama where institutional pressures collide with vulnerable youth
Movie Details
- Director
- Derek Tsang Kwok-Cheung
- Release Date
- 2019-10-25
- Runtime
- 135 min
- Rating
- 8.1 / 10 (586)
Cast
- Zhou Dongyu
- Jackson Yee
- Yin Fang
- Huang Jue
- Wu Yue
- Zhou Ye
- Zhang Yifan
- Liu Ran
- Zhang Xinyi
- Zhao Runnan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, Fandor Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Better Days about?
- A bullied exam student and a troubled street criminal form a fragile pact of protection amid the punishing pressures of contemporary China.
- What is Better Days like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Better Days as measured, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Better Days violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Better Days as graphic.
- What did critics think of Better Days?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as a powerful and emotionally affecting school-bullying drama elevated by strong performances, impactful visuals, and social urgency.
- Which films are like Better Days?
- Films with a similar feel include A Silent Voice, The Class, Lilya 4-Ever, and All About Lily Chou-Chou.
- How long is Better Days?
- Better Days runs 135 minutes.
- Where can I watch Better Days?
- In United States, Better Days streams on Philo, Fandor Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel.
