Honorable Mentions…
Better Days
Better Days is a heart-wrenching film that is both tragic and intense, yet it also offers moments of tenderness. Set in China, the story follows Chen Nian, a high school student relentlessly pursued by a group of wealthy bullies who are merciless in their cruelty. Chen immerses herself in her studies, viewing academic achievement as her only escape from poverty. From the outset, the film vividly portrays the failure of authorities to offer support, forcing Chen to take matters into her own hands.
In her journey, Chen meets Xiao Bei, a troubled young man with a bleak future. Despite his rough exterior, an unlikely bond—and eventually, a love story—develops between them. Xiao Bei becomes her protector, finding a sense of purpose in helping her. However, their lives take a darker turn when both become prime suspects in the murder of a teenage girl.
Amidst the cruelty and hardship, the film reveals glimpses of hope and resilience, making Better Days an exploration of the human spirit.
Opera
This ambitious work of art seamlessly blends music and visuals, making the soundtrack as crucial to the experience as the animation itself. The hypnotic animated short is set within a pyramid structure, each level representing different facets of human existence. At the top lies religious influence, exerting control over the masses below. Every element moves simultaneously, repetitively, and with the precision of a mechanical machine, creating a mesmerizing rhythm.
Ultimately, the film offers a poignant commentary on human civilization, suggesting that we are doomed to repeat our mistakes, perpetually destroying ourselves without ever learning from the past. The forces of nature, time, and space conspire to reset the cycle, emphasizing the inevitability of this tragic pattern.
Other movies (in order of preference);
Another Round
Colette
Genius Loci
The Mole Agent
Yes-People
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Kong Fu Panda 4
A concerto is a conversation
Feeling through
Do not split
