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Romantic drama

Better Days (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Better Days (2019) movie poster

Better Days is a 2019 romantic drama directed by Kwok Cheung Tsang, starring Dongyu Zhou as Chen Nian, Jackson Yee and Fang Yin. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes and earned $227.3 million worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10.

IMDb rating
4.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$227.3M
award nomination
1
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Better Days (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 15m (135 min)
Genres
Drama , Romance , Crime
Original language
Chinese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Better Days About?

The premise of Better Days without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In a society obsessed with academic achievement, a high school student named Nian struggles under the immense pressure of exams while facing relentless bullying. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds an ally in Bei, a young man involved in petty crime. As a murder investigation unfolds and they become entangled as suspects, the two forge an unlikely friendship. Their bond offers a glimmer of hope amidst a world burdened by intense societal expectations and the fight for survival.

Better Days Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • friend
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Cast & crew

Better Days Cast & Characters

Dongyu Zhou leads the cast as Chen Nian, with Jackson Yee as Xiao Bei and Fang Yin as Zheng Yi. Directed by Kwok Cheung Tsang; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Better Days

· 7 more
Ratings

Better Days Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Better Days 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

85 /100

Better Days Echo Score Breakdown

As a tightly crafted melodrama, Better Days merges social commentary with emotional storytelling. The film’s narrative about academic pressure and bullying earns praise for its suspenseful pacing and engaging plot twists, though observers note occasional heavy-handedness in thematic delivery. Performances by the leads receive consistent acclaim for their authenticity and vulnerability, supported by precise technical execution. While the runtime may feel extended in places, the movie ultimately leaves a lasting impression through its blend of realism and hope.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Better Days demonstrates assured direction and evocative cinematography. Critics noted the film’s careful framing and expressive editing, while some observed moments of artful restraint that verge on hollow artfulness. The production design and camera work consistently support the narrative’s emotional stakes. Overall, the film’s visual execution reinforces its thematic focus with credible precision.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads deliver nuanced and compelling performances that anchor the story. Viewers highlighted the raw vulnerability in the protagonists, noting that their chemistry and emotional resonance elevate the narrative. Although a few comments flagged occasional melodramatic turns, the depth of the portrayals sustains audience engagement. In sum, the character work remains a core strength of the film.

  • Story & Flow 75

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative offers a suspenseful portrayal of bullying that unfolds through measured pacing and intriguing twists. Many reviews praised the plot’s coherence and engagement, while some pointed out an overlong runtime and uneven transitions in lighter moments. The incorporation of a crime subplot diversifies the narrative but at times distracts from the central anti-bullying theme. Overall, the story maintains compelling momentum despite minor pacing issues.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s score and sound design effectively underscore emotional beats without overshadowing dialogue. Critics and viewers alike praised the visual style, including intimate close-ups and a restrained color palette that emphasize vulnerability. The soundtrack complements rather than dominates scenes, enhancing the dramatic arc. Altogether, the sensory elements contribute to a cohesive and immersive viewing atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    When evaluating rewatch factor, Better Days elicits a strong emotional response that invites reflection on subsequent viewings. Some viewers expressed a desire to revisit the film’s pivotal scenes, triggered by its thematic weight and character arcs. However, the film’s intensity and heavy subject matter may deter repeat watches for some audiences. Thus, its lasting appeal is rooted in emotional resonance rather than casual replay value.

Plot

Better Days Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Better Days from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Chen Nian Dongyu Zhou is a high school student who finds herself at the center of a brutal bullying cycle after her classmate Hu Xiaodie dies by suicide following relentless harassment. The school’s crown of cruelty rests on Wei Lai, the so‑called queen bee, and her cadre, who torment Chen Nian and spread painful rumors about her family. When Chen Nian witnesses Liu Beishan, known to peers as “Xiao Bei” Jackson Yee, being assaulted by rival thugs, she tries to call the police but becomes another target; the aggressors force her to kiss Xiao Bei as a degrading display of power.

Full summary

The whole story of Better Days, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Better Days Box Office

Better Days grossed $227.3 million worldwide. $1.9 million came from the US and Canada and $225.4 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$227.3M

US & Canada
$1.9M
International
$225.4M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Awards

Better Days Awards & Nominations

Better Days was nominated for 1 Oscar.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Quiz

How Well Do You Know Better Days?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main protagonist of the story?

Cars

Cars in Better Days

27 cars on screen, including the 1992 Toyota Previa and the GMC Value Van.

All 27 cars
  • 1992 Toyota Previa in Better Days 1992 Toyota Previa Main role
  • GMC Value Van in Better Days GMC Value Van Important role
  • 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit in Better Days 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit Minor role
  • 2004 Ford Explorer in Better Days 2004 Ford Explorer Minor role
Details

Better Days Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “少年的妳” and “소년적니”.

Also known as
  • 少年的妳
  • 소년적니
  • Giorni migliori
  • 소년시절의 너
  • Лучшая пора
  • Better Days - Suojelija
  • Shaonian de ni
  • Mejores días
  • Лучшие дни
  • Em Của Thời Niên Thiếu
  • ไม่มีวัน ไม่มีฉัน ไม่มีเธอ
  • Szebb napok
+6 more
  • Güzel Günler
  • Dias Melhores
  • Lepsze dni
  • 少年の君
  • Beskyddaren
  • Beskytteren

Seen Better Days?

FAQ

Better Days FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Better Days, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Better Days?

Better Days runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).

When was Better Days released?

Better Days was released on November 8, 2019.

Who directed Better Days?

Better Days was directed by Kwok Cheung Tsang.

Who is in the cast of Better Days?

Better Days stars Dongyu Zhou as Chen Nian, Jackson Yee as Xiao Bei and Fang Yin as Zheng Yi, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Better Days make at the box office?

Better Days grossed $227.3 million worldwide ($1.9 million domestic, $225.4 million international).

How is Better Days rated?

Better Days has 4.4/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic and 4.1/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Better Days nominated for any awards?

Better Days received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Better Days have a post-credit scene?

No. Better Days has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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