Flavors of Youth (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Flavors of Youth is a 2018 animated drama directed by Haoling Li and Xiaoxing Yi, starring Crispin Freeman as Xiao Ming, Minako Kotobuki and Haruka Shiraishi. It runs 1 hour 14 minutes and earned $408,244 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Song at the Critics' Choice 2016. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 14m (74 min)
- Directors
- Haoling Li , Xiaoxing Yi and Yoshitaka Takeuch
- Original language
-
Chinese
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Flavors of Youth About?
The premise of Flavors of Youth without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
This animated film presents three distinct stories exploring the complexities of youth and the passage of time. Set in contemporary China, the narratives follow individuals grappling with love, loss, and the search for identity amidst the rapid changes of urban life. Each tale offers a poignant look at the bittersweet experiences that define a generation, revealing the diverse perspectives and emotions that shape their journey.
Flavors of Youth Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- animated anthology
- nostalgia
- anime
- animation anthology
- female model
- china
- sister sister relationship
- chinese noodles
- grandmother grandson relationship
- friendship
- younger version of character
- young love
+38 more Show fewer
- flashback
- scene after end credits
- airport
- teenage boy
- teenage girl
- frustrated man
- life
- japan
- three word title
- metaphoric title
- passion
- family relationships
- model
- career
- love
- beauty queen
- sexy woman
- modeling
- anime animation
- chinese japanese
- co production
- coming of age
- anthology
- sino japanese production
- episodic
- family life
- foreign
- fashion
- work
- food
- primarily adult cast
- time skip
- rural
- cgi
- japanese chinese coproduction
- youth
- domestic abuse
- food and beverage
Flavors of Youth Cast & Characters
Crispin Freeman leads the cast as Xiao Ming, with Minako Kotobuki as Irin (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show) and Haruka Shiraishi as Lulu (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show). Directed by Haoling Li, Xiaoxing Yi and Yoshitaka Takeuch; 15 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Haoling Li
- Co-director Xiaoxing Yi
- Co-director Yoshitaka Takeuch
-
Crispin Freeman as Xiao Ming -
Minako Kotobuki as Irin (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show) -
Haruka Shiraishi as Lulu (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show) -
Mariya Ise as Young Shaomin (segment: Hidamari no Choshoku)
Also Starring in Flavors of Youth
· 11 more- Hiroki Yasumoto Steve (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show)
- Erica Mendez Xiao Yu
- Jona Xiao
- Ikumi Hasegawa Shiaoyu (segment: Shanghai Koi)
- Takeo Otsuka Rimo (segment: Shanghai Koi)
- Taito Ban Shaomin (segment: Hidamari no Choshoku)
- Matt Fowler Various
- Dorothy Elias-Fahn Grandma
- George Ackles
- Tara Jayne
- Dorothy Fahn
More from the Directors of Flavors of Youth
One more film directed by the directors of Flavors of Youth: Bath Buddy.
Flavors of Youth Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Flavors of Youth 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).
Flavors of Youth Echo Score Breakdown
Flavors of Youth offers a compelling visual journey marked by wistful nostalgia and expressive animation. Critics highlight its coherent visual language across three chapters, praising the nuanced lighting and bittersweet tone, while viewers note the film’s ability to evoke memory through sensory detail. Some point to uneven pacing and an underdeveloped final segment as detracting factors. Despite occasional inconsistencies in narrative engagement, the anthology’s emotive resonance and aesthetic strengths render it a generally rewarding experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, Flavors of Youth excels in establishing a cohesive visual language. The film employs expressive animated lighting and detailed urban backdrops to unify its three shorts. A distinct aesthetic emerges through measured framing and polished production design, although the animation in the final segment sometimes feels inconsistent. Overall, the visual style remains a significant asset.
- Character & Emotion 70
When it comes to character and emotion, the anthology offers a wistful portrayal of coming-of-age reflections. Each short presents nuanced moments of longing and familial connection, conveying bittersweet sentiments of youth. However, some viewers found the emotional undercurrents underdeveloped, particularly in the concluding story. In net, character depth largely supports the film’s nostalgic tone.
- Story & Flow 65
In terms of story and flow, Flavors of Youth delivers a triptych narrative with mixed coherence. The linked segments offer nostalgic vignettes and occasional thematic resonance. Nonetheless, pacing shifts and underwritten transitions can impede engagement, especially in the final segment. Overall, the plot’s episodic structure provides moments of charm but lacks consistent momentum.
- Sensory Experience 85
When considering the sensory experience, the film captivates with an evocative soundtrack and vivid visual motifs. The ambient score and sound design enhance atmospheric immersion, while the recurring food imagery reinforces thematic unity. Some viewers described it as ‘food porn’ for the senses, underlining its appeal. In conclusion, the sensory elements strongly elevate the viewing experience.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Regarding rewatch factor, Flavors of Youth offers limited but meaningful replay value. Its nostalgic themes and visual flourishes invite reflection on different short stories, yet the uneven pacing and brief runtime may diminish repeat enjoyment for some. While particularly resonant segments may warrant revisiting, the anthology as a whole does not consistently sustain long-term appeal.
-
IMDb 6.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 67%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
83 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Flavors of Youth Plot Summary
What happens in Flavors of Youth from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In this heartfelt film, three distinct narratives intertwine like elegant threads in a beautiful tapestry, showcasing the enduring essence of nostalgia and the power of human relationships. Set in the serene landscapes of Hunan Province and the vibrant streets of Beijing, the story follows Xiao Ming (Crispin Freeman) as he embarks on a poignant journey of reflection, deeply influenced by his love for San Xian noodles. This culinary passion becomes a heartfelt catalyst, igniting cherished memories of time spent with his beloved grandmother.
Full summary
The whole story of Flavors of Youth, scene by scene
Flavors of Youth Box Office
Flavors of Youth grossed $408,244 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$408.2K
- International
- $408.2K
Flavors of Youth Awards & Nominations
Flavors of Youth earned 1 award nomination, including Best Song at the Critics' Choice 2016.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Critics' Choice 2016 1 nomination- Nominated Best Song
Flavors of Youth Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Flavors of Youth.
How Well Do You Know Flavors of Youth?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the main culinary focus of Xiao Ming's memories?
Cars in Flavors of Youth
13 cars on screen, including the Dongfeng EQ-Series and the 1996 Guangzhou-Isuzu Gala.
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Dongfeng EQ-Series Minor role -
1996 Guangzhou-Isuzu Gala Minor role -
2018 Lexus LS 500 Minor role -
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 Minor role
Flavors of Youth Also Known As
25 alternative titles, including “詩季織々” and “Si shi qing chun”.
- Also known as
-
- 詩季織々
- Si shi qing chun
- Shikioriori
- 上海恋
- 陽だまりの朝食
- 小さなファッションショー
- Shanghai Love
- Sunny Breakfast
- Small Fashion Show
- Flavors of Youth - International Version
- Flavors of Youth: International Version
- Sabores de la juventud
+13 more Show fewer
- Flavors of Youth : International Version
- טעם החיים
- 우리의 계절은
- Вкусы молодости
- Shiki Oriori - O Sabor da Juventude
- Shiki Oriori: Sabores de la juventud
- Οι Γεύσεις της Νιότης
- Аромати на младостта
- טעם הנעורים
- Shiki Oriori – O Sabor da Juventude
- 詩季織織
- วัยแห่งฝันงดงาม
- Hương Vị Của Tuổi Trẻ
Seen Flavors of Youth?
Movies Like Flavors of Youth
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Youth (Spring), The Youth Memories and Citrus.
Flavors of Youth FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Flavors of Youth, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Flavors of Youth?
Flavors of Youth runs 1 hour 14 minutes (74 minutes).
When was Flavors of Youth released?
Flavors of Youth was released on August 4, 2018.
Who directed Flavors of Youth?
Flavors of Youth was directed by Haoling Li, Xiaoxing Yi and Yoshitaka Takeuch.
Who is in the cast of Flavors of Youth?
Flavors of Youth stars Crispin Freeman as Xiao Ming, Minako Kotobuki as Irin (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show) and Haruka Shiraishi as Lulu (segment: Chiisana Fashion Show), among 15 credited actors.
How much did Flavors of Youth make at the box office?
Flavors of Youth grossed $408,244 worldwide.
How is Flavors of Youth rated?
Flavors of Youth has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
Was Flavors of Youth nominated for any awards?
Flavors of Youth received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does Flavors of Youth have a post-credit scene?
No. Flavors of Youth has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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