This movie will break your heart, mend it, and then run it over with a train. I've always tried to avoid romance movies in general because I always think that they'll have unsatisfactory endings, but seeing that this movie received numerous nominations and awards, I decided to give it a shot.

The storyline of Better Days isn't a stranger to the c-drama industry, and it seems very cliche. A "bad" ML, studious FL, and the 3rd person, whether it be a bully or a love interest, are the bases of a school drama. However, this movie illustrates the struggles of victims of abuse, bullying, and doesn't put a filter over it, making it different from other movies on the same topic.

Each person in this cast fits their role perfectly, from their outward appearance to their voice to their style of acting, it really makes you hate and love the characters. The protagonists make you want to give them a hug, and the antagonists make you want to give them a huge slap in the face, successfully engaging the viewers. To be honest, I didn't recognize many members of this cast, and only knew the FL and ML, and after checking it seems quite a few of them are rookies/newer to the industry, yet each of them portray their roles so well. Zhou Ye especially stood out, and her acting was exceptional throughout the film. She embodied the character of a high school bully so perfectly that it makes you feel as if she's not acting at all.

Overall, this movie is one that you must watch. It shows the beauty of teen romance, the stress of school, and the reality of school life.