By Ellyarne Donovan
Content Warning: mentions of violence, assault, suicide.
Being afraid is a natural human emotion we can all recognise within ourselves and others. It can be wildly distressing to be confronted by this agonizing pain. Sometimes it’s of our own creation or by the faults of others. Whatever the cause may be, we can agree on its profound ability to alter our inner selves.
Have you ever seen the eyes of wild animals, just before they are killed? They have no expression. None at all … it’s because they are afraid
The 2019 Oscar-nominated film Better Days explores the emotion through the life of high school student Chen Nian as she faces multiple adversities during her later years of schooling. Heavily bullied by classmates and burdened by her mother’s debt and criminal behaviour she finds solace in Xiao Bei, a small-time criminal faced with his own troubles. Both living in impoverished conditions and confronted by their loneliness, the pair form a protective bond.
Bringing famed Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu and well-known celebrity Jackson Yee together, the movie became a worldwide hit earning them and Hong Kong director Derek Tsang multiple awards. Impressive, considering its battle with censorship having failed to receive the stamp of approval from China’s Film Administration.
Do you want to get away from here together … one day, we’ll walk proudly in broad daylight for the world to see
Throughout Chen Nian and Xiao Bei’s time together, they reach an understanding of each other. It’s not so much pity or this sense of generosity. Rather a comprehension of each other’s situation. A fellow feeling of concern strengthens the reliance on each other.
Despite the severity of her experiences, Chen tells no one. Not her mother. Not the police officers, nor the teachers. Only do we see this understanding by Xiao of the violence and bullying she suffered. We are faced with the question: Why does she conceal these things?
The reality is the answer isn’t as black and white as it looks. In truth, there are many layers to her actions. Fear being one of them. In her mind, suffering in silence is an easier way of life – an easy path to completing her exams and getting into university.
It’s a deal. You protect the world. I protect you
Then what lies behind the bullies’ motives? Was it blatant ignorance? Their ability to not see the effects of their actions?
The film is a beautiful depiction of how we can find comfort in unexpected situations. How the tantalising emotion of fear causes us to act is unprecedented ways, birthing new connections, severing or worsening some.
