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April 2, 2015
MOVIE | A Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Ensemble Drama of First Love Set in 1990s China
MOVIE | A Coming-of-Age Story of First Love in 1990s China
Vicky Zhao's Directorial Debut, 'So Young'
The directorial debut of Vicky Zhao, an international actress known for her roles in films like 'Red Cliff.' 'So Young' will be released in theaters across Japan starting Saturday, September 13th.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Zhao's Graduation Project from Beijing Film Academy
Directed by Vicky Zhao
Based on a popular Chinese web novel, 'So Young' is a nostalgic coming-of-age drama about first love and youth set in 1990s China. Vicky Zhao, who was pursuing her master's degree in directing at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, adapted the novel as her graduation film. The film received a near-perfect score of 99 in its rough cut, the highest ever awarded by the academy, and became a hit in China before its release in Japan.
The cast features Yang Zishan as the bright and spirited heroine, who enters university full of dreams and hopes, possessing both the arrogance and the earnestness of youth.
Mark Chao, a popular Hallyu star in Japan, plays her love interest, alongside a cast of talented young actors active in the Chinese entertainment industry.
The film also reflects the popular Hong Kong culture of the era, with a Cantonese version of the MAN BROTHERS BAND's hit song 'Sore ga Daiji' playing in the background, faithfully recreating campus life in 1990s China. A notable aspect is its depiction of the era's atmosphere, a time of great change where new and old values coexisted.
Wei Discovers Her Resentment Towards Xiao Chong Turns into Love
Zheng Wei enrolls in the same university, eager to follow her admired senior, Lin Jing. However, her senior leaves for overseas studies without a word, leading to a series of unfortunate events from the very beginning of her university life.
Encouraged by her roommates and supportive seniors, Wei regains her usual cheerfulness and begins to enjoy university life. It is then that she meets Chen Xiao Chong, a serious and quiet male student. Despite their antagonistic first encounter and constant bickering, Wei gradually realizes that her resentment towards him is turning into romantic feelings. From that day on, Wei's passionate pursuit begins.
Wei and Xiao Chong, who gradually opens up to Wei's uninhibited and innocent brightness, become the perfect couple. Their happy four years of university life pass in the blink of an eye, leading to graduation. For them, this was also a turning point in their lives, forcing them to make a choice.
'So Young' is imbued with Vicky Zhao's unique perspective, drawing from her own experiences of youth in the 1990s, which adds further depth to the narrative. Coupled with Faye Wong's songs featured in the film, it transports us back to those nostalgic days when our hearts fluttered with youth and first love.
'So Young'
Now playing at Shinjuku Cinema Qualité and other theaters nationwide.
Director | Vicky Zhao
Starring | Mark Chao, Han Geng, Yang Zishan, Zhang Xinyi
Distributor | Alcine Terran
2013 | China | 132 min
http://alcine-terran.com/soyoung/