Movie Review Sunny Days

As an 80s kid, it may not be entirely suitable for me to review this film, since it’s about my parents’ generation. However, this movie is about youth, not about the era. Although things may be different, people’s states of mind remain the same, so I’ll offer my take on this film from my own perspective.

The overall tone of the film is a blinding yellow-green color with a hint of white, a kind of artificial sunlight that pervades the entire movie, giving the audience a sense of restlessness. Accompanied by the old songs and images of yesteryear, a grand tapestry of young boys and girls in a special time and environment unfolds before my eyes. I really like this cinematographic tone, with its mixture of yellow and green, just like everyone’s youth - constantly burning yet still bearing a hint of immaturity. The opening scene, where they play pranks on their teacher during class, made me realize that everyone’s youthful years are more or less the same. Mischievous, playful - these are things that only exist during those youthful years. However, perhaps the movie is expressing more than just this; the scorching sunlight seems like just an illusion to me. Those red years may not have been as beautiful as they seem, at least not in my understanding, but the movie intentionally downplays the cruelty of that era, only hinting at it when the teacher feels helpless towards the group of kids.

I really like the male lead, Ma Xiaojun, who shares a common ground with me - our lives all have two worlds. One is reality, and the other is deeply buried in our hearts. In that world, we can be heroes, imagine a stick as a mighty sword, and be foolish, rich, and moving, even to those who have “been around.” In this aspect, I strongly identify with the film. Later, Ma Xiaojun risks his life to climb to the top of the chimney and jumps off the high platform, all just to get Milan’s attention. The focused and happy expression on his face when he picks up a long hair from Milan’s bed, and his imagination of Milan’s photo as if she’s wearing a swimsuit, all evoke moments from my elementary school days that are surprisingly similar.

I haven’t read Wang Shuo’s original novel, so I’m not in a position to judge whether this adaptation does justice to the original work. But I’m certain that I love the way the film portrays “that” era (which may not be entirely realistic). The film focuses on growth, which is precisely what we experience as we’re growing up.

However, the film ultimately presents us with “reality.” First, there’s the scene where Ma Xiaojun falls into the water and makes effort after effort to reach the shore, only to be kicked back in every time he gets close. The elegant music and clean visuals accompany his repeated, futile efforts, and the word “reality” flashes in my mind. Nowadays are not revolutionary times, and reality may not be as bitter, but it still “elegantly” torments us time and time again. Secondly, the film’s ending, with its black-and-white tone, makes my vision go dark, as if time has reversed. Ma Xiaojun has grown up, and he and his friends have become rich and successful, drinking high-end wine and driving luxury cars. I can no longer find the familiar Ma Xiaojun. Once youth has faded, those sunny days are gone. Ancient Wood no longer responds to “glum glum” with “欧巴 欧巴”.

The phrase “傻B” (damn fool) seems to harshly tear apart everything from the past, and I must admire this dark humor - a simple phrase that instantly shatters the poetic perfection.

And so, those sunny days are gone, never to return.