Our Shining Days

Our Shining Days is a 2017 Chinese movie that captures the essence of youthful exuberance, resilience and the power of pursuing one's dream to the hilt. Directed by Wang Ran, the movie presents a rich tapestry of characters, sounds and visual textures that translates into a mesmerizing cinematic experience. The lead characters are brought to life by the stunning performances of Lulu Xu, Yuchang Peng, and Mingjie Luo, who utilize every expression, dialogue, and gesture to bring authenticity to the narrative.

At the heart of the movie is a celebration of music and the cultural symphony it represents. The narrative revolves around a group of high school students who are united by their passion for traditional Chinese orchestral music. The lead protagonist, Chen Jing (Lulu Xu), is a high school student and a passionate player of the Yangqin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument. Despite being ardently committed to her craft, Chen and her likeminded friends constantly feel marginalized due to the mainstream preference for western classical music, symbolized by an elitist western orchestra in their school.

Undeterred by the dismissive attitude of their peers and society at large, the group decides to form a Chinese orchestra of their own. Their journey, laden with ego clashes, misunderstandings, and relentless hurdles, captures the essence of resilience. On top of that, Chen falls in love with Wang Wen (Yuchang Peng), the leader of a Western orchestra, adding further complications and richness to the narrative.

The cinematography in Our Shining Days is of particular note as it beautifully portrays the juxtaposition of starkly contrasting cultural aesthetics - the serene ambience of traditional Chinese music and the grandeur of western classical music. Each scene, capturing various musical practices and competitions, is embellished with captivating angles, fluid camera movements, and vibrant color schemes, creating a vibrant visual symphony that resonates with the film's musical essence.

Our Shining Days is also a coming-of-age drama where each character moves beyond their perceived limitations, prejudices, and personal barriers to experience growth. They tread through the landscape of adolescence, confronting their insecurities, exploring their passions, and igniting friendships along the way. This adds a heartfelt emotional texture to the narrative, making it relatable and engaging.

The performances of the actors in Our Shining Days are remarkable. Lulu Xu, as Chen Jing, does an excellent job in portraying the love for her art and resilience in the face of adversity with a natural charm that draws viewers in. Yuchang Peng, portraying the role of Wang Wen, balances his haughtiness and vulnerability effectively. The supporting cast, including Mingjie Luo, add depth and complexity to the narrative through their solid performances.

Our Shining Days beautifully weaves drama, romance, and comedy together to present an emotionally charged narrative that celebrates the power of unwavering pursuit of passion. It brilliantly explores elements of cultural conflict, oftentimes using humor to highlight the resistance faced by traditional art forms in a world biases towards western concepts of sophistication and elitism. The movie strikes a chord with audiences by rooting itself in real-world conflicts, while offering a heartening conclusion that is inspirational.

The music, a combination of Chinese folk music and western classical, is exceptional and forms the soul of the movie. It serves not only as a plot device, but also as a medium through which the characters express their emotions, ambitions, and determination, thus amplifying the narrative’s emotional impact on the audience.

Ultimately, Our Shining Days is a vivacious celebration of youth, music, and the timeless struggle of maintaining one's identity amidst social pressure. It is an inspiring story of perseverance against odds - a tale of adolescents embracing their cultural heritage, challenging the norms and creating their unique symphony. This film reassures the audience that anybody, with their grit and passion, can change the world around them. While the movie is a treat for music lovers for its brilliantly designed soundscapes, it would equally appeal to anyone seeking a heart-warming narrative of youthful resilience and dreams.