Flavors of Youth is a 2018 Chinese-Japanese animated film that explores the lives of three young people living in different cities in China. Directed by Haoling Li and Yoshitaka Takeuchi, the film is a collaborative effort between CoMix Wave Films, a Japanese animation studio, and Haoliners Animation League, a Chinese animation studio.
The film is split into three stories, each focusing on a different protagonist. The first story, "Shanghai Love," follows a young man named Xiao as he recounts his childhood memories of growing up in Shanghai and his first love. The second story, "The Rice Noodle," focuses on a young man named Yi, who lives in a small town and works in his family's noodle shop. The third and final story, "Mountain Shape," focuses on a young woman named Yuan who lives in a mountain village and is torn between her traditional roots and her dream of pursuing a career in the city.
The animation style of "Flavors of Youth" is stunning, with vibrant colors and beautiful landscapes that bring each of the three cities to life. The film is also accompanied by a beautiful and haunting soundtrack that perfectly captures the emotions of each scene.
The storytelling in "Flavors of Youth" is poignant and nostalgic, as the film explores the themes of youth, love, and bittersweet childhood memories. The film's three separate stories are woven together by a common theme of finding one's place in the world and the struggle to let go of the past.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Flavors of Youth" is how it presents the characters' unique cultural experiences. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the quiet mountain villages, the film provides a glimpse into the lives of young people living in different parts of China and their challenges.
Audience reviews of "Flavors of Youth" have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film's animation style and emotional storytelling. Many viewers have also praised the film's portrayal of the unique cultural experiences of its characters and its exploration of universal themes of youth and nostalgia.
"Flavors of Youth" is a beautiful and emotionally powerful film that explores the lives of young people living in different parts of China. The film's stunning animation and powerful soundtrack, combined with its poignant storytelling, make it a must-watch for animation fans and those who appreciate a good coming-of-age story.
Overall, I would give "Flavors of Youth" a rating of 8/10. The film's stunning animation and emotional storytelling, combined with its cultural insights, make it a standout film in animation. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a powerful and touching story, "Flavors of Youth" is worth your time.
I came across "Flavors of Youth" while browsing through the vast selection of animated films on a streaming platform. Intrigued by the beautiful animation style and the cultural insight it promised to provide, I decided to give it a watch. And I was satisfied.