Sheng xia guang nian

The film takes us back to the time when Jonathan and Shane become best mates at school, and form a bond which remains strong right up to their coming of age and their move to the big city as students. The two are thrown together in their childhood days when exemplary pupil Jonathan is told by his teacher to keep an eye on the problematic Shane. Over the years Jonathan feels the need occasionally to break away from this taut relationship, perhaps most of all when he befriends an attractive, unconventional girl in his class. However, a night spent together doesn't turn out well and the experience sets a wedge between the couple, so it comes as no surprise when Carrie turns her affections towards Shane. Except that both young men, confused, tortured by remorse and by their own inhibitions, gradually realise that their friendship is more than mutual boyhood loyalty. The film is compelling for its authentic performances, the careful psychological development of the three main characters, and the chaste depiction of unveiled emotions. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)