Dìdi (弟弟)

Just like that, I was 13 again! This coming-of-age film is directed in a way befitting of a coming-of-age experience. From Wang's quick-witted montages to the untouched moments of confrontation; he somehow takes the rollercoaster teenage life and translates it for the camera and script. The approach towards an unfiltered and layered presentation of multi-generational cultures, conflicting identities, and family dynamics hit home too—especially with how it depicts them as givens we must live with instead of wrongs that must be corrected. Most of all, I love how well it captures the overwhelming fleetingness but painful and lasting up-and-down emotions of growing up. Technically, it's insanely and manipulatively well-edited, befitting soundtrack, along with very endearing performances. With all that, it's still personal and emotional to its core—knowing exactly what to imply and focus on. It's way more depressing than it seems, but that's exactly how teenage life is. 2024 Ranked