A Teenager's Diary 2023

Directed by Li Bin

Two teenagers, Lu Ang and Yu Ming, come from troubled family backgrounds. Lu Ang’s middle-class family struggles with a lack of communication, while Yu Ming’s single father resorts to violence to “teach” him. Both boys share a sense of loneliness, which deepens when they save a transfer student, Zheng Wanhe, from campus violence. The three form a bond and join the school chorus. However, their families face major crises: looming divorces, grandparents falling victim to scams, and personal trauma. As they navigate these challenges, Lu Ang and Yu Ming gain a new understanding of life, friendship, and identity. The film addresses significant social issues such as bullying, child abuse, and the emotional toll of growing up in a society fraught with pressure, offering a poignant exploration of adolescence in modern China.