Movie Digest
Gyeo Re, a fourth-year film production student at an Art University has encountered a major problem before her final year. She had her graduation movie script stolen overnight by her ex-boyfriend and senior graduate from the same department, Hyeon Soo. Gyeo Re, who is upset, hurries to write another script. A coming-of-age film celebrating the progress and love of flawed team members.
The Feel-Good Part
The best part about this movie is that it does not make you feel good or bad about your life. It simply makes you look at it with a different perspective. After all that is the best part about a coming-of-age film. “B-Class Youth” makes you look back at your own mistakes and silliness with a smile. Just like Gyeo Re, we all thought our problems were absolute at some point in our lives. We all thought that the bad days would never end but eventually they do. Maybe, the moment this happens is not as flashy as the movies. Maybe, the way change takes place in our lives go unnoticed unlike the big climax but there is beauty in that. This movie has the right amount of romanticization that lets you relax but not too much to make you feel bad about your own self. The cast were cute and they all did a pretty decent job and the plot progression was mediocre but acceptable.
The Disappointing Factor
Like all coming-of-age films there are several scenes in this film where our protagonists find themselves in an awkward position. That is the essence of such films and “B-Class Youth” is no different. Yet, what happens in this particular film is somehow they fail to navigate through that awkwardness. With certain shots and the editing combined, many scenes seem incomplete and the awkwardness never really dissipates. Perhaps, if the film had a bigger production house backing the script it would have turned out differently. For what its worth, this movie has a lot of potential which doesn’t come through due to a multitude of reasons.
In-Depth Analysis
The thing about this movie is that despite all it’s shortcomings it cannot go that wrong because it is meant to be a dreamy, light-hearted production. Most people think coming-of-age films have to have this big reason. Some sort of meaningful life lesson that will teach you the secrets of how to become the best person or something like that. But, that’s actually not true. Coming-of-age films are essentially simply picking up random moments in your life and building an escape of sorts for momentary relief. Do they end up teaching important life lessons? Sure. But is that their purpose? No.
“B-Class Youth” is essentially a semi-comedic portrayal of a college girl’s problematic ex-boyfriend still causing trouble in her life even after their break-up. The series of events that take place are simply a scripted take on one of the many ways in which the situation could have turned out. In the end, it turns out to be a movie that can simply be describe as good in all it’s entirety. Not great or mind-blowing but just a simple and good film to watch on a dull, summer day!
Star Power
Another bonus point about this movie is that it is a female-centric production. We see some really cool women in the cast lineup. First, we have newcomer Lee Gyeo Re as the main female lead Gyeo Re. She portrays the role of a frustrated college so well and ends up becoming the most relatable character in the film. Next we have in the supporting role Min Chae Yeon who is also the director of “B-Class Youth”. She is a budding ‘Greta Gerwig’ if you ask me, because we all love a boss woman who can pull off every role with finesse! In the supporting cast we also have other gorgeous and talented ladies like Jung Soo Ryeon, Park Han Na and Do Jung Won.
Overall Opinion
“B-Class Youth” may not be the best coming-of-age film out there but it certainly is a must-watch. It is light and fun, especially if you are watching it with your friends! If you are still a student it will make you revel in your youth and if you are an adult it will make you reminisce the nostalgia of the same!
