Stand By Me (2023)

Growing up in the 1990s, Luo Qi Qi (Zhao Jin Mai) had a rather unique school career. Having survived her lonely elementary years, she moved into a rather chaotic phase during middle school. Now, as a high school senior, she faces the inevitable challenges that come with transitioning into young adulthood.  Never a great student, the pressure of passing college entrance exams and getting into a good university is at times unbearable. Lucky for Qi Qi, her stubborn nature means she refuses to accept defeat, at least in most cases. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said when it comes to love. Having been on and off friends with Xu Xiao Bo (Bai Yu Fan) for years, Qi Qi has recently started to notice that it’s become a lot more difficult to understand their relationship. Sometimes it seems like his feelings for her have developed into something beyond friendship but at other times, it seems like they’re nothing more than old acquaintances. Struggling to make sense of so much of her life, Qi Qi embarks on a journey of growth, love, and friendship. Will the lessons she learns while she’s young lead her to a brighter future? Adapted from the novel “Those Youthful Times That Can’t Go Back” by Tong Hua, “Stand By Me” is a 2023 Chinese romance drama directed by Wang Zhi Yong.