There is a wide variety of Asian films about the difficulties of youth.
There are a wealth of Asian films targeted at young people, many of them attempting to dissect the early period in life that so many find confusing and scary. They are often dark in their nature and can contain some very unsettling premises. Often controversial due to their extreme subject matters, many of these films are not to everyone's taste.
"Battle Royal"
"Battle Royal,"directed by Kinji Fukasaku, is an extremely violent movie set in an imagined future in which school children are made to fight each other to the death on a deserted island. The premise of the film is that delinquent children need to be dealt with, and ultra-violent reality TV is the way to do it. Each child is given a bag containing a random weapon, which is to be used against his or her peers. The film was controversial due to its brutal subject matter.
"Kids Return"
"Kids Return" is a drama about two friends who return to their old schoolyard to reminisce about their pasts. The movie, directed by Takeshi Kitano, is a look at the how the choices a man makes can have very different consequences in the way their lives pan out. Both boys remember how they used to be bullies until they made their own way in life. One friend becomes a boxer while the other joins the yakuza, a Japanese organized-crime syndicate. The film has occasional scenes of violence and some dark humor.
"All About Lily Chou-Chou"
"All About Lily Chou-Chou" is a story of teenage rebellion, as a group of high school kids face the common issues of bullying, parental relationships, sex and death. The teens seek understanding in the chat rooms of their favorite pop star, Lily Chou-Chou, exposing their darkest fears and secrets. Directed by Shunji Iwai, this film is a naturalistic look at the issues that effect disillusioned youths. The film builds to a tense climax, where reality and virtual identities clash with devastating effect.
"Suicide Club"
"Suicide Club," directed by Shion Sono, is a harsh criticism of the divide between Japanese youths and their parents' generation. The film takes an unflinching look at the very real problem of suicide among young people in Japan. Often shocking and gory, the film is not without its share of controversy. The story unfolds as a detective tries to figure out why 54 girls have simultaneously thrown themselves in front of a subway train.
"Cruel Story of Youth"
"Cruel Story of Youth" follows the relationship of a young man named Kiyoshi and a young woman named Makoto. They meet when Kiyoshi saves Makoto from a middle-aged man who was trying to take advantage of her. A stormy relationship ensues as the pair attempt to make sense of the apparent love they have for one another. The film is often unsettling and contains some graphic sex scenes.
