Is Shining Days Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Shining Days is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 116 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Shining Days Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2024, Shining Days emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Do you still remember the person you liked when you were 17? Xu You, a southern girl with excellent grades, transferred to Linshi, accidentally became a deskmate with Xie Ci, a "school bully", and the two gradually entered each other's hearts in the midst of laughter and bickering, but faced with the trick of fate. Unlike standard genre fare, Shining Days attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Cai Cong, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Romance elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shining Days features a noteworthy lineup led by Zhang Zhehua. Supported by the likes of Qi Yuchen and Luo Qiuyun, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Zhang Zhehua, Qi Yuchen, Luo Qiuyun manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2024 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Romance, Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Shining Days is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Shining Days follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 116 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Shining Days resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Romance landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Shining Days is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Do you still remember the person you liked when you were 17? Xu You, a southern girl with excellent grades, transferred to Linshi, accidentally became a deskmate with Xie Ci, a "school bully", and the two gradually entered each other's hearts in the midst of laughter and bickering, but faced with the trick of fate. Years later, the two return to the place where the story began, only to realize that the joy of youth is like apple-flavored lollipops, around and around or the first sweetest ......
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Shining Days (2024) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Romance, Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Zhang Zhehua, Qi Yuchen, Luo Qiuyun or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Shining Days is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2024. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Shining Days has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Romance, Comedy), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Shining Days stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2024 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shining Days movie hit or flop?
Shining Days is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Shining Days worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Shining Days may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Shining Days online?
Shining Days may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Do you still remember the person you liked when you were 17? Xu You, a southern girl with excellent grades, transferred to Linshi, accidentally became a deskmate with Xie Ci, a "school bully", and the two gradually entered each other's hearts in the midst of laughter and bickering, but faced with the trick of fate. Years later, the two return to the place where the story began, only to realize that the joy of youth is like apple-flavored lollipops, around and around or the first sweetest ......