Flavors of Youth is a 2018 animated movie made by CoMix Wave Films, the same studio that created Your Name. Directed by Li Haoling, Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing, and Yoshitaka Takeuchi, this film looks at the passing of time, the fleeting nature of youth, and the bittersweet memories we hold onto.
To be honest, I felt deeply touched by its simple beauty and relatable themes. The film doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or high-stakes conflict; instead, it finds beauty in ordinary moments and significance in small experiences. As someone who often looks back on my own youth with mixed feelings, the stories resonated with me personally.
The first part, The Rice Noodles, really connected with me because of its focus on family and tradition. Eating a bowl of noodles became a powerful symbol of connection. The second part’s depiction of sibling relationships and personal growth was relatable and inspiring. The final part left me feeling a bit sad but also grateful for the memories and people who shape our lives.
Flavors of Youth is a beautifully made film that show viewers to reflect on and cherish the fleeting moments of their own lives. Its heartfelt stories and stunning visuals make it a memorable and emotionally touching experience. Whether you love animation or simply enjoy a good story, this film is definitely worth watching.
Story Overview
The film has three parts:
- The Rice Noodles: This story is about a young man named Xiao Ming who remembers his childhood in Hunan province and the joy of eating rice noodles with his grandmother. It shows how small moments and tastes can become precious memories.
- A Little Fashion Show: Set in Guangzhou, this part follows two sisters, Yi Lin and Lulu. Yi Lin is a fashion model whose career is struggling as she gets older, while Lulu dreams of being a fashion designer. Their relationship faces challenges as they deal with the pressures of the fashion industry and their own insecurities.
- Love in Shanghai: The final part tells the story of Li Mo and Xiao Yu, childhood friends in Shanghai who grow apart as they get older. Their letters to each other reveal their deep, unspoken feelings.
Visuals and Animation
Flavors of Youth is visually stunning. Each part is beautifully animated with lots of attention to detail. The vibrant colors, realistic backgrounds, and smooth character movements make the movie immersive. The use of light and shadow, especially in the first part, adds to the nostalgic feel and emotional depth of the stories.
Themes and Emotional Impact
The main theme of Flavors of Youth is how time passes and memories last. Each story looks at different parts of youth—family, dreams, love—and shows how these experiences shape who we are. The film’s slow pace allows viewers to savor each moment and think about their own memories.
The first part, using food as a symbol, is particularly effective. It shows how the tastes and smells of childhood can bring back strong emotions and memories. The second part deals with societal expectations and balancing personal dreams with family responsibilities. The final part, about unspoken love and missed chances, reminds us how precious relationships are.
