What is it: Flavors of Youth
Flavors of Youth is a Japanese-Chinese animated film released in 2018, which stands out for its emotional and visually captivating narrative. Produced by CoMix Wave Films, the same production company behind the acclaimed “Your Name,” and Haoliners Animation League, the film is divided into three distinct segments, each exploring different aspects of youth and memories. The first story, “Rice Noodles”, follows the life of a young man who remembers his childhood through the taste of the noodles he used to eat. The second, “A Little Fashion Show”, focuses on the relationship between two sisters and the challenges they face in the fashion world. The third, “Love in Shanghai”, addresses the nostalgia and unrequited feelings of a man who returns to his hometown. Each segment is a poetic and sensitive exploration of human emotions, capturing the essence of youth and the memories that shape our lives.
Flavors of Youth: Rice Noodles
The first segment of Flavors of Youth, titled “Rice Noodles,” is an ode to simplicity and nostalgia. The story follows Xiao Ming, a young man living in Beijing who constantly finds himself transported back to his childhood in Hunan province through the taste of the rice noodles he used to eat. This segment is a reflection on how sensory memories, especially taste and smell, can connect us to our past in deep and emotional ways. The detailed animation of the noodles, combined with the introspective narrative, creates a visually and emotionally rich experience. Xiao Ming remembers the days spent with his grandmother and the simple yet meaningful moments that defined his youth. The story is a powerful reminder of how the little things in life can have a lasting impact on our memories and identity.
Flavors of Youth: A Little Fashion Show
The second segment of Flavors of Youth, “A Little Fashion Show,” delves into the world of fashion and complex family dynamics. The story revolves around Yi Lin, a successful model who faces pressure from the fashion industry and her relationship with her younger sister, Lulu. Yi Lin struggles to maintain her career while dealing with insecurity and fear of being replaced by younger models. The narrative explores themes of self-acceptance, sacrifice and the unbreakable bond between sisters. The animation captures the beauty and tension of the fashion world, from the glamorous shows to the vulnerable moments behind the scenes. The relationship between Yi Lin and Lulu is the heart of the story, showing how family support and love can be a source of strength in times of adversity. This segment is a touching exploration of the external and internal pressures that shape our lives and the importance of finding balance and support in personal relationships.
Flavors of Youth: Love in Shanghai
The third and final segment of Flavors of Youth, “Love in Shanghai,” is a story of love and nostalgia that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever experienced unrequited feelings. The narrative follows Li Mo, a man who returns to his hometown, Shanghai, and reminisces about his first love, Xiao Yu. The story is told through flashbacks, showing the friendship and growing love between Li Mo and Xiao Yu during their school years. However, life separates them, and Li Mo carries with him the pain of an unfulfilled love. The animation captures the melancholy beauty of Shanghai and the passage of time, with scenes that alternate between the present and the past. “Love in Shanghai” is a meditation on the choices we make and the opportunities missed, and how these experiences shape who we are. The story is a reminder that although time can change many things, some memories and feelings remain with us forever, influencing our lives in subtle and profound ways.
Flavors of Youth: Animation and Visual Style
Flavors of Youth is notable not only for its moving stories, but also for its stunning animation and visual style. CoMix Wave Films and Haoliners Animation League have created a film that is visually stunning, with meticulous attention to detail that brings each segment to life. The animation captures the essence of different locations, from the busy streets of Beijing and Shanghai to the glamorous fashion shows. The color palette and character designs are carefully crafted to reflect the emotions and atmosphere of each story. On the trail
