Synopsis

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Episodes

Reviews (4)

Li Yang is a quiet high school student from a single-parent home, enduring relentless bullying that isolates him from his peers. When kind-hearted classmate Feng Xiao Ao steps in to defend him, the two form a tentative but genuine friendship. As their bond deepens, Li Yang finds a glimmer of hope amid the torment. However, the bullying escalates into devastating cruelty, testing their connection and Li Yang’s will to survive. This short film explores the raw reality of school violence, homophobia, and the silent suffering of many LGBTQ+ youth, while also celebrating the unconditional love of a mother who refuses to give up on her son. Poignant and unflinching, 'Broken Youth' is a heartfelt call for empathy and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, kindness can light the way.

Romance

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Short Film

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6.6

out of 10

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hope_for_liyang

Jan 2025

9/10

I wasn't expecting to cry this much during a 30-minute short film. The connection between Li Yang and Feng Xiao Ao felt so pure and fragile—it broke my heart and mended it at the same time. And that mother? She deserves all the awards. This is a beautiful, painful story about finding one person who sees you when everyone else looks away. I'm so glad they gave us a hopeful ending.

realist_reviewer_42

Mar 2025

6/10

The message is important, but the execution left a lot to be desired. The acting is very amateurish—robotic at times—and the story feels rushed. I also hated that the bullies faced zero consequences; it made the whole thing feel unresolved. Still, I appreciate that they tried to shine a light on a real issue. For a school project this would be great, but as a film it's just average.

sociology_nerd_bl

Jul 2024

8/10

This short film packs a punch. It doesn’t glamorize anything—it shows how mob mentality, homophobia, and classism can destroy a teenager’s life. The scene on the bleachers is gut-wrenching and unfortunately reflective of real-world 'jump' taunts. I also appreciate the post-credits testimonials from real bullying victims. The mother’s unwavering support is a powerful counter-narrative. Not perfect technically, but socially essential.

camera_eye_bl

Nov 2024

7/10

Considering it's a low-budget short film, the visual storytelling is surprisingly effective. The use of close-ups during the most painful moments draws you into Li Yang's isolation, and the cold color grading mirrors the emotional bleakness. The staging of the bleachers scene is especially powerful—you can feel the weight of everyone's gaze. The acting isn't polished, but the director knew how to frame raw emotion.