Faded poster
#12162 This Week

Faded

Faded  ·  2017, China
6.4
1,250 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2017

Tian Yu's mother confronts her son's lover Jun Zhi about their relationship. A touching story of love, self-reflection and acceptance unfolds as Tian Yu finds himself caught between completing his filial duty as the…

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (5)

In the tender 15-minute short film 'Faded' (淡淡), director and star Arthur Tan crafts a quiet, emotionally resonant portrait of love under pressure. Tian Yu (Soo Xu Zhe) is a Chinese high school student navigating a secret relationship with Jun Zhi (Arthur Tan), the boy who helped him discover his sexuality. Their world is shattered when Tian Yu’s mother receives an anonymous photo exposing them, leading to a tense confrontation with Jun Zhi. But this is not a story of outright homophobia—instead, the mother’s fear stems from societal repercussions and her son’s future. Caught between filial duty and his desire for authenticity, Tian Yu must find the courage to come out and ask for acceptance. Through intimate beachside scenes, furtive glances, and raw conversations, 'Faded' explores generational conflict, self-reflection, and the quiet triumph of love over fear. What makes this film special is its realistic portrayal of an established relationship grappling with external pressure, all wrapped in a gentle, melancholic atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Arthur Tan photo
Arthur Tan
Cast
Soo photo
Soo
Cast
Arthur Tan photo
Arthur Tan
Cast
RO
Romance
Cast
SF
Short Film
Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

6.4
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BC
bl_compilations_fan
July 2025
8/10
I loved that the couple was already established and communicating openly instead of ghosting each other. The beach scenes felt so genuine. My only complaint is the time jumps were confusing—some on-screen text indicating 'months later' would've helped. Still, a sweet 15-minute watch.
AV
ariel_views
March 2025
9/10
This short film invites us to reflect on homophobia, equality, and what it means to come out in a society that still fears difference. The mother isn't evil—she's scared for her son. That nuance made me cry. Arthur Tan did an amazing job writing, directing, and starring. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a meaningful LGBTQ+ story.
LO
logic_over_fluff
December 2024
2/10
Way too short—15 minutes leaves no room for character development or a coherent plot. The back-and-forth timeline made it feel like a rough cut. I get the emotional intent, but it needed either a full-length movie or a series to do the story justice. Disappointing.
MM
melodic_moments
August 2025
7/10
The soundtrack—also by Arthur Tan—is the heart of this film. The eponymous theme song 'Dan Dan' perfectly captures the bittersweet longing. The visuals are simple but the music elevates every scene. I wish the audio mix had less background noise, but the OST alone makes it worth a watch.
CE
cinematic_eye
January 2026
6/10
Beautifully shot for a low-budget short—the color grading gives a faded, nostalgic feel that matches the title. The framing of the mother-son conversation is intimate but the editing jumps around too much. A promising director who needs more runtime to polish his craft.