Not Like an Adult poster
#37509 This Week

Not Like an Adult

Not Like an Adult  ·  2016, China
5.8
2,766 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2016

He broke up with his girlfriend so he wants to meet someone special. Little did he know, when playing basketball he'll meet a guy who'll slowly turn his life upside down.

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (5)

After a painful breakup with his girlfriend, a young man named Xiao He finds himself adrift, searching for a meaningful connection. One afternoon, a casual basketball game introduces him to a charismatic stranger whose easy confidence and gentle persistence slowly break through his walls. What begins as an unlikely friendship soon blossoms into something deeper, challenging Xiao He's understanding of love, identity, and masculinity. Set against the backdrop of urban China in 2016, this intimate short film captures the quiet, awkward, and tender moments of two people discovering each other. With no dramatic plot twists, 'Not Like an Adult' focuses on the subtle emotional shifts and small gestures that define a burgeoning romance. The film's raw, naturalistic style and understated performances make it a rare gem in early Chinese BL cinema, offering a heartfelt glimpse into a love that defies expectations and embraces vulnerability.

RO
Romance
Cast
SF
Short Film
Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

5.8
out of 10
10
395
9
395
8
296
7
692
6
593
HR
hopeless_romantic_042
2025-10-14
8/10
I absolutely adored this little film! The way Xiao He slowly opens up to his feelings is so beautiful and real. That basketball scene? My heart melted. It's not flashy, but the chemistry between the leads is pure magic. A hidden gem for anyone who loves tender, slow-burn romance.
P9
plotpolice_99
2025-08-22
5/10
I get what they were going for, but the pacing is painfully slow and the dialogue feels stilted. The story barely goes anywhere—it's just two guys hanging out and then suddenly they kiss. No real conflict or development. Amateurish, but I respect it for being an early attempt.
VF
visuals_first
2025-12-01
7/10
Considering it's a low-budget short, the cinematography is surprisingly decent. The use of natural light and close-ups during the basketball scene creates an intimate atmosphere. The color grading is a bit flat, but the framing tells the story well. I'd love to see what the director could do with a bigger budget.
QE
queer_eyed_viewer
2026-01-05
6/10
The film's handling of coming to terms with attraction to the same sex is refreshingly non-dramatic, but I wish it had addressed the internalized homophobia more directly. The consent is clear and the relationship is sweet, but it feels like a missed opportunity to discuss identity in a deeper way. Still, a decent watch for its time.
MF
music_for_soul
2025-11-18
7/10
The background music is minimal but effective—a simple piano theme that echoes the quiet longing of the characters. I found myself humming it after the movie ended. It's not a standout OST, but it perfectly complements the film's introspective mood. Would recommend for fans of atmospheric indie shorts.