Even though it’s been a while since I went to school, I still feel the passage of time during the annual “college entrance exams.” This year is no different, and the cooler weather signals that exam season is almost here, scheduled for next week.
So this week I’ve prepared a list of films for exam candidates, as well as anyone else who’s at the starting line or catching their breath to run again. These are especially significant to keep an eye on during graduation season, as many of them reflect the experiences of students on the verge of graduating. Even if you’re not a student, I hope that, like me, you can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane through these films.
I wish all of you on the starting line good luck!
Booksmart, directed by Olivia Wilde
Synopsis
At 19, on the brink of adulthood, Amy and Molly, top students with Ivy League dreams, have poured everything into school and their resumes. But on the night of their last high school graduation party, they decide to break free from the usual routine and organize an epic night to remember.
Linda Linda Linda, directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita
Synopsis
At Shibasaki High, students are preparing for the school’s cultural festival. A band, struggling with the end of high school and the release of their members, hears the song “Linda Linda” by the legendary band Blue Hearts and decides it’s the song for them. Looking for a singer, they recruit a Korean exchange student, Song, despite her limited Japanese skills. The band practices, building friendships that cross nationalities.
Half of It, directed by Alice Wu
Synopsis
Ellie begins writing love letters to Paul, but as they spend time together, a friendship forms. However, Ellie finds herself developing feelings for the person receiving Paul’s letters.
Rebound, directed by Jang Hang-jun
Synopsis
Yang Hyun, a former basketball player, becomes the new coach of a high school team on the verge of disbanding. Despite the challenges, it brings together a unique team of players, each with their own challenges. Together, they set out to create a miracle in the high school basketball tournament.
Girls Don’t Graduate, directed by Shun Nakagawa
Synopsis
In a high school about to close, four girls face an inevitable goodbye. Each of them has a sincere and secret desire: to say goodbye to the love, friends, teachers and school they have learned to love.
Victory, directed by Park Beom-soo
Synopsis
Set in 1999, Filseon and Mina, who live to dance, team up with cheerleader Sehyun to form a cheerleading team. Their team, the “Millennium Girls,” begins performing for anyone in need of support, from soccer teams to striking local workers.
Sing Street, directed by John Carney
Synopsis
Conor falls in love with a girl named Raphina and impulsively claims to be in a band. In an effort to support his story, he forms a band called “Sing Street” and begins creating music inspired by 80s bands like Duran Duran. As he tries to win over Raphina, Conor finds himself on a journey of musical discovery.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, directed by Stephen Chbosky
Synopsis
Charlie, a high school freshman, struggles with trauma and isolation. But meeting his brothers Sam and Patrick opens up the world to him, teaching him to enjoy the moments of life. As she falls in love with Sam and overcomes her scars, her friendship with Sam and Patrick becomes deeply meaningful.
