Zhi Xuan is a new teacher at a school which she attended in the past, harbouring some regretful memories about her youth spent there. When a troubled student commits a misdemeanour that reminds her of her own past, the teacher becomes involved to help find redemption for the student and herself.
“Bee, My Friend” is a well intentioned short film about the importance of personal growth and establishing morals at a young age. The production accomplishes this by putting emphasis on the teacher's past as reason towards taking a kid under her wing, a child which seemingly has been given up on by school and family. As the two begin to bond and learn more about each other, the young kid begins to move towards positive change and embrace. The juxtaposition of the teacher's memories overlapping with her attempt to help the students puts a greater emphasis on the teacher's growth and its importance, specifically in dealing with internal strife to help improve the education process and inspire future generations. This request for consideration in inspiring future generations exists as the film's strongest attribute.
The rest of the production exists in a state of adequacy, with all aspects being presentable, but nothing really standing out. This covers the technical presentation in sound design, cinematography, editing etc. as well as the actual performances and the direction given to the actors. It can be said that the film is sound in its execution and avoids any major technical faults. However, a production that falls short of doing anything spectacular can be even more damning in leaving a sour impression. Ultimately, it is better to be remembered for charming mistakes that show room for growth then leave a dull impression, which (sadly) “Bee, My Friend” does.
Outside of its humane message, “Bee, My Friend” offers up little in the way of substance. The entire production is serviceable in all aspects, as it is hard to point to any faults, but equally hard to commend anything. This gives a viewing sensation equivalent of ‘white noise', and elicited utter indifference from my own experience. Even within the one positive take away, the humane message can be seen as cliché and boring in execution. Ultimately, this production may fair better aimed towards others in the education field or in showing students the importance of morality and the role of teachers in personal development. However, outside of a niche audience it becomes difficult to even classify the film as passable entertainment.
Adam Symchuk is a Canadian born freelance writer and editor who has been writing for Asian Movie Pulse since 2018. He is currently focused on covering manga, manhwa and light novels having reviewed hundreds of titles in the past two years.
His love of film came from horror and exploitation films from Japan that he devoured in his teens. His love of comics came from falling in love with the works of Shuzo Oshimi, Junji Ito, Hideshi Hino, and Inio Asano but has expanded to a general love of the medium and all its genres.
