Flavors of Youth is a heartfelt animated film that tells three different stories about love, loss, and nostalgia set against the backdrop of modern China.
A collaboration between China’s Haoliners Animation League and Japan’s CoMix Wave Films (the studio behind Your Name), this film captures the bittersweet beauty of growing up, treasuring memories, and finding hope in the present.
Movie Details
| Title | Flavors of Youth (Shikioriori) |
|---|---|
| Directors | Haoling Li, Yoshitaka Takeuchi, Xiaoxing Yi |
| Studio | CoMix Wave Films, Haoliners Animation League |
| Release Date | August 4, 2018 (Japan and China) |
| Runtime | 74 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Slice of Life, Romance |
| Language | Chinese, Japanese (with multiple dubbed versions) |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
| Number of Reviews | Approximately 9,100 user reviews |
| IMDb Link | IMDb Page |
Three Stories, One Emotion – The Power of Nostalgia
Flavors of Youth is divided into three separate yet thematically connected short stories. Each one explores how memories and emotions are tied to the simple things in life—food, love, and family.
1. The Rice Noodles (Hidamari no Chōshoku)
The first story takes us to Beijing, where a young man named Xiao Ming reflects on his childhood in Hunan. He remembers one thing the most—San Xian noodles, a dish he used to eat with his grandmother.
Back then, life was simple. The rich, flavorful broth, the soft noodles, and the comforting warmth of each bowl made him feel safe. But as he grew older, things changed. He moved to a big city, life became fast-paced, and he realized that no bowl of noodles ever tasted the same as the one from his childhood.
Through this nostalgic journey, Xiao Ming learns that it’s not just about the food—it’s about the people, the memories, and the emotions attached to it.
2. A Little Fashion Show (Chiisana Fashion Show)
Set in Guangzhou, this story follows Yi Lin, a famous model at the peak of her career. She lives a glamorous life but feels the pressures of the industry weighing her down. As she fights to stay relevant in the world of fashion, she begins to lose sight of what truly matters.
Her younger sister, Lulu, has always been by her side, supporting her and reminding her of their late father’s wisdom. But Yi Lin’s obsession with success causes her to distance herself from Lulu. When she reaches a breaking point, she must decide whether to keep chasing an image of perfection or return to what really makes her happy.
This story reminds us that beauty fades, trends change, but the love and connections we have with our family last forever.
3. Love in Shanghai (Shanghai Koi)
The final and most emotional story is about lost love. Li Mo and Xiao Yu were childhood sweethearts in Shanghai, spending their days together, dreaming of the future. Li Mo promised to always protect Xiao Yu, but life had other plans.
As they grew older, their paths drifted apart. Misunderstandings, unspoken words, and the pressures of life kept them from being together. Years later, Li Mo finds an old cassette tape that Xiao Yu had recorded for him—a message that was never delivered. As he listens to it, he realizes how much time has passed and how some moments, once lost, can never be regained.
This story teaches us that time waits for no one, and sometimes, the regrets of the past can only be healed by moving forward.
What This Movie Teaches Us
- Memories are tied to the little things. A simple meal, an old song, a piece of clothing—these small things hold deep emotions.
- Time changes everything, but some feelings remain. As we grow, we lose touch with people and places, but the love and memories we shared never truly disappear.
- Cherish the present before it becomes the past. Life moves fast, and we often don’t realize how precious a moment is until it’s gone.
- Love comes in many forms. Whether it’s family, friendship, or romance, love is what gives meaning to our lives.
Why Anybody Should Watch It
- For fans of emotional, slice-of-life anime – If you loved Your Name, A Silent Voice, or 5 Centimeters Per Second, this movie will touch your heart.
- A beautiful mix of Chinese and Japanese animation – The art style blends the best of both worlds, creating breathtaking cityscapes and stunning visuals.
- A reminder to appreciate the small joys of life – The taste of a meal, the love of a sibling, the memories of youth—all of these make life meaningful.
Flavors of Youth is a movie that will make you reflect on your own past, your cherished memories, and the people who shaped your life. It’s a film that lingers in your heart, much like the taste of your favorite childhood dish.
FAQ – Flavors of Youth
1. Is Flavors of Youth connected to Your Name?
No, but it was made by the same studio, CoMix Wave Films. The animation and storytelling have a similar emotional depth.
2. Is the movie based on a true story?
No, but the themes of nostalgia, love, and change are inspired by real-life experiences that many people can relate to.
3. What is the meaning of the title Flavors of Youth?
The title represents how different “flavors” (food, experiences, emotions) shape our youth and stay with us as memories.
4. Where can I watch Flavors of Youth?
The movie is available on streaming platforms like Netflix.
5. Is it a sad movie?
It has emotional moments, but it’s not purely sad. It’s more about nostalgia and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
