Winter Vacation (2010)
Winter vacation in China is bleak. There is nothing to do, not much distraction as in the West, which makes every person age 5 and above qualified to have an existential crisis. Old couples get divorced while young couples plan to marry and have kid because no other option exists. A five year old child suffers from insomnia while her playmate dreams of becoming an orphan. A teen is dropping out of school because he is afraid his life will come to nothing. When asked what he would do afterward, he says "Contribute to the struggle to build socialism with Chinese characteristics." There is definitely humor, but I don't think it reaches Beckett's level. A 4/10 for me.
Aoi Haru or Blue Spring (2001)
The delinquents of a Japanese high play often play a game of clapping. They would stand at the edge of a rooftop, release their hands and clap before quickly grabbing the rail again. Whoever claps the most will become leader of the school until the next challenger shows up. Having said that, there's not much action. It's mainly a story about lost youths and their dreams. School is a paradise, but what world awaits them outside? With no job prospects, they either fall prey to yakuza or drop out of society altogether. The film's rock music underscores the explosive spirit of youth and certain tragic climaxes. I anticipated it will be great and it really is, a 9/10.