Life hurts. Facile films use this truth to extract drama. The worst of them exploit the characters, and in turn, the audience, for effect. One comes out of the theater feeling used and with a bitter taste in your mouth.
Writer/Director Andrew Haigh’s coming of age drama, Lean on Pete, is not one of those films.
Though flawed at times by pacing and supporting character issues, it is held together, even elevated, by a inspired and understated performance by Charlie Plummer. The success and the humanity of the film rests on his thin shoulders and he carries it like a young DiCaprio.
The film’s structural and character strengths are built on contrasts. Charley Thompson (Plummer) is a 16 year old kid, new to a working class neighborhood of Portland, having to make a new start because of his father’s unsteady employment record, immaturity, and risky lifestyle choices.
The first thing we see is Charley unpacking his few things, placing his football trophies on the windowsill. A wide receiver, he has a rangy and wiry build, suited more for long distance running, which is his other activity, than for the pounding violence of the gridiron. He says he’s waiting until he stops growing to muscle up. And there you have a powerful metaphor for this film: Charley is a vulnerable kid, waiting to be grown up, waiting to toughen up. Life and the filmmakers, however, have more immediate plans. There will be no waiting. Charley’s strength building will not happen in a gym but on the road.
And like all good road movies and novels, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn being a major model of this film, Charley needs a partner. That partner is Lean on Pete, a quarter horse on his last legs. Charley lives down the road from a third or fourth tier racetrack. This is not Churchill Downs. These are not thoroughbreds. Leave behind the glamour of Derby Day, the dapper trainers in suits, all the hats, even the long lap around the track, with all the jockey’s calibrations of speed and tactics. Quarter horses sprint. They run as fast as they can, and if they don’t run fast enough, unscrupulous trainers and jockeys will find ways to goad them on.
But to Charley, this is a glamours and intriguing world. He begins working for a trainer, Del (Steve Busemi putting in another nuanced and rock solid performance) and falls for his second string horse, Lean On Pete. Charley doesn’t know anything about horses or racing, but Del, despite his hard-boiled exterior, takes to the kid and appreciates his work ethic. He hires him as a stable boy, but warns him, as does Del’s jockey, Bonnie (Chloe Sevigny), “Don’t fall in love with the horses.” One can imagine Del and Bonnie, in their younger and sunnier days, falling in love with a horse or two, but those salad days are long gone. These are two characters at the declining ends of their careers. Beaten up and wounded by life, but still in game, though much compromised and wearing thin.
Is that Charley’s fate, too? Is it the responsibility of the adults in a child’s life to toughen them up, shatter their infantile illusions and prepare them for the pain, some of it to arise from bad luck but most of it self-inflicted?
Does a 16 year old see his life on such terms or is hope in the open road before him? A third of way into the film, Charley makes up his mind and takes to the road with Pete.
It’s in this section, that the sweetness of his character, the tenderness and vulnerability of Charley, is most clearly revealed. And it contains the best moments in the movie, and the best moments for Plummer. His monologues with Pete, as they move across the eastern Oregon and Wyoming plains anchor and sustain the film, give the film a reason for being.
But there are adventures ahead, new strangers, threatening and deadly situations, learning experiences, toughening up.
It’s in this parade of encounters that the film’s focus weakens. In committing to be life-like, the film must choose between developing supporting characters or letting them be tools in Charley’s progression. Sometimes they pay off, Charley’s aunt for instance, and sometimes, like with the two partying vets, the berated girl, and Steve Zahn’s street person, they are more symbols that souls, dark possible paths that Charley may find himself traveling if he’s not careful and lucky.
For like horse racing, to the bystander and gambler, it seems to be about luck and fortune; while for the trainer, the jockey, and the horse, it’s about hard work, grit, and, if fortunate, grace. Lean on Pete has plenty of all those, mostly in Charlie Plummer and the character he brings to aching and hopeful life.
In these uncertain times, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned horror movie. Unfortunately, Presence is not an old-fashioned horror movie. Yet, as I discovered, this is a good thing!
When I heard about the premise of this movie, I was intrigued. The stylishly subtle trailer was, appropriately, haunting. And was that Lucy Liu? A haunted house movie from the perspective of the ghost? As a seasoned horror movie buff, I was all in!
Like the majority of people I missed the films brief theatrical release. Luckily I was able to catch it on streaming. Visually the film is easy to enjoy from your own home, as it’s rather cosy looking. I never thought I’d be describing a horror movie as ‘cosy’ looking but it’s true! This is not a James Wan type creepy, dusty, decrepit house harbouring a haunting. No, this is a 100 year old jewel toned, oak finished colonial style home.
Despite this the story follows the beats we are all familiar with: troubled family of four move into a new house. The big deviation from the trope is we, the audience, are seeing events unfold from the POV of the ghost or presence.
Director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven) chose to film the entire piece using a small (14mm) hand-held digital camera. Soderbergh himself acted as the ‘presence’ following the actors around. From the audiences perspective it is like watching the family through a barrier or pane of glass. Cleverly, windows and mirrors are hugely prominent and integral throughout.
The presence mainly follows and tries to interact with the daughter of the family, Chloe (Callina Liang), who has recently suffered the trauma of her best friend dying suddenly. Through Soderbergh’s experimental filming, we feel the dysphoria and frustration the ‘ghost’ is feeling at trying to affect the world around it, particularly during the anxiety-inducing final scene!
However, in what could be yet another mismarketing of a film, the trailer promised to be the ‘scariest movie you will see this year’ and ‘terrifying’; instead, they delivered this subversive, character-driven, family drama. If you are expecting jump scares and dramatic music stings, this is not your movie. I could understand if someone was disappointed that the only seemingly scary thing is the mother’s and son’s relationship, right up until the gut-punch of the final scene.
Presence is definitely a slow burn, tension building until the final scene, and the unveiling of the ‘presence’ giving us a new understanding of the whole story. The ending is disturbing and stays with you as you re-analyse earlier scenes.
My one complaint is that the character Ryan (West Mulholland) with his Chesney Hawkes hair, perhaps needed more subtlety. The rest of the cast was completely solid and believable as a family with so many unspoken issues.
I wouldn’t recommend this film for everybody but maybe be as so bold to say it’s a horror movie for people that don’t like horror movies. It’s well-lit and cerebral with realistically flawed characters.
Presence is available to stream.
Three and a half stars.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Historical
Runtime: Each episode runs approximately 20-30 minutes
Director: Lin Hun (also the Creator)
Studio: Samsara Animation Studio
Main Voice Actors (Chinese Cast):Liu Zhi Shi as Wen Ren Yu Xuan Zhou Qi as Shen Nong Fang Yuan as Xuan
Overview
Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a breathtaking Chinese anime (donghua) that merges traditional Chinese ink-painting aesthetics with high-intensity martial arts action. Created and directed by Lin Hun, this series delivers a spellbinding visual experience that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, mainstream Japanese anime. Produced by Samsara Animation Studio, the anime is a labor of love, known for its hand-drawn animation and meticulous detail.
Set in a mythological world where elemental beasts roam free, the series follows the Five Elemental Envoys tasked with protecting humanity. The story focuses on Wen Ren Yu Xuan, the Fire Envoy, whose actions set off a chain of events threatening the delicate balance between humans and beasts. The tale is steeped in Chinese folklore and myth, weaving a complex narrative of duty, power, and sacrifice.
Without question, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is one of the most visually stunning animated series in recent memory. The blend of traditional Chinese ink wash painting with modern dynamic action scenes is masterful. Every frame looks like a moving scroll painting, with fluid character movements and kinetic fight choreography that puts many mainstream series to shame.
The characters are deeply tied to traditional archetypes found in Chinese legends but are fleshed out with emotional depth and conflict. Voice acting by Liu Zhi Shi, Zhou Qi, and Fang Yuan brings authenticity and gravitas to their respective roles. The dialogue is steeped in poetic language, enhancing the mythic feel of the story.
The soundtrack complements the epic visuals with traditional Chinese instrumentation mixed with modern elements. The sound design heightens the impact of every battle and emotional moment.
Rating: 9/10
Fog Hill of the Five Elements earns a 9 out of 10 for its groundbreaking animation style, deep mythological storytelling, and heart-pounding action. The only downside is its limited number of episodes and slow release schedule, which leaves fans craving more.
Pros
- Unparalleled hand-drawn animation
- Unique art direction inspired by traditional Chinese painting
- Rich mythological lore
- Epic fight choreography
Cons
- Sparse episode release
- Story pacing can be uneven at times
Final Verdict 9/10
If you’re an anime enthusiast or a fan of animation artistry, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a must-watch. Its fusion of stunning visuals, martial arts action, and mythological storytelling makes it one of the standout titles in modern animation. Whether you’re into Japanese anime or Chinese donghua, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Genre: Action, Drama
Language: Telugu
Director: Boyapati Srinu
Writer: Boyapati Srinu
Producer: Alexander Vallabha
Studio: Creative Commercials
Runtime: 158 minutes
Main Cast:
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. (NTR Jr.) as Rama Chandra / Chinna
Trisha Krishnan as Sathya
Karthika Nair as Neelaveni
Kota Srinivasa Rao, Nassar, and Venu Thottempudi in pivotal roles.
Where to Watch: Currently available for streaming on Sun NXT and Amazon Prime Video (check regional availability).
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Dammu, directed by Boyapati Srinu, is a high-octane Telugu action drama that delivers exactly what it promises: mass entertainment, powerful dialogues, and larger-than-life action sequences. This film stands tall in NTR Jr.’s filmography, showcasing his unmatched screen presence, powerful dialogue delivery, and action hero persona.
The story follows Rama Chandra (NTR Jr.), an orphan raised in a loving environment. His peaceful life takes a turn when he learns about his royal lineage and is chosen to bring back honor to a powerful but fallen royal family. The narrative pits him against a ruthless rival family, setting the stage for intense confrontations, emotional dilemmas, and a classic good-versus-evil showdown.
This is NTR Jr.’s film through and through. His charismatic screen presence, intense emotional range, and commanding action sequences are the highlights of Dammu. Whether it’s delivering punchy mass dialogues or executing gravity-defying stunts, NTR Jr. proves why he’s one of the top mass heroes of Tollywood. His transformation from a soft-spoken man to a ferocious warrior fighting for justice is executed with nuance and raw energy.
As a lover of NTR Jr. movies, Dammu is a treat. His power-packed performance holds the film together even when the narrative feels familiar. Fans of his previous films like Simhadri and Yamadonga will appreciate the high-voltage drama and emotional depth he brings to the role of Rama Chandra.
Trisha Krishnan and Karthika Nair add grace and charm, though their roles are secondary to the male-centric narrative. Veteran actors like Kota Srinivasa Rao and Nassar lend strong support. Director Boyapati Srinu, known for mass entertainers (Legend, Sarrainodu), stays true to his brand with larger-than-life storytelling, heavy on action and sentiment.
The film is loaded with action sequences, choreographed to satisfy die-hard mass film lovers. The fight scenes are over-the-top yet entertaining, with NTR Jr.’s agility and intensity making them believable. MM Keeravani’s music and background score elevate key emotional and action moments. “Ruler” and “Dammu Dammu” are foot-tapping numbers that resonate with the film’s tone.
C. Ramprasad’s cinematography captures the grandeur and the rustic locations beautifully. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao keeps the film’s pace brisk, although the second half could have been tighter.
NTR Jr.’s electrifying performance, Mass appeal with high-voltage action sequences, Powerful dialogues that will thrill fans, Strong emotional undertone in the storyline, Well-composed background score and songs, Weaknesses Predictable plotline with familiar trope,s Over-the-top violence and melodrama may not appeal to all Secondary characters are underdeveloped
Dammu is a full-on mass action entertainer, tailor-made for NTR Jr. fans and lovers of Telugu commercial cinema. His performance is the soul of the film, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys powerful hero-centric storytelling. Despite its predictability, Dammu delivers what it promises: high-voltage action, emotional drama, and a powerful lead performance.
Rating: 7.5/10 (An action-packed entertainer elevated by NTR Jr.’s magnetic presence and energy.)
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Presence: A Horror Movie For People That Don’t Like Horror Movies
Anime Review: Fog Hill of the Five Elements (Wu Shan Wu Xing)
Dammu (2012) Movie Review: NTR Jr. Delivers a Thunderous Mass Action Performance
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