: Robin’s Wish tells the powerful true story of actor/comedian Robin Williams’ final days. For the first time, Robin’s fight against a deadly neurodegenerative disorder, known as Lewy Body Dementia, is shown in stunning detail. Through a gripping journalistic lens, this incredible story sheds an entirely new light on the tragedy, beauty and power behind the mind of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
WATCH THE TRAILER: https://youtu.be/cT7fqJbvE4M
ROBIN’S WISH features interviews with Susan Schneider Williams, Shawn Levy, John R. Montgomery, Rick Overton and David E. Kelly. The film is directed by Tylor Norwood
SUSAN SCHNEIDER WILLIAMS STATEMENT:
When my husband Robin Williams died, the whole world grieved. It’s enough to grieve personally over this type of loss, and then to have the entire world grieving with you—that pushed it into a different realm altogether. Robin was one of the most beloved artists in the world, a comic genius, whose mind functioned on a mighty level. Yet in the end, it was a little known disease in his beautifully gifted brain that became his greatest and final battle.
During the last year of his life, Robin was confronted with anxiety, paranoia, insomnia, scary altered realities and a roller coaster of hope and despair. With our medical team’s care we chased a relentless parade of symptoms but with very little gain. It wasn’t until after Robin’s passing, in autopsy, that the source of his terror was revealed: he had diffuse Lewy body disease. It was one of the worst cases medical professionals had seen.
Armed with the name of a brain disease I’d never heard of, I set out on a mission to understand it, and that led me down my unchosen path of advocacy. With invaluable help from leading medical experts, I saw that what Robin and I had gone through, finally made sense — our experience matched up with the science. And what I discovered along the way was bigger than me, and bigger than Robin. The full story was revealed during the making of this film and it holds the truth that Robin and I had been searching for.
Robin’s Wish is Robin’s story, it’s our story, and in some ways it’s a universal one — as we all understand what it means to search for answers, to experience love and loss and the power of healing that keeps us going.
Finally, a note about the film title: Robin wanted to help all of us be less afraid. That was Robin’s wish. We had been discussing what we wanted our legacies to be in life; when it was our time to go, how we wanted to have made people feel. Without missing a beat, Robin said, “I want to help people be less afraid.”
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT:
Robin’s Wish is the retelling of an ending to a story that was never done the justice it deserved. Robin Williams was very much an influence on my life and so when he passed with such violence and general uncertainty it affected me deeply. However, like most people, I quickly buried that uncertainty as I went about my life, too busy with my day to day affairs to treat the questions around Robin’s passing as much more than a place I’d rather not go — telling myself instead that I would remember him only as the man who made me laugh and feel so much in my life. This process of denial of Robin as a man instead of a string of characters was interrupted when his widow, Susan, reached out to me to ask if I’d have any interest in making a science documentary about a neurological disease I’d never heard of — Lewy body dementia. I told her no, and that it would take years until we’d be sitting in a theater and watching any movie I agreed to make, so I asked her what would sustain her in that. She began telling me about herself and Robin, and what they went through in the last year and a half of his life. I told her if that was the film, I was in.
What followed was years of tracking down the facts of Robin’s case from his friends, neighbors, co-workers, widow and medical professionals that gave me a clear view of a compelling story I’d never heard before about one of the greatest entertainers to ever live. In the end I think we’ve done the work of restoring a legacy that had been tainted by a fundamental misunderstanding. It was in the spirit of completing the record, and honoring Robin with giving the world the truth of what took him from us that I think this film shines, and can serve as a moment for the world to look deeper into this beautiful man’s story. It is a moment for us to understand the pain he felt as his talents and faculties rapidly slipped away, and moreover how in the face of that terrifying reality, he was more heroic, more compassionate than any character he ever played in any of his movies. So I hope this film rights a wrong that was done to him, and takes away a cloud that has unjustly hung over his legacy for far too long.
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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