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A Better Man

A exploration of self-discovery and the resilience needed to break free from the shadows of peer pressure.
5/5

Review

Tristen Pon and Dellin Zhang’s poignant coming-of-age drama, led by the stellar performance of Qingshi Meng as Seth, immerses viewers in the struggles of a young Asian-American navigating the complexities of peer pressure, self-esteem, and the search for identity. The narrative intricately explores Seth’s journey toward self-improvement, catalyzed by an unexpected encounter with a self-help guru, brilliantly portrayed through the lens of an apparition.

Blu Xu shines as Andrew, Seth’s unwaveringly supportive brother, adding depth to the emotional core of the film. The exploration of familial bonds and the challenges of breaking free from toxic friendships resonates powerfully. The film’s dual-language approach, incorporating English and Mandarin, adds an authentic layer to the storytelling, enriching the narrative with cultural nuances.

Aries Fung’s high-quality cinematography, characterized by beautiful framing and craftsmanship, elevates the visual experience, complemented by strong sound and editing. The film stands out as a well-crafted piece, delivering a touching and relatable story that captures the essence of adolescent struggles and the importance of genuine connections. Meng and Xu deliver strong acting performances, contributing to the overall emotional resonance of this beautifully made and authentic film.

Brief Synopsis

A misguided and purposeless Asian American teenager receives a magical bracelet from a popular “alpha male” self-help guru he admires to help him break free from his pushover nature. However, Seth faces strained relationships and a disconnect from his true self with the reliance of the bracelet’s powers. In this story, Seth must come to terms with embracing his own intuition in order to find genuine self-acceptance and purpose.
A Better Man Short Film

Spotlight

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Credits

Director(s): Dellin Zhang, Tristen Pon
Writer(s): Dellin Zhang, Tristen Pon
Cast: Benji Bellassai, Blaise Dunham, Blu Xu, David Staats, Luke Joyce, Qingshi Meng
Producer(s): Ari Turalba, Tristen Pon
Director of Photography: Aries Fung
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Country:
Language: ,
Year:
Runtime: 27 min

IMDb Page

Coming Soon

Recommended

Recommended

A Better Man

A exploration of self-discovery and the resilience needed to break free from the shadows of peer pressure.
5/5

Review

Tristen Pon and Dellin Zhang’s poignant coming-of-age drama, led by the stellar performance of Qingshi Meng as Seth, immerses viewers in the struggles of a young Asian-American navigating the complexities of peer pressure, self-esteem, and the search for identity. The narrative intricately explores Seth’s journey toward self-improvement, catalyzed by an unexpected encounter with a self-help guru, brilliantly portrayed through the lens of an apparition.

Blu Xu shines as Andrew, Seth’s unwaveringly supportive brother, adding depth to the emotional core of the film. The exploration of familial bonds and the challenges of breaking free from toxic friendships resonates powerfully. The film’s dual-language approach, incorporating English and Mandarin, adds an authentic layer to the storytelling, enriching the narrative with cultural nuances.

Aries Fung’s high-quality cinematography, characterized by beautiful framing and craftsmanship, elevates the visual experience, complemented by strong sound and editing. The film stands out as a well-crafted piece, delivering a touching and relatable story that captures the essence of adolescent struggles and the importance of genuine connections. Meng and Xu deliver strong acting performances, contributing to the overall emotional resonance of this beautifully made and authentic film.

Brief Synopsis

A misguided and purposeless Asian American teenager receives a magical bracelet from a popular “alpha male” self-help guru he admires to help him break free from his pushover nature. However, Seth faces strained relationships and a disconnect from his true self with the reliance of the bracelet’s powers. In this story, Seth must come to terms with embracing his own intuition in order to find genuine self-acceptance and purpose.
A Better Man Short Film

Credits

Director(s): Dellin Zhang, Tristen Pon
Writer(s): Dellin Zhang, Tristen Pon
Cast: Benji Bellassai, Blaise Dunham, Blu Xu, David Staats, Luke Joyce, Qingshi Meng
Producer(s): Ari Turalba, Tristen Pon
Director of Photography: Aries Fung
Animation:

Specifications

Genre: ,
Country:
Language: ,
Year:
Runtime: 27 min

IMDb Page

Coming Soon

Spotlight

No artists for this title have been featured on Spotlight.
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