A Tale of Two Donkeys 2009
Set against the stark backdrop of Shanxi Province during China's Cultural Revolution, *A Tale of Two Donkeys (2009)* follows Ma Jie, a young intellectual exiled to the remote Beigao village.
Director: Dawei Li
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Tale of Two Donkeys (2009) about?
*A Tale of Two Donkeys* follows Ma Jie, a young intellectual sent to a mountain village during the Cultural Revolution. His assigned task of watching over livestock takes a surreal turn when he becomes embroiled in a comical yet telling battle against two stubborn donkeys, reflecting his own frustrations and the absurdity of his situation.
Who directed A Tale of Two Donkeys?
Dawei Li directed *A Tale of Two Donkeys (2009)*, marking his impressive feature debut with a story that blends dark comedy and quiet drama.
Who stars in A Tale of Two Donkeys?
The film stars Wen Zhang as the lead character Ma Jie, alongside Bai Jing and Yue Hong in pivotal roles.
Is A Tale of Two Donkeys (2009) worth watching?
While not widely rated, *A Tale of Two Donkeys* offers a unique take on historical drama, balancing humor and melancholy. Its minimalist storytelling and strong performances make it a compelling choice for fans of character-driven films with social undertones.
How long is A Tale of Two Donkeys?
The film runs for 98 minutes.
About A Tale of Two Donkeys (2009) — When a Cultural Revolution exile turns petty into profound
Set against the stark backdrop of Shanxi Province during China's Cultural Revolution, *A Tale of Two Donkeys (2009)* follows Ma Jie, a young intellectual exiled to the remote Beigao village. His mundane duty—tending to livestock—quickly curdles into obsession when he wages an absurdly personal "war" against a pair of stubborn donkeys. What begins as petty irritation spirals into a darkly comedic and poignant exploration of isolation, frustration, and the absurdity of powerlessness in a repressive era. Director Li Dawei crafts a striking feature debut, blending deadpan humor with quiet melancholy to transform a seemingly trivial conflict into a microcosm of societal struggle.
Wen Zhang delivers a standout performance as Ma Jie, anchoring the film's blend of humor and pathos with understated intensity. The rural setting amplifies the contrast between the protagonist's idealism and the harsh reality of his exile, while the donkeys become unwitting symbols of resistance and resilience. With its minimalist narrative and rich subtext, *A Tale of Two Donkeys* is a quietly bold film that lingers long after the credits roll.