If there’s one thing the history books have taught us is that humanity is far from being error-prone, especially when faced with the prospect of the unknown. People and the powers that be will do anything, clinging to their dated beliefs and dogma’s while their communities crumble under the weight of ignorance. Neither Donkey Nor Horse is an exploration of that theme. Set in the early 20th century China, director Robin Wang’s brilliant short film finds a resilient doctor combating the Great Manchurian Plague. The short made its premiere at Telluride, before going on to win the 51st Student Academy Award for Best Live Action Narrative.
Dr. Wu Lien-teh (Chris Pang) and his assistant Lim Chia-swee (Albert Kuo) are investigating an outbreak ahead of the Russian plague conference in rural Harbin. Time is of the essence as localities struggle to combat the quickly spreading sickness. Master Yao Shi-jie (Jim Lau) proposes more traditional cures to the council, while Western doctor Gerald Mesny (Michael Monasterio) believes it to be a flare-up of the bubonic plague. Dr. Wu is keen on proving that what they are fighting is possibly an airborne disease, and that face masks are the first step to conquering it. Ideologies and ego’s clash as Dr. Wu finds himself struggling to solve the medical mystery before its too late.
Films and television shows that dramatize the discovery of great ailments and morally corrupt people in high places are a popular subgenre these days. HBO’s hit series Chernobyl dealt with the infamous 1986 disaster, while earlier this year Lajos Koltai’s Semmelweis reenacted the revelations of Ignaz Semmelweis’ studies into puerperal fever. In both cases, the pushback from those higher-up were the crux of the drama. Much in the same vein, Neither Donkey Nor Horse finds Dr. Wu facing the scrutiny of both Chinese and foreign scientists. Master Yao and Viceroy Xiliang (Andy Sun) on one end, and Gerald Mesny on the other. The latter is Wu’s staunchest doubter, deflecting his theories and even forbidding him from any resources he may need to study the plague. Pang and Monasterio are excellent across the board and it’s a treat to see the two actors collide and offset each other whenever they do share the screen. Pang himself is compelling, allowing the audience to really sympathize with his character’s frustrations and good intentions. Then of course, there’s the good-hearted Lim played by a superbly cast Kuo, who’s right alongside Wu during his toughest tests.
The opening credits alone that illustrate the main title in traditional Chinese caligraphy are a work of art and the rest of the short follows suit. Sublimely edited and directed, history buffs will have a blast sinking their teeth into what Wang and co. have assembled here, and not just in the acting department. It’s an impactful, well-researched film that blows its competition out of the water as far as locations, costumes and overall production design go.
A triumph on every front, Neither Donkey Nor Horse raises the bar for period pieces of the short-form variety.
