WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Up against the ropes. Equated primarily with boxing or MMA, this phrase actually transcends its typical use and can be applied to any situation where it seems solutions being sought are elusive, if not impossible. However, it is IN the face of such daunting odds that those who refuse to give in rise up. Not wishing to take the path MOST trodden, they will strive to excel and bring answers others might shun. Then, it comes down to whether those “others” are willing to accept it.
The year is 1910, and the Manchurian Plague’s impact engulfs a now illness-ravaged country. Young, Western-educated Chinese doctor Wu Lien-teh (Chris Pang) desperately attempts to find the resolution evading them. Even as elements from the East and West strictly adhere to traditional thinking about what the cause and cure might be, Dr. Wu stands firm in his findings–but to what end, and at what potential cost?
Next, my Mind:
The history of lingering prejudice, closed minds, ingrained traditionalism, fear-driven doubts, and possessing an undeterred, stalwart belief in one’s ability to discover the truth all find themselves at odds in the heart of a devastating pandemic through this 28-minute Oscar qualifying short film from writer/director/executive producer Robin Wang, writer/producer Jesse Parker Aultman, producers Aslan Dalgic, Chirsten Vanderbilt Ellis, and Lilith Mo, co-producer Yuqian Cao, plus executive producers Lameng Bei, Ellen Eliasoph, Joshua Powell, Nicholas Pudjarminta, Robin D. Stanton, and Saud Al Thanj. Addressed in context of a circumstance we can more than relate to in wake of recent experiences with a global-spanning viral outbreak, total relevancy of the battle between those who believe the past is the teacher vs. acknowledging the reality of innovations arriving that require refreshed perspectives stands firmly, impactfully, and resolutely here.
With a narrative that finds its footing via the true story of the Manchurian Plague and the intrepid doctor who defies all skepticisms aimed at him from both Eastern and Western sources in order to maintain his newly minted findings that would change the very face of medicine when combating the type of illness in question, it deftly illustrates dogged perseverance in the scope of an otherwise relentlessly daunting actuality. The sheer magnitude of the virus’ ominous insidiousness and one hundred percent mortality rate is alone haunting and unnerving when you put yourself in the time it was taking place. Then, watching as those in charge display a complete and, honestly, damaging inflexibility when provided a potential viewpoint that conflicts with their own innate beliefs and practices is likewise jarring in its unforgiving “verity” they so deeply believe is valid.
Furthermore, to also witness someone “daring” to go against all of it, effectively labeled a medical heretic not worthy to BE listened to, accused of bringing “Western devilry” to his research, and that he’s nothing more than an “advisor” with no regard for his own country, conventions, or people, is equally compelling, providing the atmosphere of tension, rashness, and discriminatory discontent the film purposefully thrives on in order to showcase the attempted foil for the primary protagonist it’s meant to be. This becomes the springboard, however, for a seriously inspiring foray into the heart and soul of a human being wanting to affect revolutionary change for the sake of not JUST his own people’s immediate need, but for ALL people, and is willing to risk it all for the sake of proving his methods and their associated findings.
An unwavering tapestry of trial vs. triumph is portrayed excellently, not shying away from showing that those who DO change the world are very often those who went AGAINST the flow, even when those who insist currently established ways are the solution even when they clearly AREN’T. Political boundaries and how those are both crossed and overcome get tackled here as well, and the shifting of mentalities likewise has its time on screen through an expected but still fantastically cathartic finale, depicting that pushing through is SO important in the face of intolerance, much less how one of the biggest takeaways from the breakthroughs shown is VERY relatable in today’s world. I also feel that the lessons about being resistant to a fault when it comes to anything we are seeking a resolution for that will only come to pass when a newer concept is introduced, especially a PROVEN one, is something this world currently needs to embrace FAR more.
Pang beautifully conveys the energy, passion, and utter unwillingness to give in to those who refuse to bow to any ideas other than their own through his performance here as Dr. Wu Lien-teh, a physician unquestionably dedicated to his country, its people, and to turning up a solution to a present crisis that threatens to engulf others beyond their borders. Encountering the withering and humiliating bigotries, both professional and personal, from those he only sees as his peers and colleagues, Dr. Wu strides forth to make his experiments and the resolutions it affords made known, regardless of the cost. It’s a superb portrayal of human ingenuity, spirit, and resilience even in the face of such blatant inequity and a seemingly unconquerable medical dilemma, and how Pang chooses to embody the conflict, frustration, yet unyielding fortitude shown through Dr. Wu’s character is noteworthy and admirable.
Primary supporting turns arrive first from Jim Lau as Dr. Wu’s superior, Master Yao Shi-jie, whose inability to even acknowledge must less endorse OR embrace his ward’s ideas is both heartbreaking and angering. Even as events continue, whether Master Yao will EVER be open to the changes Dr. Wu’s methodology, proposals, and verdicts engender remains a question, and Lau’s performance is very emotionally-charged, believable, and a credit to the actor’s ability to create a character you both feel sorry for and dislike at the same time. Albert Kuo is Lim Chia-Swee, Dr. Wu’s main right hand assistant who becomes both a cautionary and, initially, hesitantly supportive voice for Dr. Wu’s plans to find the means to combat the virus creating so much chaos. Michael Monasterio plays Dr. Gérald Mesny, a respected foreign doctor who SEEMS to be the source of solution, yet grows defensive and offensive towards Dr. Wu when his ideas are presented at a conference of experts. Again, a total credit to Mesny as well for being a tragic character we love to hate and hope, in some form, “gets his”, yet don’t want to see his close-mindedness win out.
Andy Sun appears as Viceroy Xiliang, the main representative for China at the medical summit Dr. Wu is trying to convince attendees of his theories, and who becomes another voice of dissent at first, but may end up being won over should Dr. Wu be successful. Beryl Liu is Nurse Wang Xiao-yu, one of Master Yao’s main assistants whose own fears and hesitations about the treatment plans for the patients in need could also cost her more than she realizes. Peter Larney is General Hornet, a Russian officer overseeing the medical summit seeking the answers for the possible spread of the plague into both Russian and China. Kaixiang Zhang is Nurse Xia Cheng-zhi. Normally I would attempt to list the additional supporting actors in a film, but admittedly, they are so numerous in this effort, space and review length is at a premium. To ALL the supporting cast, please know you are sincerely appreciated and I still give you full credit for your performances.
So, in total, “Neither Donkey Nor Horse” unveils its period of history with candidly realistic, wholly raw emotive power and intent, outlining the harsh realities of pneumonic illnesses against the equally grating specters of prejudice, trepidation, and non-understanding in the face of unprecedented innovation. One hopes it stands as a lesson to us all about having a far more conspicuous openness to new ideas that can, HAVE, and/or will genuinely benefit humanity. Otherwise, who’s to say how much we might lose out to that we don’t understand yet remain too stubborn to admit it?
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
