Watch Mr. Donkey

Mr. Donkey is a 2016 Chinese comedy-drama film directed by Lu Liu. The movie is set in a small village in China, where a hapless middle-aged man, Zhao Li, is working as a school security guard. Zhao Li is struggling to make ends meet and has no prospects for the future. One day, a film crew arrives in the village to shoot a movie, and they are looking for a donkey to star in their film. They choose Zhao Li's stubborn and difficult donkey, whom he affectionately calls Mr. Donkey. Zhao Li is reluctant to part with Mr. Donkey, as he is his only source of income, but he eventually agrees to let the film crew use the donkey.

As shooting progresses, Zhao Li becomes enamored with the glamorous world of movies and dreams of becoming a famous actor himself. He begins fantasizing about making it big in the film industry, and he even starts dressing up in elaborate costumes and performing silly skits for his fellow villagers.

However, as the film crew wraps up production and prepares to leave the village, Zhao Li realizes that he has been duped. The film crew has no intention of paying him for the use of Mr. Donkey and has vanished without a trace. Zhao Li is left feeling bitter and betrayed, and he sets out to track down the film crew and demand compensation.

Along the way, Zhao Li meets a cast of quirky characters, including a streetwise young man named Dark Face and a lonely waitress named Xixi. Together, they embark on a hilarious adventure through the city as they try to locate the film crew and get Zhao Li's rightful payment.

The movie is a brilliant blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt drama. The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly that of Suxi Ren, who delivers a nuanced, deeply moving portrayal of Zhao Li. Li Da and Shuailiang Liu also shine in their respective roles as Dark Face and Xixi.

The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing both the beauty of the Chinese countryside and the chaotic energy of the city. The score is also exceptional, with a mix of traditional Chinese music and more modern pieces that perfectly capture the film's themes of tradition versus modernity.

Overall, Mr. Donkey is a charming, funny, and poignant movie that will leave viewers laughing and crying in equal measure. It's a must-see for anyone who loves a good comedy-drama with heart.

Mr. Donkey is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.