You are here:

Donkeys

Donkeys

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2010

Director

Morag McKinnon

Runtime

78 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Donkeys is a character study focused on the psychological journey of an aging man. It prioritizes the internal conflicts of legacy and health over broader social or systemic critiques. The film successfully humanizes a flawed protagonist, moving away from the cliché of the competent patriarch. However, the narrative lacks broad representation of different backgrounds, focusing instead on a singular, individualistic journey. Ultimately, the film operates within the realm of personal realism. It avoids identity-driven storytelling in favor of exploring the complexities of human fallibility and mortality.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Donkeys have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story centers on traditional interpersonal relationships and the protagonist's personal history rather than queer identity politics.

How does Donkeys portray gender?

Fair

The film presents a vulnerable, flawed patriarch, challenging traditional masculinity. While female characters are not deeply explored, the film moves away from idealized depictions of male authority.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Donkeys?

Fair

The film emphasizes individual psychological realism over a multi-ethnic cast. There is no evidence of diverse racial casting or broad representation of different backgrounds.

How does Donkeys represent religion and culture?

Fair

This is a humanistic drama centered on subjective morality without overt engagement with religious or cultural critiques.

Does Donkeys include disability representation?

Fair

A threat to the protagonist's health drives the plot and introduces themes of mortality. It remains unclear if this vulnerability provides character's ability to drive the story or serves as a plot device.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a nuanced portrayal of traditional masculinity through a vulnerable protagonist.
  • Provides deep psychological realism regarding aging and the complexities of human morality.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
  • Shows a lack of diverse racial and ethnic representation within the cast.
  • Does not engage with broader systemic or cultural critiques beyond personal drama.

Official Synopsis

Alfred is 64. He's lost touch with his family and a threat to his health makes him realise he wants to make amends. The more he tries to do right, the more he does wrong, and as his past comes back to haunt him, he is forced to face up to what his life means to him. Rounding Up Donkeys is the second film in Sigma and Zentropa's three feature film concept 'Advance Party'.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.