[The Old Donkey] recollects the meaning of land to an older generation of Chinese who lived through rough patches of history. 84-year-old rural villager Old Ma is also called “Old Donkey” for his habit of riding a donkey at all times. His belief that his respect of elders would ensure the future support of his offspring has been proven false. His adult children left the town and show no respect to their father. All he has is his land and his donkey. Since the Chinese government allowed the land use right in 1982, Old Ma is convinced that it is his duty as a farmer to tender the land until his death. A barren land that harbors the graves of his own parents is his flesh and blood, a belief yet again betrayed by development. A wave of industrialization forces Old Donkey off of his land, and he eventually dies of illnesses that he can’t afford treatment for. The donkey is sold out. Director Li Rui Jun pays homage to and shows solidarity with the old generation that has suffered for duty and responsibility yet secured nothing in return. (KIM Ji-seok)