Donkeys is a dramedy film that features a dysfunctional family's journey to their patriarch's funeral in rural Wales. The film takes us through the concurrent stories of various characters who have volunteered to drive their unreliable vehicle across the country. The film stars Jack Ashton as Ryan, the eldest son of the deceased, and Craig Conway plays Des, who is responsible for organizing the funeral.
The plot of the movie revolves around the strained relationship between Ryan and his father. Ryan is a slightly polished Londoner who has long parted ways from his Welsh roots. He struggles to come to terms with his father's death and the fact that he is inheriting the family business, which he has always detested. On the other hand, Des is a rugged yet empathetic man, who forms an unlikely bond with Ryan throughout the journey.
While the family's primary goal is to reach the funeral on time, the numerous setbacks and encounters along the way help bring them closer. At the start of their journey, the family members bicker, argue and snipe at each other. However, as the journey progresses, they eventually help each other face their problems and begin healing the rifts that have been widening between them for years.
The film's primary focus is on the fascinating characters that inhabit it. The dynamics between the slow-witted, quiet and charming Welshman, Rhys, the brooding, arrogant Ryan, and the gentle, yet sarcastic Polish migrant, Sasha, allows for some entertaining and emotional interplay as they try to negotiate their way through the tough terrain of rural Wales, all while coming to terms with their own inner demons.
The beautiful cinematography and the stunning Welsh landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop that stands in contrast to the ugly mood that permeates the film at the beginning. The beautiful landscapes and the slow pace afford the characters some much-needed time for introspection, as they contemplate their lives and the choices they've made. Ryan, in particular, finds himself making crucial decisions as he comes face to face with the responsibilities that come with his inheritance.
While the genre of the film can be considered a tragicomedy or a dramedy, the film perfectly balances humor and poignancy. The film takes up serious topics like cultural clashes, depression, and family feuds, but it handles them with care and sensitivity.
The ending is poignant and fitting, as the various characters emerge from their journey with a newfound sense of solidarity and purpose. They may not have realized it when they first set out, but the journey to the funeral wasn't just about saying goodbye to their father but also about coming to terms with their own issues and reconciling with each other.
In Conclusion, Donkeys is an immersive and heartwarming film, with well-written and well-rounded characters, stunning landscapes of Wales and a sense of humor that makes it worth a watch. The movie teaches us that even in the face of trying times, we can come together to help each other face our demons and emerge stronger, united, and ready to take on what life throws at us.
Donkeys is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 21 hours.
