Directed by : Jerzy Skolimowski

Did I just save you, or have I stolen you?

A still from the movie 'EO'

Spoilers ahead... 


Tells the story of a donkey, EO, who goes through a journey of meeting new people, both good and bad, that treat him differently. 

The narrative throughout follows the point of view of EO, who isn't given dialogues to express his feelings which I assume was done to keep the movie more realistic. That approach doesn't fully work, there are places where I would had enjoyed EO speak out his mind, or say something sarcastic or anything funny. 

It was really hard to enjoy a movie that doesn't balance the violent act, felt like I was watching one of those black slaves based movie who are treated poorly by white people. Similarly, EO on his numerous journeys comes across just 2 good people and rest were all either abusive or treated him like he means nothing to them. I had trouble watching the scene where he is badly beaten by a group of men who believe he was the reason they lost a football match. I am not saying these people don't exist, infact it shows the harsh reality of the humans who actually do behave like this not just to a donkey but other animals too.

This makes me recall Dog's Journey movie, which was also about how a dog meets different owners or how his life was when he was a street dog, there was a total balance in there, we saw both good and bad aspects of being an animal depending on what kind of human you end up with. Most importantly, it was fun and at places heartbreaking, and we knew all the while what the dog was feeling with his voiceover. 

Had there even been one interesting human character, the film may have upped a notch atleast. I don't understand what was the point of Isabelle Huppert's special appearance, felt so wasted and of no importance to the plot. The actor playing his step-son did provide much wanted humor. 

Themes of Animal rights and class division are also briefly explored. We see how a circus is banned for exploiting animals and the animals are freed only to be sent to another place for use i.e for being exploited again by the rich people. Then, at a stable we see the different treatment EO gets in comparison to a well treated horse. 

What's worth applauding here is the sound design and the visuals that gets your attention all the while. If only there was more depth to the storytelling, it would had worked better. Even the final ending message I felt should be given right at the start.. and well the violent ending just summarizes the whole movie. 

Overall, EO would work only if you are okay watching life of donkey being totally miserable and full of pain with good moments lasting for a very short while. I certainly wasn't. 

My Rating : 4/10