Julien Donkey-Boy

Synopsis

Julien Donkey-Boy is a 1999 drama film directed by Harmony Korine. The story follows Julien, a young man with mental illness, struggling to navigate his dysfunctional family and chaotic life. Shot in a raw and unconventional style, the movie delves into themes of alienation, family dynamics, and societal norms. Ewen Bremner delivers a powerful performance as Julien, capturing the character's inner turmoil and vulnerability. The film's fragmented narrative and experimental approach create a visceral and unsettling viewing experience, challenging audiences to confront the darker aspects of human nature. Julien Donkey-Boy is a poignant exploration of mental health and the complexities of family relationships.

Cast

• 

  Ewen Bremner

  Julien

• 

  Chloë Sevigny

  Pearl

• 

  Werner Herzog

  Father

• 

  Evan Neumann

  Chris

• Joyce Korine

  Grandmama

• 

  Alvin Law

  Card-Playing Neighbor

Reviews

Julien Donkey-Boy has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film's raw and unflinching portrayal of mental illness, others found it too disjointed and unsettling. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a rating of 29%, with the consensus stating that it is a challenging watch that may not be to everyone's taste. Metacritic scored Julien Donkey-Boy 52/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. IMDb users rated the film 6.7/10, with opinions ranging from admiration for its audacity to criticism for its lack of traditional narrative structure. Overall, the movie has polarized audiences, with some hailing it as a bold piece of artistic expression and others dismissing it as pretentious or gratuitous.