Justin He Talks Transformation in ‘‘Neither Donkey Nor Horse’’
Los Angeles–based actor Justin He continues to build a dynamic body of work that spans genres, cultures, and performance styles, where he brings both precision and emotional depth to his roles. In the award-winning historical drama ‘Neither Donkey Nor Horse’, directed by Robin Wang, He steps into a haunting portrayal set during one of the deadliest epidemics of the early 20th century. In this feature, He reflects on the immersive production, the physical demands of the role, and the powerful resonance between past and present.
Welcome Justin! What is ‘Neither Donkey Nor Horse’ about?
Welcome Justin! What is ‘Neither Donkey Nor Horse’ about?‘Neither Donkey Nor Horse’ is a historical drama set during the 1910 Manchurian Plague. The story follows a young Chinese doctor who must overcome prejudice from both Eastern and Western perspectives in order to champion his groundbreaking theory about the disease.
At its core, the film is about truth, resilience, and the courage to challenge established beliefs in order to save lives. It blends elements of biography, drama, thriller, and history, creating a story that feels both intimate and globally significant.
What was your first impression stepping onto the set?
I still vividly remember my first day on set, even two years later. The production design team transformed a warehouse in the Art District of Downtown Los Angeles into a 1900s village hospital in northeastern China. It was honestly magical.
Many of us were dressed in period villager costumes, and it felt like I had stepped into a historical Chinese drama I had only ever seen on television growing up. With a predominantly ethnically Chinese cast and crew, there was a strong sense of familiarity, almost like being back home in China, even though we were in Los Angeles.
At the same time, the period setting created this strange separation from the modern world. It felt like I had traveled back in time. That mix of comfort and displacement made the experience incredibly unique.
You were working alongside some incredible actors on this project. What was that like?
It was a real honor. This project was filmed during the SAG-AFTRA strike, so having the opportunity to work with recognizable union actors like Chris Pang and Jim Lau, who have careers spanning more than four decades, was something I deeply appreciated.
Watching them perform up close was a learning experience in itself. I also had the chance to work alongside USC-trained actors Beryl Liu and Kaixiang Zhang, whose stage work I had seen before. Being on set with them felt serendipitous, and it was fascinating to observe how their performances translated from stage to screen.
What role do you play in the film?
I play a ward patient suffering from the plague. My character’s condition deteriorates throughout the film, so my physical appearance had to evolve to reflect that progression. The role required me to focus heavily on physical acting, portraying pain, exhaustion, and decline in a way that felt authentic within the historical and emotional context of the story.
What were some of the biggest challenges during filming?
One of the biggest challenges was the special effects makeup. This was the most extensive makeup process I’ve ever experienced in my acting career.
Because my character’s illness worsens over time, I had to go through three stages of makeup. The first stage included rashes and blisters, the second added more detailed effects with airbrushing, and the final stage introduced a more severe, decaying look. Each stage took about an hour, so I would spend up to three hours in makeup before filming, and another hour removing it afterward.
Another challenge came during my close-up scene. It was late at night after I had been wearing the makeup for hours, and my eye contacts started to become uncomfortable and shift slightly. Despite that, with strong direction from Robin Wang, I was able to stay focused and deliver the performance. It ended up being a very valuable learning experience.
What was the atmosphere like on set, especially given the scale of the production?
The film was shot during the summer of 2023, and Los Angeles was extremely hot at the time. We had nearly a hundred cast and crew members inside a warehouse, and ironically, the scene we were filming was set in winter, so many of us were covered in heavy blankets. It could have been very uncomfortable, but thankfully there was strong air conditioning, and everyone stayed well hydrated. The production was well managed, and the atmosphere remained positive despite the scale and conditions.
Did the story resonate with you on a personal level?
Very much so. In 2023, the memory of COVID was still very fresh for all of us. Being on set with a large group of people, recreating a plague from over a century ago, made the experience feel incredibly relevant. It gave me a deeper understanding of what a “ground zero” situation might have looked like during the Manchurian Plague, and at the same time, it reminded me of how modern hospitals have faced similar challenges in recent years.
It really reinforced the idea that history repeats itself, and that overcoming large-scale crises is something that transcends time, cultures, and civilizations.
Were there any memorable or lighter moments behind the scenes?
Yes, there was a funny moment involving a scene where we used special-effects liquid to simulate patients coughing up blood and mucus. Since most of the cast spoke Chinese, I made a playful joke comparing the word for phlegm to a well-known Chinese instant noodle brand that sounds similar. It was definitely a bit of a risky joke, but it landed really well and got a big laugh from the cast and crew.
Moments like that helped break the tension and brought some levity to what was otherwise a very intense filming environment.
The film has already received significant recognition. Can you tell us more about that?
‘Neither Donkey Nor Horse’ has had an incredible reception so far. It won the Student Academy Award, which is a huge honor, and it has also received 15 additional accolades with over 20 nominations. More recently, the film was featured at the Cleveland International Film Festival and has been nominated for the 2025 Humanitas Prize for Best Short Film. It’s been amazing to see the project resonate with audiences and the industry alike.
How would you describe the kinds of projects you’re drawn to as an actor?
I’m always excited to take on new projects, but what matters most to me is the collaborative environment. When the entire cast and crew are working together as one, it creates a space where everyone can fully explore filmmaking as an art form. For me, that sense of unity and shared purpose is more important than any specific genre or style. When that’s present, the work becomes truly meaningful.
