Not One Less

Unrated

1/21/20001h 46m

Premiere Release (US)

~ In her village, she was the teacher. In the city, she discovered how much she had to learn. ~

Overview:

Set in the People's Republic of China during the 1990s, the film centers on a 13-year-old substitute teacher, Wei Minzhi, in the Chinese countryside. Called in to substitute for a village teacher for one month, Wei is told not to lose any students.

Director:

Zhang Yimou

Status:

Released

Language:

Mandarin

Buget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Key words:

class
village
mayor
mountain
promise
teacher
money
food
chalk

Cast

Wei Minzhi

~ as ~

Wei Minzhi

Zhang Huike

~ as ~

Zhang Huike

Tian Zhenda

~ as ~

Village Chief

Gao Enman

~ as ~

Teacher Gao

Sun Zhimei

~ as ~

Sun Zhimei

Feng Yuying

~ as ~

TV Receptionist

Li Fanfan

~ as ~

TV Host

Zhang Yichang

~ as ~

Mr. Zhang

Zhanqing Xu

~ as ~

Brick Factory Owner

Liu Hanzhi

~ as ~

Zhang Huike's Mother

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

A
Alunauwie
Written 3 month(s) ago
9
The film Not One Less, adapted from Shi Xiansheng’s 1997 story A Sun in the Sky, highlights the real-life struggles of providing education in rural China during the 1990s. With a focus on the nation’s compulsory nine-year education policy, it brings attention to children who are forced to drop out due to poverty and work obligations. This issue remains relevant today, with dropout rates still present in many parts of the world, including Indonesia.

Director Zhang Yimou used non-professional actors in their real-life roles, making the film’s emotional depth feel raw and authentic. Wei Minzhi’s portrayal as a determined substitute teacher stands out for her effort and realism, including unscripted moments like falling while chasing a vehicle. The linear plot and straightforward dialogue enhance the film’s sincerity and relatability.

Beyond its awards and acclaim, the film delivers a strong message on the importance of equal access to education. It emphasizes that the responsibility to support children's learning doesn’t rest solely on governments. As members of society, we all have a role in ensuring education reaches even the most remote communities.

Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)