Not One Less
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.
Critics Sentiment
Zhang Huike sees the TV show while begging for food
Wei struggles with classroom management and student rapport
The film builds from Wei's early teaching struggles to the emotional peak of Zhang seeing her TV broadcast appeal
The film starts modestly with Wei's inexperienced teaching but builds steadily through her determined journey to find Zhang. Critics consistently praised Wei's authentic performance and Zhang Yimou's direction of non-professional actors, with the emotional climax during the TV broadcast sequence earning the highest praise. While some found the pacing slow and premise implausible, most reviewers appreciated the film's heart, authenticity, and important message about rural education.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 24
Wei Minzhi
Wei Minzhi
Zhang Huike
Zhang Huike
Tian Zhenda
Village Chief
Gao Enman
Teacher Gao
Sun Zhimei
Sun Zhimei
Feng Yuying
TV Receptionist
Li Fanfan
TV Host
Zhang Yichang
Mr. Zhang
Zhanqing Xu
Brick Factory Owner
Liu Hanzhi
Zhang Huike's Mother
Ma Guolin
Bus Station Man
Wu Wanlu
TV Station Manager
Ru Liu
Train Station Announcer
Wang Shulan
Stationery Store Clerk
Fu Xinmin
TV Station Director
Bai Mei
Juxin Restaurant Manager
Zhang Mingshan
Student
Jiao Jie
Student
Rong Huimin
Student
Sun Zhiwei
Student
Crew
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