Not One Less

1999

1h 46m

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

184

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2 Videos

17 Images

Drama

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.

Directors

Zhang Yimou

Writers

Xiangsheng Shi(writer by)

Stars

Wei Minzhi

Zhang Huike

Tian Zhenda

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Videos2

Trailer
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Trailer
Watch Not One Less (1999) - Check Trailer

Photos17

Top cast

Village Chief

Teacher Gao

TV Receptionist

TV Host

Mr. Zhang

Brick Factory Owner

Zhang Huike's Mother

Bus Station Man

TV Station Manager

Train Station Announcer

Wang Shulan

Stationery Store Clerk

Fu Xinmin

TV Station Director

Bai Mei

Juxin Restaurant Manager

Zhang Mingshan

Student

Jiao Jie

Student

Directors

Zhang Yimou

Writers

Xiangsheng Shi(writer by)

All cast & crew

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User reviews1

Review

Featured review

9/10

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)

Alunauwie12 Sep, 2025