Movie Review: Not One Less

Story: If this film is a precursor of the quality of cinema for the coming year, I am indeed, a very happy camper. I loved this movie! Director Zhang Yimou (Chinese film maker extraordinaire - whose films were banned in China in the 80's and was prohibited from making films in China from '94 -'99) whose previous credits include Raise the Red Lantern, To Live, Red Sorghum and The Story of Qui Jou. All of his previous brilliant efforts were inspired by his star and muse, the beautiful Gong Li. This is his first film since their break up and it is simply a treat. Basically the story of a 13 year old girl who becomes the substitute teacher of a class of 28 primary students, residing in a small, rural province in China. She is promised a bonus, if, when the regular teacher returns in a month all 28 students are still enrolled - Not One Less! Sounds simple and Yimou, using no professional actors tells a wonderful story of grit, determination, scarcity, truth, naivety, willfulness, innocence, love and triumph of the human spirit. It gets a bit sappy (let's face it - it is filled with a class full of adorable children) and a bit preachy at the end, but I still didn't care. Go - you'll feel good about yourself!

Acting: All nonprofessionals - all naturals- all terrific.

Pets: I saw a donkey wandering around the fields.

Visual Art: None

Soundtrack: I didn't notice.

Sappy Factor: 4

Quirky Meter: 4

Tissue Usage: 1 (see Sappy Factor above).

Length: A perfect 106 minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 9