Rent Not One Less (1999)

Extremely high quality acting from the young cast and direction from Zhang Yimou. - Not One Less review by Piehawker

Another excellent drama from Zhang Yimou who gets fantastic and natural performances from the children. The film is emotional and dramatic, whilst any sense of sentimentality. There is some stunning cinematography and although the film doesn't having a driving propulsive narrative, I found it captivating.

There is a harsh and authentic look at rural schooling, the rationing of the chalk and a 13 year old being put in charge as a substitute, and the film doesn't shy away from the poverty and hardships. However there is a warmth and defiance in the spirits of the characters (especially Wei as a girl forced to grow up quickly when thrust into the city) and the ending was moving and emotional without being excessive or mawkish.

I've not seen a Zhang Yimou directed film that hasn't had an extremely high standard of craft and quality, and this definitely one of his lighter warmer films than say Shanghai Triad or Raise the Red Lantern which are masterpieces, but quite heavy and tonally grim. This has a more fairytale magical feel (which being very grounded and down to earth) with Wei almost on a small scale but significant heroes journey. Highly recommended.