1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

The text mentions that The Fifth Generation of Chinese cinema gravitated towards more
unconventional methods of film making. The Cultural Revolution helped produce a new vision
for the future of Chinese cinema. Zhang Yimou’s 1999 film Not One Less is a great piece that
exemplifies a clear arthouse influence.

The film is contains very realistic situations that portray many emotions without being over
sensationalized. Moments where the main character Wei Minzhi experiences frustration with
situations that make her new teaching job difficult are portrayed with sparse dialogue and
seemingly genuine body language. The entire ensemble carries a very natural feel that fortifies a
real sense of authenticity.

Not One Less depicts an impoverished farm village that desperately attempts to educate it’s
children by any means possible, even if it requires utilizing a teenager as a teacher. As stated in
the text, China suffered great hardship under communist rule during much of the later half of the
century. Although a change of ideology has developed better living situations, many still
struggled to succeed. This film could be a comment on the parts of the country that are
attempting to better themselves and have the discipline or will to thrive in an effort to better their
situation.

2) Find a related article and summarize the content.

A.O. Scott of The New York Times comments on the surface scarcity of the film and how it
actually provides nuanced detail. He even calls in to question if the cast is even acting, as the
portrayals seem very life like. The very steady crescendo to the apex of the film provides a
suspense that makes the Wei’s journey to retrieve the lost student that much more vindicating.

Scott also articulates how Wei’s perseverance is so strong that it almost seems to work against
her. Her innocent approach to solving her problems only seems to decrease her chances of
success. The young age of the character drives much of how the movie progresses.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.

The article was sufficient in pointing out how the realistic and bare feel of the film added to its
overall effectiveness. He even compares it to Vittorio De Sica's realist 1948 classic the Bicycle
Thief, which is known to have a cast of non-professional actors. This relates back to the Yimou’s
experience with the Cultural Revolution and utilizing untraditional forms of film making.

Overall, I support the articles analysis of the film and it further supported my thoughts on it. It’s
keen sense of realism and diligence remain strongly present throughout the film.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the
screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
This film achieved a great story with a stellar emphasis on patience. Yimou offers a much more
introspective side of China than most of the world is probably used to. Not One Less makes it
very apparent that a large budget or exaggerated productions values are not always necessary in
order to sustain a highly viable narrative. This is a great contribution to international cinema and
is worthy of the praise it has garnered.
Scott, A.O. “FILM REVIEW; A Substitute Teacher Is Put To The Test” The New York Time.
February 18, 2000. Web. April 4, 2018.

"FILM REVIEW; A Substitute Teacher Is Put To The Test"

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( X ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.
2) ( X ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly
explain that in the paper.
3) ( X ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used
indentation and citation within the text.
4) ( X ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in
the text of the paper.
5) ( X ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.
6) ( X ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I
cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.
7) ( X ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.
8) ( X ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research
and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Joseph Lanza Date: April 04, 2018