A moving piece on the determination, the discipline and commitment of one. Me and the people I watched this with this afternoon have cast a cold eye in this but those who are rather more sentient cannot contain their weeping, especially in the very emotional "broadcast" sequence where the two shed their tears.
I found the story of how Teacher Gao values his "chalk" earlier a little overwrought though and trying too hard to be symbolic and cohesive with the film's theme of poverty. In the end we are forced to ponder on how we, the more priviledged in life have an obligation to be vigilant to those who are less fortunate.