Writing a film review
Achievement Standard 2.2
Writing a film review
Films are an important part of our
lives, both as the focus of social
events and as texts produced by
our culture. Films, like other media
texts, are a means by which
culture is both transmitted and
shaped. Much of our talk about
film is quite superficial but, as part
of the conversations we are
constantly engaged in, film
reviews attempt to add some
depth to the discussion.
Writing a film review
Film reviews are intended to
provide us with an opinion on the
worth of the film so that we can
make a decision about whether to
view it or not.
A well constructed review should
provide some basic information
about the plot, the characters and
the actors, also offering a personal
response to the film and making a
reasoned recommendation to
others.
Writing a film review
Reviews vary widely. Some
reviewers use a journalistic style.
Others have a distinctive personal
style and speak strongly in their
own ‘voice’.
Before you begin writing your own
reviews you could read the reviews
in a number of local and overseas
newspapers and magazines. This
will give you an idea of the range
of approaches and styles used by
reviewers.
Writing a film review
Achievement 2.2 is a
transactional writing standard
worth 3 credits. For this task
you will write a film review of
about 500 words on
Schindler’s List. The review
will be suitable for publication
in a school newspaper, with a
readership of Year 12 students
and your teacher.
Writing a film review
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You will be assessed
on how well you:
express, develop and
support your opinions
about the film
your ability to use a
writing style suitable
to the task and
audience
how well you
organise your
material
your accuracy in
spelling, punctuation,
grammar, syntax,
paragraphing.
How to organise a review
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Introduction should include:
The title and director
The film genre
Write about three sentences
describing where the film was
set and what the film is about.
Give some idea of what happens in
the film without giving away all the
details of the climax or ending.
Your introduction could include
your overall opinion of the film and
may include an important quote.
How to organise a review
Second paragraph should
include:
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Write briefly about the key
storyline details.
Mention the names of the
important characters [and the
actors who play them-either in this
paragraph or in the introduction]?
How to organise a review
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Third, Fourth and Fifth
paragraphs include:
Three aspects of the film that
stood out for you.
Write about different aspects of
the film in separate paragraphs.
Choose three aspects*.
In each paragraph, use one or
two specific examples to
support your comments.
How to organise a review
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Aspects* of the film to
write about:
Music; sound effects
Filming; camerawork
[cinematography]
Costumes; set
Acting
How to organise a review
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Conclusion should include:
Write about an important idea or
theme that the film
emphasised.
Give a final opinion of the film. Say
whether you liked the film, whom
you would recommend it to and
why. Justify your comments.
E.g. “I liked it because…”
“If you are the sort of person who
likes…”