Writing About Film
Film Reviews
Film Review Guide: First Level
• Use the writing frame on the following slide to write a film review.
• These are your own opinions on the film. There are no wrong or right
answers.
• Think of your answers before writing. Do you need to make notes
first?
• You can watch parts of the film again to help you.
• Ask someone to check your work when you are finished. Look for any
mistakes in SPAG: Spelling, Punctuation, Paragraphs and Grammar.
A Film Review by ________________ Your five star rating:
Title: ____________________ Director: _____________
Plot What happens? Are there any plot twists? Characters Who are the main characters?
Did you find the plot interesting? Who was your favourite character? Why?
Your opinion Did you like the film? Recommend Who would you recommend this film
What was your favourite part? Why? to? Why?
Film Review Guide: Second Level
• The frame on the following slide will help you to write a film review.
• These are your own opinions on the film. There are no wrong or right
answers.
• Think of your answers before writing. Do you need to make notes
first?
• You can watch parts of the film again to help you.
• Ask someone to check your work when you are finished. Look for any
mistakes in SPAG: Spelling, Punctuation, Paragraphs and Grammar.
Film Review Guide: Second Level
PARAGRAPH 1: Introduction
• What is the title of the film?
• Who is the director of the film?
• When was the film released?
• Who are the stars of the film?
PARAGRAPH 2: Plot summary
• What are the main events in the film?
• Which moment in the film did you find
most interesting? Why?
PARAGRAPH 3: Character
• Who is the main character in the film?
What are they like? What is their life like?
• What is the most interesting or unusual
thing they do or say in the film?
• Would you want to meet this character?
Why/Why not?
Film Review Guide: Second Level
PARAGRAPH 4: Setting
• Where and when is the film set?
• Which setting do you think was the most
interesting?
• Would you want to visit this place?
Why/Why not?
PARAGRAPH 5: Film Techniques
• When in the film was there a clever use of
a filmmaking technique like colour,
costume, lighting, camerawork, editing,
music, sound effects...?
• What technique was used? What was so
good about it?
PARAGRAPH 6: Evaluation
• Did you like the film? Why/Why not?
(Give at least two reasons and try to use
interesting words to describe how
you feel.)
Film Review Guide: Third/Fourth Level
• The frame on the following slide will help you to write a film review
by guiding you through the process.
• This is your chance to share your own opinions on the film. There are
no wrong or right answers.
• You can write your ideas up as notes first if you like.
• Feel free to watch the film or parts of it again to help you.
• Remember to use the headings to keep your work in paragraphs.
• Check your work when you are finished for SPAG: Spelling,
Punctuation, Paragraphs and Grammar.
Film Review Guide: Third/Fourth Level
PARAGRAPH 1: Introduction PARAGRAPH 2: Plot summary
• Give the title of the film. • Explain what the main events in the film are.
• Say who the director of the film was. • State which moment in the film you found most interesting and why.
• Say when the film was released. • Explain why you think the film was made (e.g. to entertain; to educate;
• Explain why it might be an important film for people to watch. to make a profit; to provoke a reaction; to persuade someone of
something...)
PARAGRAPH 3: Character PARAGRAPH 4: Setting
• Explain who the main character in the film is. • Name the different settings seen in the film.
• Explain what we learn about the main character and their life. • Explain what impression you get of the settings.
• Give an example of something interesting or unusual they do or say in • Give an example of how the setting is made interesting in the film.
the film. • Explain what impression we get of a character’s life from the settings.
• Say whether you would want to get to know this character. Explain why • Say whether the film made you want to visit this place. Explain why you
you would/would not want to meet them. would/would not want to visit it.
• Say whether or not you think this character is realistic. Explain your
reasons with evidence from the film.
PARAGRAPH 5: Film Techniques PARAGRAPH 6: Evaluation
• Choose one scene or moment from the film that makes clever use of • Explain who you think the film was made for. Give evidence to support
filmmaking techniques: colour, costume, lighting, camerawork, editing, your answers.
music, sound effects... • What is the film’s theme? Give an example of how this is shown in the
• Describe what technique is used. film. Explain how this made you feel.
• Explain what effect that technique has on the film. Does it help you • Say whether you did or did not like the film.
understand a character better, make the moment shocking/sad/ • Explain why/why not, giving at least two reasons.
funny, affect you emotionally? • Try to use a range of adjectives to describe how you feel.
Film Review Guide: Senior Level
• Watch the film. Even if you’ve seen it before! Be focused and conscious. If you don’t understand
the film, you can’t analyse it - watch it again and/or research the meaning.
• Take notes. Record all noteworthy elements. Be meticulous - do not overlook anything.
• Research the film. Find out about the filmmaker, what prompted the making of the film,
characterisation, casting, location, historical events that led to the film, controversies…
• Analyse the film. Critically evaluate the film from beginning to end, noting every detail of what
does and doesn’t work.
• Present evidence. It is not enough to use general statements like “a fantastic movie,” “beautiful
set,” “excellent acting,” etc. Support any comment you make with evidence from the film.
• Remove yourself. The whole review is your opinion, so you don’t need to keep saying “I”. Instead
of saying, “I think the film is good”, say, “The film is good”.
• Proof-read. Check your SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation, Paragraphing and Grammar). Edit for clarity
and fluency - the golden rule is to omit unnecessary words.
Film Review Guide: Senior Level
Para 1: Make the opening engaging start.
Introduction Include important info (e.g. title, director, year released, relevant background info, key cast members…)
Para 2: Give a concise summary of the story for people who have yet to watch the film.
Plot Analyse the plot:
• mention any original elements/twists, engaging use of conventions, glaring inconsistencies/illogical parts…
Para 3: Mention any important info about them - political stance, background, controversies…
Filmmaker Connect this film to other movies the director has worked on, making comparisons.
Para 4: Choose two or three and state how effectively these are used to enrich the viewing experience:
Creative elements • lighting, costume, hair/make-up, characterisation, camerawork, dialogue, colour, mood/tone, symbols,
special effects, music, editing, sets, locations…
Para 5: Do any stand out – for good or bad reasons? Have the actors been appropriately cast in the role? Does
Actors anyone surprise with their performance, steal scenes - or ruin them?
Para 6: Relate the content of the film to a social or historical issue. Does it help or hinder a current issue (racism,
Significance sexism, politics…)? Is it historically accurate? Does this help or hinder the film?
Was it based on a book? What changes have been made? Is one better than the other?
Para 7: Comment on the originality – or lack thereof – of the film.
Conclusion If the film takes a conventional approach, does it feel fresh? Can the film still be enjoyed?
Resource
Credits
Resource developed by
Gail Robertson on behalf
of Screen Scotland.
For more information on
Film Education resources
and opportunities, go to
Home | Screen Scotland.
