How to Write a Film Review

How to Write a Film Review

Title: The simplest solution is to take the title of the film. Puns and allusions are more sophisticated and entertaining.

Introduction: You can start off with information about the film (e.g. financial aspects, awards, reviews) and/or the director (e.g. awards, former movies). Also quotes and/or anecdotes may catch the reader’s attention. You can also describe what you expected from the film.

Main part: Provide a brief summary of the plot. Make sure that your summary makes sense to a reader who does not know the movie. Do not refer to specific scenes. Is the plot interesting, believable or rather predictable?

Present the main actors and their characters and say something about their performance. If you like you may give reasons why you identify with a certain character. Are the actors believable and sym­pathetic?

State your opinion of the movie and give reasons for it. What are its strengths and weaknesses (camera, soundtrack etc.)?  Support your opinion with specific scenes.

You can relate the film to other well-known examples of its genre (thriller, comedy, drama etc.) and/or theme. What is unique about your film? Does it have a specific message? If so, do you agree with this message? In which respect is your film superior/inferior?

You can place the film in its cultural context and/or describe/speculate on the director’s intention and message.

Conclusion: Either recommend the film or advise against seeing it. Is this only a film for teenagers, women, young men? Take care that your final judgement is logically developed from what you have written before.