Language of Film Review

Language of Film Review
A review should include:

⌘ An introduction
‐ Facts and background information concerning the film, such as
the title
the name of the artists or actors and actresses
the name of the director
the type of movie
the place where the story in the film happens ( i.e. the setting )
⌘ A main body
‐ Usually make up of 2 paragraphs:
1st – describing the main features of the plot ( or summary of the story in the
film ) 2nd – general comments and opinions on
‐the acting
‐the music
‐the photography
‐the colour / animation ( if it is a cartoon )
‐the setting
‐the costumes
‐special effects ( e.g. sci‐fi movies)
⌘ A conclusion
‐ Include a recommendation and reasons why you recommend the film
Reviews are normally found in newspapers, magazines or as part of a letter.

The style used depends on the intended readers. Therefore, it can be semi‐formal or
formal. Present tenses are normally used.
A variety of adjectives are used to make the review more interesting to readers.
Formal film reviews should see a frequent use of passive voice. In a formal review, there should be
no short forms of words.
Useful Language : vocabulary / phrases / expressions

Background
‐ The film is set in …
‐ This fascinating film is…
‐ This film originates from a novel named …
‐ The film is directed by…
‐ The film is based on a novel / a real life story of a…
‐ This is a comedy / horror film / love story / cartoon / science fiction movie / war film / Kung
Fu film /an action film/ a thriller / a spy movie /
Main points of the plot

‐ The plot focuses on…
‐ The story begins / concerns about / is about…
‐ The plot / story has a twist in …
‐ The film reaches a climax when…
‐ The plot is absolutely thrilling / exciting / fascinating / touching / romantic / surprising…
General comments and opinions

‐ It is rather confusing / long / slow / boring
‐ The cast is excellent / weak / awful / unconvincing
‐ The script/ story is dull / clever / exciting
‐ It has a tragic / surprising / dramatic ending
‐ It does not come across as true / convincing
‐ The music / sound effect is dull / rich
‐ It is a catchy tune as backing music
‐ The theme song is powerful / weak / satisfying
‐ The colour in the photography is natural / spectacular / dull / dark and
frightening ‐ The acting is true to life / powerful / natural
Useful recommendations
‐ Don’t miss it!
‐ It is well worth seeing!
‐ It will change the way you see ( e.g. young people) after watching this film.
‐ It is bound to be a box‐office hit.
‐ I highly / thoroughly / strongly recommend it.
‐ It is highly entertaining.
‐ It is certainly at the top of my list of good movies.
‐ Fans of … will no doubt be thrilled with this.
‐ It’s a must!
‐ I would not recommend this because…
‐ Wait until it comes out on video.
‐ It ‘s a boring movie. Don’t bother with this one.
‐ Only watch this film if you have plenty of time to spare.
Sample sentences
‐ ‘Star Wars’ has got spectacular special effects.
‐ It is worth watching for the dramatic scenery / acting of … alone.
‐ Thanks to the special effects, the action is totally believable.
‐ The film has such a tragic ending that you will leave the cinema in tears.
‐ Most of the film is rather boring, but it did have an interesting twist in the
end. ‐ ‘Elizabeth’ is a film based on the life of Queen Elizabeth I.
‐ The film ‘Gladiator’ has a large cast and spectacular costumes.
‐ The film is worth seeing. It will touch the hearts of many.
Sample Film Review

‘Erin Brockovich’ is a true story about one woman’s An introduction
courageous (adj) fight against the whole society. The film’s Facts and background
director is Steven Soderbergh, and the cast includes Julia information concerning the
Roberts as Erin Brockovich, a single mother of three, and Albert film, such as the title, the name
Finney as Ed Masry, her sympathetic (adj) lawyer and later her of the artists or actors and
boss. actresses, the name of the
director, the type of movie the
place where the story in the
film happens ( i.e. the setting )
Set in a small California town, the story begins when, after a car
accident leaves her with no money and no job, Erin begs Ed to main body
let her work at his law firm. While working there, she accidently Usually make up of 2 paragraphs:
(adv) comes across some medical files. Sensing that something is
not right, she convinces Ed to let her look into the matter. Soon, 1st – describing the main
Erin discovers that a power company has been polluting the features of the plot ( or
city’s water supply, causing many of its residents to develop summary of the story in the
serious (adj) illness. film )
The film is full of emotional (adj) moments as Erin wins the

trust (n.)of the suspicious(adj.) but frightened (adj.)local
citizens. The actors , especially Julia Roberts, who won the 2nd – general comments and
Oscar award for Best Actress, give moving ( adj.) and believable opinions on the acting
(adj.)
performances, and the directing is excellent (adj.).
This film is well worth(adj.) seeing. It will touch your heart

and make you cheer for ordinary (adj.) people like Erin. Don’t A conclusion
miss it! Include a recommendation
and reasons why you
recommend the film

Language of Film Review

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Language of Film Review

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Language of Film Review

A review should include:

Reviews are normally found in newspapers, magazines or as part of a letter.

Useful Language : vocabulary / phrases / expressions

Main points of the plot

General comments and opinions

Sample Film Review

The film is full of emotional (adj) moments as Erin wins the

This film is well worth(adj.) seeing. It will touch your heart

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