Structure of an Analytical Film Review
An analytical film review typically has the following structure. Do check with your teacher to see if there are any special requirements or expectations for your assignment.
Key parts of the analytical film review are explained further below:
Introduction
In the Introduction you can:
- Catch the reader’s attention with a “hook”*
- Give brief relevant information about the film. This may include the title, director, key actor(s), year of release, genre, etc.
- Justify the choice of film due to its significance or scope
- State the focus area of the film review
- Preview the content of the review (optional)
Synopsis
In the synopsis (or summary) of the film, you can:
- Briefly summarise the main points and purpose of the film.
- Focus also on the ideas and themes you will discuss and evaluate later.
Keep this section brief, perhaps one paragraph of 100-300 words. Expect that the reader has already seen the film; a long and detailed description is unnecessary.
Body paragraphs
This is main part of your review. You should write several body paragraphs which:
- Analyse and explain your ideas regarding the focus area of the film which you chose
- Elaborate on the points of your analysis.
This structure can be used to build strong paragraphs:
Example body paragraph:
Conclusion and recommendation
In your final paragraph, you can:
- Restate the focus of the review
- Give your overall assessment of the work, supported by reasons
- Give your overall recommendation for other viewers
About this website
EWRite is an open access online literacy platform for PolyU community that has two major objectives:
- to support PolyU students’ literacy development within and across the disciplines
- to support subject and language teachers to implement system-level measures for integrating literacy-sensitive pedagogies across the university
This platform provides access to generic genre guides representing typical university assignments as well as links to subjects offered by faculties with specific disciplinary genres and relevant support materials.
The materials can be retrieved by students by choosing the genres that interest them on the landing page. Each set of materials includes a genre guide, genre video, and a genre checklist. The genre guide and video are to summarize the genres in two different ways (i.e. textual and dynamic) to fit different learning styles. The genre checklist is for students to self-regulate their writing process. The genre guide and checklist include links to various ELC resources that can provide further explanation to language items (e.g. hedging and academic vocabulary).
The platform also acts as a one-stop-shop for writing resources for students, language teachers and subject leaders. Information about the English Writing Requirement policy can also be found on this platform. There are training materials for new colleagues joining the EWR Liaison Team.
