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Example of a Film Review

Below, you will find an example of a film review. By clicking the expandable boxes you will find comments about the different parts of the review. We hope this will help you when you write a film review of your own.
Utsnitt fra filmen Sorry We Missed You
Ricky and Liza Jae enjoy a hopeful moment in the film Sorry We Missed You. Image: Norgesfilm AS, Scanbox Entertainment / Restricted right of use

The Dark Side of the Gig Economy

Comment:

Always have a title for your review, and try to make it more interesting than 'A Review of the Film Sorry We Missed You'.

The title is like an advertising poster selling your text to the reader, so make it both eye-catching and relevant.

Director Ken Loach once said "A movie isn't a political movement, a party, or even an article. At best it can add its voice to public outrage". In the film Sorry We Missed You from 2019, Loach focuses on why we should be outraged by the gig economy. Written by Paul Laverty and starring Kris Hitchens as Ricky Turner, Sorry We Missed You tells the story of a man who works as a self-employed delivery driver for a large company. The film explores how workers are being stripped of their rights under the guise of earning more freedom.

Comment:

In the introduction, the reviewer has used a quotation as a hook to get the reader's attention.

The introduction makes it clear what film is being reviewed, and it mentions the director, the writer, and the actor who plays the main role.

At the start of the film, Ricky persuades his wife, Abbie, to sell the family car so that he can afford to buy a delivery van. Abbie is reluctant, as she relies on the car for her job as a home health aide, but she is convinced by Ricky's assurances that by being self-employed, he will no longer be at the mercy of unreasonable bosses, and he will earn far more than before. The film goes on to explore the reality of what Ricky has taken on, and how it affects not just him and his wife, but also their two children, teenage boy Seb and younger sister Liza Jae.

Comment:

In the first paragraph, it is common to give some information about what the film is about.

Be careful that you don't give away too much so that the reader feels you have spoiled the film. On the other hand, make sure that you give enough information about the film to make the reader interested.

Anyone familiar with Ken Loach's work knows not to expect any kind of feel-good vibe. The mood of Sorry We Missed You is bleak and honest. The problems pile up for the family in a way that becomes almost claustrophobic for the viewer. At the same time, the problems seem realistic and not exaggerated in any way. These are all common issues for people with low income and not much job security. Viewers are left with a feeling of sadness for the characters and anger towards the system that allows this to happen.

Comment:

It is common in a review to look at elements and devices that are used. These will often be the same kind of elements and devices found in a short story or novel.

Here, the reviewer comments on the mood of the film.

The characters are very well written, and the audience is never in any doubt that they are watching real people. All the members of the family are portrayed honestly, showing both strengths and flaws. Ricky likes to drink, and he is hot tempered, but he loves his family deeply and works hard trying to secure a new life for them. Liza Jae is mature for her age, but also succumbs to fears and anxiety. Seb is a rebellious teenager, but when the chips are down, he is there for his father. Abbie can seem frail and defeatist, but she is able to deal with whatever is in front of her. The round characters add a great deal to the realism of the film.

Comment:

Here the reviewer focuses on the writing, especially the way the characters are created. The characters are described as 'round', meaning that they have different layers to their personality.

The excellent writing is brought to life by an impressive cast. The acting has an intense authenticity. Rhys Stone is especially good in the role of Seb, a clever teenage boy who bunks off from school because he doesn't believe getting an education will help him overcome the struggle he sees his parents are going through. Stone shows the right combination of lippy anger and deep vulnerability to fit the role. Debbie Honeywood is also memorable as Ricky's wife, who struggles to keep the family together while having to work long hours on a zero-hours contract. Honeywood brings a convincing brittle strength to the role.

Comment:

When you write a review, it is a good idea to explore elements and devices that are specific to film and not just comment on more general literary elements and devices. Here the reviewer comments on the acting.

The story is told without any frippery: no fancy camera angles, no soaring music. The family's life and problems are laid bare and hit us unfiltered, without commentary. The simple way this is filmed allows the viewer to draw their own conclusions. We realise how difficult it is to succeed and make a living in an economy where workers are sanctioned and have to pay fines if they need a day off sick or need time to care for a family member. We understand how difficult it is to have tight schedules, no fixed hours, and to lose income if anything goes wrong.

Comment:

In this paragraph, the reviewer focuses on cinematography. Here, the review could have been improved by looking specifically at how the camera and music is used in the film, rather than stating what is not there. However, the reviewer explains in a clear way the consequences of leaving these elements out.

This film will not be everyone's cup of tea. The way the problems build and build for Ricky does not allow for any kind of escape from reality. This is not a film you enjoy on a date night with popcorn and soda. This is a film you watch if you want insight into the reality of life for millions of people in the modern economy.

Comment:

Here, the reviewer comments on who the movie is for. It is not film as entertainment, but a film that tries to teach the audience something. Without stating it explicitly, the review makes it clear that this is a film intended for an adult audience.

The film Sorry We Missed You is well worth watching, both for the story and the acting. But be prepared that it will stick with you for a long time. It will make you worry about what the modern economy will do to our society in the long run, and make you feel outrage for the conditions many workers have to deal with.

Comment:

This is the conclusion rounding off the text. It states that the film is worth watching and that its message will have an impact on the audience.

The use of the word 'outrage' here is a nod back to the quotation in the introduction, which helps tie the different elements of the text together.

Sources:

Gov.UK., "Contract Types and Employer Responsibilities". Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts

Loach, K. (Director), 2019, Sorry We Missed You, Sixteen Films, United Kingdom.

inspiringquotes.us, Ken Loach Quotes and Sayings, Retrieved from: https://www.inspiringquotes.us/author/3645-ken-loach

Comment:

It is rare to see a review with a source list printed in a paper or magazine. A source list is optional for this type of text.

However, if you write in a school setting, and you know you have made use of sources, it is a good idea to include them in a source list. – If you are uncertain whether you should include a source list, check with your teacher.

Watch:

Watch the film Sorry We Missed You and work on the tasks for the film.

Write:

You will find many different films here on NDLA. Watch one and write your own review.

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Subject material
Film: Sorry We Missed You

Sorry We Missed You is a film about the gig economy and poverty in the United Kingdom.