Microsoft Word Lesson plans Year doc

56

Lesson Plans Year 2

Writing II
Film review
Lesson 1


Handout 1, Activity 1
Some of the Top 100 Films of all times
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls055592025/

1. 
   The Godfather (1972)
   

9.2/10
The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his
clandestine empire to his reluctant son. (175 mins.)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Oscars: 3, Oscar Nominations: 11
BAFTA Awards: 0, BAFTA Nominations: 4
Golden Globes: 6, Golden Globe Nominations: 8

2. 
   The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
   

9.3/10
Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual
redemption through acts of common decency. (142 mins.)
Director: Frank Darabont
Stars: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Oscars: 0, Oscar Nominations: 7
BAFTA Awards: 0, BAFTA Nominations: 0
Golden Globes: 0, Golden Globe Nominations: 2

3. 
   Schindler's List (1993)
   

8.9/10
In Poland during World War II, Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for
his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis. (195 mins.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Oscars: 7, Oscar Nominations: 12
BAFTA Awards: 6, BAFTA Nominations: 12
Golden Globes: 3, Golden Globe Nominations: 6

7. 
   Gone with the Wind (1939)
   

8.2/10
A manipulative Southern belle carries on a turbulent affair with a blockade runner
during the American Civil War. (238 mins.)
Director: Victor Fleming
Stars: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil
Oscars: 8, Oscar Nominations: 13
BAFTA Awards: N/A, BAFTA Nominations: N/A
Golden Globes: N/A, Golden Globe Nominations: N/A
10. Titanic (1997)
7.7/10
A seventeen-year-old aristocrat, expecting to be married to a rich claimant
by her mother, falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious,
ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic. (194 mins.)
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Oscars: 11, Oscar Nominations: 14
BAFTA Awards: 0, BAFTA Nominations: 8
Golden Globes: 4, Golden Globe Nominations: 8


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©British Council 2013

Lesson Plans Year 2

Writing II
Film review
Lesson 1


Handout 2, Activity 2





Sample film review
I recently saw Meet the Parents and was very pleased
with the movie. It is a comedy that depicts what happens
when a man is introduced to his girlfriend’s family for the
first time. Long story short, this guy ends up getting
himself into a world of trouble that he never expected.


This movie is filled with amazing actors who truly make the film. First, Robert De Niro gives a legendary performance in this film and is absolutely hilarious. Ben Stiller as the male lead is his usual funny self. Finally, Owen Wilson is also good for a lot of laughs throughout the film, even though he is playing a supporting role. The casting for this movie is truly perfect, and the actors do not disappoint.


As mentioned, during his first meeting with his girlfriend’s family, Greg (Stiller) gets himself into sticky situations involving family pets, lies, family members, fires, and even sporting games. The problems he faces will have you in stitches. Additionally, you won’t be able to help getting so into the movie, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen in the end.
X


One of the best things about this movie is that it’s so relatable. We all have those awkward moments (many of them having to do with our love lives) that make us cringe. Regardless of your embarrassing situation, Greg has probably gotten into something worse. You can’t help but laugh hysterically at his expense.
X


Finally, I love how in this film just when everything seems to finally be going right, it can turn around in an instant. Without giving too much away, there are so many times where you think that Greg is finally going to make a good impression but then ends up messing up all over again, sending you into inevitable fits of laughter.
X


Overall, this is a great movie with a mix of a ton of laughs and a love story all rolled into one. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up or to laugh hysterically, this is undoubtedly the movie for you.


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©British Council 2013

Lesson Plans Year 2 Writing II Film review Lesson 1 Handout 3, Activity 2 Questions for analysing the film review sample
Where do you think the review appear? In a magazine, internet, DVD cover etc.
How would the film be classified? (drama, comedy, horror, science fiction, documentary)
What features of the film does the reviewer discuss?
What features of the film, if any, does the reviewer like?
What features of the film, if, any, does the reviewer dislike?
What specific descriptive words are used in the review to illustrate the writer's opinions of the plot, acting, or other elements of the film?
Does the reviewer recommend seeing the film?
Does a photo accompany the review? If so, who or what is shown in the photo? What predictions can you make on the type of film based on the photo?
Have you heard of this film prior to reading this review? If so, did this review change your opinions of the film, and why? If not, does this review encourage you to see the film, and why?

©British Council 2013