7 WRITING EXTRA

ADVANCED PLUS UNIT 7 2 In your opinion, how does the reviewer

encourage people to watch the film?
a film review
3 Underline the adverb-adjective
WRITING TIP collocations in paragraph 1.
A good film review should entertain, persuade and inform. It should
provide an original opinion without giving away too much of the plot. 4 Write a review of your favourite film or
Reviewers should familiarise themselves with the film, give potential book (200–250 words).
viewers some detailed information, and advise them whether or not to
watch the film. Plan your writing
• Make notes on what the film or book is
1 Read the review and tick the statements that are true.
about.
• Makes notes on what you think are its
1 This was the first time A-list actor, Brad Pitt, had directed a film.
strong and weak points.
2 The film review provides names of the supporting cast.
• Ensure the review has an introduction, a
3 The film reviewer gives away the entire plot. paragraph outlining the basic plot and
4 This might be a type of flashback film. the main characteristics of the film, your
5 The film can be classified in the genre of spaghetti western. opinion of the film and a conclusion.
6 The film reviewer provides his or her own opinion. Check your writing
7 The film was produced and starred in by Simon Northup himself. • In general terms, does your review give
8 At the end of the film, the protagonist dies in prison. the reader a good idea of what the film or
book is like?

12 Years a Slave ★★✩✩✩ Film review • Have you used a good range of descriptive
and evaluative vocabulary?
Silver Screen Magazine • Have you checked your grammar and
spelling?
Starring: Alfre Woodard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, • Did you find any mistakes?
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti,
Sarah Paulson, Lupita Nyong’o
Luxuriantly sensuous, bitterly honest, painstakingly accurate,
beautifully acted and uncomfortably intriguing are all fitting
descriptions of director Steve McQueen’s latest masterpiece.12 Years
a Slave is not simply a film, but an amazingly disconcerting leap
back in time. Everyone knows what it’s about by now. The title pretty
much sums it up. However, the filmgoer doesn’t quite know what to
feel about this one. Yes, there’s a smattering of beauty, love, hope
and pride, but there’s also an abundance of brutality, repugnance,
shame, anger and grief. In fact, you can actually feel the audience
tightly holding its breath during the entire running time of two
hours and fourteen minutes. They are totally petrified of showing
any emotions for fear of disturbing the person in the next seat.
12 Years a Slave may be the toughest film to watch, regardless of
your ethnicity. Everyone can empathise with Solomon Northup
(portrayed by Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor). He is a free black
man in 1841, living in Saratoga, New York with his wife and
children, when he is lured to the American South under false
pretences. He is drugged, kidnapped and sold into slavery. He has
no proof of identity, no power and no allies. Simon is warned to
tell no one he can read and write unless he wants to die. The film
follows him as he is sold from plantation to plantation and from
slave owner to slave owner. Simon tries to counsel himself and
others, but faces peril at every turn.
12 Years a Slave is a period drama and an adaptation of a slave
narrative written by Simon Northup himself. Northup was held in
slavery for 12 years before being released. His story was carefully
retraced and concluded to be accurate. Although an important film
to watch, it is not suitable for those under the age of thirteen.

© Pearson Education Limited 2018

Speakout Writing Extra Advanced Plus Unit 7.indd 74 16/06/18 8:28 PM