Read the review. Then, tick the features from the list which have been mentioned in the review

 A Film Review

I.  Read the review. Then, tick the features from the list which have been mentioned in the review.

Background                                      - name od director                           - comments on acting

-  type of film                                   - name of producer                          - comments on directing

-  setting - where                              - supporting cast                              - other comments

- theme-when

-  adaptation from novel/play                  Main Body                                                   Conclusion

-  original screenplay/script             - details of plot                                - positive comments by critic

-  filmed in studion/on location        - ending of film                                - negative comments by critic

- music/soundtrack                        - maincharacetr                                -recommendation

-  main actor/actress                        - other characters

Dangerous Minds, directed by John N. Smith, is set in a poor inner dirty area high school. The main character is a trainee teacher, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who also happens to be an ex-Marine. The hit song 'Gangsta's Paradise' from the film's soundtrack gives the impression that the film is a powerful drama. However, it actually turns out to be a story of hope and optimism.

The film centres on Miss Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer) who is put in charge of a class made up of the city's toughest and most troubled adolescents. She soon realises that by treating the youths with the respect and understanding human beings deserve, she can maintain order; moreover, she wins the trust of her class white actually helping them to enjoy learning and to realise that they control their own lives.

Dangerous Minds covers many of the problems young people face in society today, something made possible by the fact that it is not just a film about a teacher but also about the disturbing problems faced by members of the class. This is all done in a realistic way with which most of us can identify. Pfeiffer is brilliant in her role, and convincing in the emotions she portrays throughout.

If you like to see good triumph over evil and are fond of happy endings, then you should definitely see this film. Although it is probably not the most fascinating film you will ever watch, Pfeiffer’s performance is outstanding.

2.  Read the task and answer the questions that follow.

A magazine for film fans has invited readers to contribute reviews to a special edition on the way moral values are conveyed in films. You have decided to send in a review of a film that you have seen. Your review should say which moral(s) the film contains and include your opinion on whether or not films are a suitable medium for this kind of message.

1  What do you have to write? Which type(s) of writing will you use?

2  Which words and phrases in the writing task can you paraphrase?

3  Which aspects of the film (acting, plot, characters, etc) are relevant to this task?

4  How could you organise the main body paragraphs?

5  What kind of film could you write about? Suggest a film that you have seen.

6  Are films a suitable medium for passing on moral messages? Why (not)?

3.  Read the model and fill in the paragraph plan. Then answer the questions that follow.

1.  The black and white classic, Billy Liar, adapted from the novel of the same name, is a perfect example of a film with a strong moral-message. Despite its age, I think this film is as powerful today as it was when it was first released in the 1960s.

The plot revolves around the central character, Billy Fisher, who is a compulsive Liar. Living in a fantasy world, Billy fabricates stories until he becomes so entangled in his lies that he cannot escape, ultimately getting to trouble at work, with his family, and in his love life. In his imagination, he lives an entirely different life, believing himself to be a successful writer. Events reach a climax when he meets Liz, a young woman who believes in him and presents him with the chance to change his deceitful way.

II.   For me, the most striking message that the film is trying to put across is that we should not tell lies. Through Billy’s adventures, we are reminded that once one lie has been told, it soon becomes necessary to tell more lies in order to cover up the first one. It is also obvious from the film that Billy is deluding himself to the point where the only place he feels safe and secure is in the imaginary world that he has created for himself. The point being made here is that the best way to deal with problems is to face up to them, rather than trying to run away from them.

III.  To my mind, the feature film is an ideal vehicle for teaching moral values. Thanks to the advances in technology and film-making techniques, watching a film today is a very involving experience. While caught up in the action, the viewer is extremely receptive to whatever message is being conveyed. Furthermore, with the rise in the number of DVDs being sold or rented, we can be fairly sure that any message the film contains will be delivered where society needs it most, straight to our living room.

IV.  To conclude, I am convinced that films such as Billy Liar have an important role to play in teaching morals. Even though the cinema is in decline, the films themselves remain as popular and entertaining as ever. The fact that they may do some good to society is something which we should all be grateful for.

1.  Underline the linking words and phrases in the model

2.  Why does the writer not mention aspects such as cast acting and directing in paragraph 2?

3.   Think of a film that you have seen. Which aspects of the film could you write about in paragraph 2?

4.  Which messages could you include in paragraph 5?

5.  Do you agree or disagree with the (Mints in paragraph 4? Suggest points of your own to include.

6.  Say what changes you would make to the beginning and ending.