INTRO TO LAW AND WORLD AFFAIRS

Instructors: Mrs. Hamrick and Mr. Lenihan

CRITICAL FILM REVIEW GUIDELINES

As a mid-term for the Intro to Law and World Affairs class, you will view and review a documentary associated with the law. There is a list of acceptable documentaries at the end of this paper. You may choose one of them, or you may choose one of your own. Please get permission from your teacher if you choose to view a film not on the list below.

Description: A film analysis is not a review or summary of the plot, it should go deeper into analysis and reaction. It should discuss the issues raised by the film, address the film’s importance and purpose, state reactions to the content and quality of the film, and connect it to ideas and material presented in class. It should be a minimum of 4 pages and include the following (in any order you choose).

Procedure (1-2 pages):

  • Describe the film in general terms. What subjects does it cover? Describe the plot and setting. What issues does it raise? What do you see as the main purpose of the film?
  • HOWEVER: the majority of your paper should not be a plot summary or a detailed retelling of the story.
  • What are the major theme(s) of the film?
  • Evaluate the film for quality and interest. Comment on the images used, production values and music, among other director choices. Would a young person be interested in this film? Why or why not?
  • Summarize briefly emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of the film.

Legal Analysis (2-3 pages):

  • Relate the film to class discussions, readings, notes or knowledge. What legal issues does it raise? Is the film legally accurate and realistic?
  • BE SPECIFIC in discussing cases and concepts we learned in class. SPECIFICALLY and IN DETAIL relate the legal concepts to what you learned in class.
  • Does the documentary contradict or support anything you have learned?
  • How did it impact your understanding of the issue? Consider how the film helped you learn by critically thinking about and commenting on how the issues are framed in the film.

Conclusion:

  • Determine whether the film would prove to be a valuable educational resource and to explain why you would (or would not) recommend it to someone who is interested in knowing more about this particular topic. Be sure to relate it specifically to learning about the legal issue, NOT just a recommendation for or against the film. Explain your reasoning.

In General:

  • Style does count for some points: use engaging titles, hooks, paragraph transitions, etc. PROOFREAD YOUR GRAMMAR AND SPELLING.
  • It is not enough to write that you enjoyed watching the movie, or that you found it interesting, or that it rates a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down”.
  • Whatever position you take, you need to be able to support it. You must include details from the film that help to illustrate and support your points, so take notes as you watch the movie.
  • As a reviewer, you should work to offer your reader information about the movie, not just about you and your view(s) of it.
  • As a legal analyst, you should work to show your reader the depth of your understanding of the legal issues involved. This is a time to show-off your knowledge and level of analysis.

Requirements:

  • All papers must have a title, be typed, double spaced with a 12 pt. font. YOUR NAME MUST BE ON THE FRONT PAGE.
  • All pages must have appropriately sized margins (1 inch). Headings should not be more than 1 inch.
  • All papers must contain information detailed in the procedure and legal analysis sections of these guidelines.
  • All papers must be stapled together.

*Remember that sections should be at least a paragraph or more and that you should fully answer and analyze the five points (last page) in the body of your paper.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PAPER

  • Introductory paragraph: this should be well planned. Try to use a “hook,” something that catches your reader’s attention. This might be a vivid description of something about the movie that caught your attention and brought you into it. Here, you are bringing your reading into your review. You might also offer your overall impression of the movie. But remember, the most important part of your introduction is your thesis statement, which is a brief (typically one sentence) statement that clearly defines the main idea/purpose in your paper and your main points. This thesis will be the thread that runs through your paper and ties it all together.
  • One or two paragraphs of summary: this will provide an overview of the movie. You cannot offer an extensive report of the movie in your paper and your paper should not be a lengthy discussion of the plot, but you should focus on providing the most important details. You might summarize the story and you should include important information about the movie. That way, your reader can gain a basic understanding of what the movie is about.
  • A few paragraphs: discussing your review of the film. In these paragraphs you can discuss what was good (what worked) and what was not-so-good (what didn’t work). Remember, you need to provide your reader with an understanding of the movie and provide a critical analysis of it, not just offer your opinions. So be specific and refer to moments in the movie itself when you are addressing whether or not the film would be a good choice for a student in this class. Use specific details from the movie.
  • Several paragraphs (3-6): discussing your legal analysis of the film. In these paragraphs you analyze what legal concepts are discussed and how your understanding of those concepts was changed or reinforced. You cannot necessarily address EVERY legal concept in the film (most films will have several issues they address), but be sure to acknowledge all the issues raised even if you only offer an in-depth analysis of one or two issues. Remember, in this section you MUST use outside knowledge. So, not only must you use specific details from the movie, you must also specifically references constitutional amendments, laws, cases and concepts learned in class. The legal analysis is the CORE of the paper and should receive the most attention from you.
  • A concluding paragraph: remind your reader of your main points and briefly restate your position. Reflect on what you gained from your viewing experience and what others might gain. And just like the “hook” in your introduction, you want to close with a comment or a question that will leave a lasting impression on your reader, perhaps a recommendation that answers the question “What is it good for?”
  • Review your paper: as the author, you are responsible for carefully proofreading your paper. Be sure that you submit a final draft, not a rough draft, of your paper.

LEGAL DOCUMENTARY LIST

  1. Murder on a Sunday Morning
  2. The Farm: Life Inside Angola
  3. Capturing the Friedmans
  4. The Central Park 5
  5. Portrait of Wally
  6. The Thin Blue Line
  7. West of Memphis
  8. Incident at Oglala
  9. Bully
  10. Into the Abyss
  11. Jessie’s Dad