How to Write a Movie Review: Tips Inspired by "Waltz with Bashir"

Since the inception of cinema, film critics have played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around movies. In the early days, reviews were featured in newspapers and magazines as short, descriptive articles. However, as filmmaking developed as an artistic medium, the function of critics also transformed. Influential critics such as James Agee, André Bazin, and Pauline Kael significantly influenced the conversation surrounding film. Films like “Waltz with Bashir“ have challenged traditional storytelling techniques and sparked intense critical discussions, pushing critics to explore new depths in film analysis.

In the present day, renowned film critics continue this tradition. Iconic figures like Roger Ebert, A.O. Scott from The New York Times, and Manohla Dargis from The New York Times continue to make a lasting impact on the film industry. With the advent of the internet, film criticism has expanded to include a diverse array of voices and viewpoints from across the world. Websites like Letterboxd allow everyone to share brief reviews about films, including celebrities such as The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri. They have profiles and express their views on the most recent box-office successes.

Currently, modern critics on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, such as Red Letter Media, deepfocuslens, and DoMo Draper, don’t only create written film reviews; they also produce videos and skits. By using these innovative formats, they present fresh and distinctive viewpoints while fostering communities of passionate film and television fans. Whether you decide to write reviews for your personal blog, other platforms, or social media, aspiring filmmakers can begin to watch films with purpose by mastering the art of movie reviews. TikTok film reviewer DoMo Draper offers insights on both contemporary and classic movies, frequently highlighting issues such as racism, social injustice, misogyny, and bias.

Although there isn’t a flawless method for writing a review, there are recommended guidelines that every budding reviewer should keep in mind. Here are ten suggestions for crafting an engaging piece of writing.

1. Watch the Film at Least Once

For novice reviewers, it’s unrealistic to absorb all the details after just one viewing. Viewing the film initially and then watching it again to take notes is a simple method to enhance the quality of your final review. This approach will also help you remember your immediate thoughts and reactions more easily.

For example, “Waltz with Bashir” is a complex animated documentary that delves into the fragmented memories of a soldier from the 1982 Lebanon War. The film’s non-linear narrative and surreal visuals require careful attention to fully grasp the thematic depth and emotional resonance. Watching it multiple times allows you to catch subtle nuances, symbolic imagery, and underlying messages that might be missed on a single viewing.

2. Share Your Views and Back Up Your Critiques

Professional reviewers are not hesitant to express their opinions on whether they found a movie to be good, bad, or mediocre. In a review for “Waltz with Bashir,” you might describe the film as haunting and introspective, aiding in conveying its tone to the audience. Make sure to support your opinions with specific examples—such as the impactful use of animation to depict memories, the haunting score that amplifies the emotional weight, or the way the film addresses the horrors of war and the fragility of memory.

Professional critics should explain the reasons behind their evaluations and the thought process that led them to their conclusions. For instance, you might note how the film’s blending of documentary and animation creates a unique narrative style that effectively conveys the protagonist’s psychological journey.

3. Consider Your Audience

Are you creating content for a fan site or a news publication? Who is your audience, and what topics do they care about?

Understanding your audience and the publication venue can guide you in choosing which aspects of the film to emphasize. For instance, if you’re writing for a platform that focuses on animated films or war documentaries, highlighting how “Waltz with Bashir” innovatively combines these genres would be pertinent. If your readers are more interested in psychological studies, you might focus on the film’s exploration of memory and trauma.

Adjust your writing style to resonate with the intended audience. Use terminology and references that your readers will understand and appreciate, ensuring your review is accessible and engaging.

4. Talk About the Acting (or Voice Acting)

When evaluating a film, it’s crucial to dedicate some time to analyze the performances. In “Waltz with Bashir,” since it’s an animated documentary featuring real people voicing their own experiences, discussing the authenticity and emotional impact of their voice acting is essential.

Consider how the voice performances contribute to the film’s atmosphere and storytelling. Do the narrations feel genuine and compelling? Does the voice acting enhance the emotional depth of the film? For example, Ari Folman’s own voice work as he revisits his suppressed memories adds a layer of personal vulnerability that deeply affects the audience.

5. Acknowledge Directors, Cinematographers, and Special Effects Artists

Reviews that point out the strengths and weaknesses of directors, cinematographers, and special effects artists can reinforce your critiques. “Waltz with Bashir” is directed by Ari Folman, who uses animation to navigate the blurred lines between reality and memory. Discuss how his direction brings a unique perspective to the war documentary genre.

The animation style, crafted by art director David Polonsky and chief animator Yoni Goodman, is integral to the film’s impact. Analyze how the visual aesthetics contribute to the narrative—perhaps the stark contrasts, the fluid transitions between scenes, or the surreal imagery that reflects the psychological turmoil of the characters.

Having a background in the filmmaking process is beneficial when writing this kind of review, as it enables a thorough evaluation of screenwriting, cinematography, special effects, acting, and other elements.

6. No Spoilers!

The purpose of writing a movie review is to entice readers to watch the film. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to avoid revealing spoilers. In the case of “Waltz with Bashir,” the film builds up to a powerful conclusion that recontextualizes the entire narrative.

If you wish to discuss the impact of the ending, you can hint at its significance without giving away details. For example, you might say, “The film culminates in a poignant revelation that forces both the protagonist and the audience to confront harsh realities.”

Keep in mind that the purpose of a film review is to talk about the storyline while avoiding any spoilers or details about the conclusion of the movie.

7. Study the Professionals

Like any writing pursuit, reading more can significantly improve your skills. In today’s film reviewing environment, which often involves creating content for social media in addition to traditional writing, there are many reviewers from whom you can learn.

Seek out reviews of “Waltz with Bashir” by established critics. Notice how they approach the film, the aspects they focus on, and how they articulate their thoughts. For instance, Roger Ebert’s review might emphasize the film’s emotional depth and innovative storytelling, providing inspiration for your own critique.

Next, explore reviews for several of your favorite movies. Identify the review styles that appeal to you and those that don’t. Reflect on your preferences and analyze what could account for one reviewer having a substantial following while another has a smaller audience.

8. Reread, Rewrite, and Edit

Although writing a film critique relies on personal opinion and the individual style of the reviewer, it remains essential to edit the work. Writers should verify spelling, grammar, and overall readability. For example, ensure that names like Ari Folman are spelled correctly, and that film titles like “Waltz with Bashir” are italicized or placed within quotation marks consistently.

Resources such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can be very effective for identifying and addressing areas that require enhancement.

9. Find Your Voice

The top reviewers possess a unique character that is evident in their writing. Developing your own voice involves expressing your personal insights and emotional responses authentically.

For instance, if “Waltz with Bashir” resonated with you due to personal experiences or your interest in historical events, let that perspective inform your review. Perhaps the film’s exploration of memory and guilt sparked reflections on broader themes of collective responsibility and the lasting impacts of war.

For new reviewers, creating a distinctive voice takes time and doesn’t happen instantly. Therefore, view each writing opportunity as a chance to refine your style.

10. Know Your Taste

As a film critic, it’s beneficial to recognize your personal film preferences. Understanding your likes, strengths, and biases allows reviewers to provide more insightful critiques that connect with viewers and offer useful recommendations on films they may appreciate.

If you have a penchant for animated films that tackle serious subjects, or if you are drawn to documentaries and war films, acknowledging this can help you evaluate “Waltz with Bashir” more effectively. This self-awareness aids in preserving credibility and integrity, ensuring that evaluations are genuine and align with your own cinematic tastes.

Make an effort to investigate different genres, filmmakers, and themes to discover what connects with you on an emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic level. Take note of the kinds of narratives that capture your interest, as this can assist in clarifying your tastes.