Movie Review: Senior Year

The film embodies the concept behind any current or ever-existing gatherings here in the Philippines; the idea of
having a reason to go to that particular venue and show up at that meeting, or in the context of the film, "A
reason to leave the car." The film has its own ups and downs but I think its strong points are trampling over its
weakness. One strength of the film is its capacity to make the audience feel nostalgic. I was able to feel reflective
while watching the film at all the meetings I've been through, the feelings of the main character, Henry, are well
reflected in the film as to whether he will attend the reunion. After watching the film, I was missing it. The
second strength of the film is its ability to relate to its audiences because of how' real' the atmosphere is. Starting
with the characters ' families, the characters themselves (I think the use of regular students as actors is an
interesting strategy), and the setting, all the elements have aspects that are relevant to the plot. Just as at the
beginning of the film, I was shocked by how I was able to relate to Henry at the start of the film when he saw one
of his former classmates, he immediately judged the physical appearance of the person and began to wonder
about his achievements. I'm referring to it because I'm happy to see people improve, I like to see people change.
There was only one small point in the film, because lighting makes it difficult to see what is happening when you
look at it in a dark room. All in all, an impressive movie.

There are multiple points made in the movie. There are some points made in the movie that I agree with
and some points, vice versa. The points that I agree with is that: first, as students, we have the capability to start
change; second, do what makes you happy as long as you’re not hurting people around you; and third, having the
ability to make a change, we also have the ability to change. There is only one scenario in the movie in which I
don’t agree with. That is when the parent in the movie started to make an argument using a quotation from the
Bible. Why I don’t agree with this is because first, you are talking to your daughter. I believe that it is unwise to
base life decisions on an ancient material in the 21 st century. Don’t get me wrong, the Holy Bible is full of
lessons, I believe that is should serve as our guidance, yet I highly disagree for it to be used as basis on life
decisions.

Almost everyone can benefit to this movie, why? because almost everyone starts as being a student and
this movie shows various experiences of being a student. Such as myself, I benefited in this movie, for I was able
to self-reflect on the acts of Henry. Henry, as it can be seen in the movie, pushed Sofia away and we all know
that he had feelings for her. I tend to push people that I like or love away from me. Maybe it is my form of
defense mechanism, but as I was watching the movie, I was able to triangulate its effects not only to myself, but
also to the person affected. What is also incredible in the movie is how it is relevant in the society. There are
various scenes in the movie where we see that there is a girl who has taken an interest in another girl. This movie
goes beyond that concept and emphasizes the idea that the topic about sexuality is not sensitive and should be
discussed.

What I loved about the movie is that it feels ‘chill’. Chill being that it does not have much of an ‘up and
down’ feel, yet it still makes it audience stay. I highly recommend watching this movie to everyone, for it gives a
strong approach on the different cultures present in the Philippines. Since the movie is a bit old, I think that it
would be an improvement if the lighting of the movie is also oriented in a dark room. In conclusion, the movie is
definitely worth watching, for a lot of lessons can be learned, and it also portrays the culture we have in the
Philippines.
 READING AND WRITING
Performance Task Movie
Review

Name: Grade and Section:

Rubric for Grading:

Criteria Score

Purpose (10 pts)

The writing demonstrates a sophisticated and high understanding of purpose. This is characterized by: a
relevant topic, an insightful thesis, a focused context, and mastery of audience.
Review (15 pts)
The writing contains sufficient and knowledgeable evaluation of many aspects of film including
directing, acting cinematography, scenery, special effects, soundtrack, etc.
Analysis (25 pts)
The writing demonstrates a comprehensive and highly relevant way of analyzing the film. This is
characterized by highly relevant information to satisfy; details from the movie and evidence from
summary strongly support reviewer’s opinion
Structure (20 pts)
The writing demonstrates highly effective and elegant structuring and sequencing of content and
analysis. This is characterized by masterful use of clear paragraphing, logical sequencing, and effective
cohesive ties.
Style (10 pts)
The writing demonstrates a highly effective and mature style. This is characterized by masterful use of
clear expression, appropriate tone, consistent tense, appropriate vocabulary, conventional referencing
and formatting.
Syntax (10 pts)
The writing demonstrates mature and sophisticated syntax. This is characterized by flawless use of
conventional and complex sentence structures, accurate pronouns, prepositions, articles, and
conjunctions.
Mechanics (10 pts)
The writing demonstrates flawless mechanics of writing. This is characterized by masterfully accurate
spelling and punctuation. There is excellent evidence of effective editing.

TOTAL:

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