Book Review and Film Review — Complete Guide
What is a Review?
A review is a short piece of writing that gives a summary and personal evaluation of a book or a film. It tells readers what the book or film is about and whether it is worth reading or watching.
Why Do We Write Reviews?
Reviews help other people decide whether to read a book or watch a film. In the SEE examination, students are sometimes asked to write a short book review or film review. This task tests the ability to summarise content and express personal opinions clearly.
- To summarise the main idea of a book or film
- To express personal opinion and evaluation
- To recommend or not recommend it to others
- It is a practical writing task in SEE English
Structure of a Book / Film Review
- 1Title and Introduction: Name of the book/film, writer/director, and a brief introduction.
- 2Summary: Main story or content without giving away the ending (no spoilers).
- 3Evaluation: Your opinion about the story, characters, language, message, acting, etc.
- 4Conclusion: Final recommendation (whether you recommend it or not).
Language Features of a Review
- Use present tense for the summary of the story
- Use descriptive and evaluative adjectives (interesting, boring, exciting, meaningful, powerful, etc.)
- Express personal opinion clearly
- Keep the language simple and formal enough for an exam
- Avoid revealing the ending
Useful Phrases
| Purpose | Useful Expressions |
|---|---|
| Introduction | The book/film is written/directed by…, It tells the story of… |
| Summary | The story revolves around…, The main character is…, It describes… |
| Positive evaluation | I found it very interesting…, The characters are well-developed…, It has a powerful message… |
| Negative evaluation | However, some parts are slow…, The ending is not very convincing… |
| Recommendation | I strongly recommend this book/film to…, It is worth reading/watching… |
Tips for Writing a Review (SEE)
- 1Start with the title and the name of the author or director.
- 2Give a short summary without revealing the ending.
- 3Express your personal opinion clearly.
- 4Mention strong and weak points if possible.
- 5End with a clear recommendation.
- 6Write approximately 100–150 words.
- 7Use present tense for the story summary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Retelling the whole story including the ending.
- 2Writing only a summary without giving any opinion.
- 3Making the review too long or too short.
- 4Using only negative or only positive comments without balance.
- 5Forgetting to recommend or not recommend the book/film.
Model Example – Book Review
Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The Alchemist is a famous novel written by Paulo Coelho. It tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who travels in search of his dream and personal treasure. The book is full of simple yet powerful messages about following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart and learning from life. The language is easy to understand and the story is inspiring. I found the book very motivating and meaningful. I strongly recommend it to all young readers who want to learn about life and self-belief.
Model Example – Film Review
Film Review: Taare Zameen Par Taare Zameen Par is a popular Indian film directed by Aamir Khan. It tells the story of a young boy named Ishaan who faces difficulties in school because of dyslexia. The film beautifully shows how a sensitive teacher helps the boy discover his talents. The acting, especially by the child artist, is excellent and the message is very powerful. The film teaches us about the importance of understanding children and valuing their unique abilities. I highly recommend this film to students, teachers and parents.
Quick Revision
- Title + Summary + Evaluation + Recommendation
- Use present tense for the story summary
- Express personal opinion clearly
- Do not reveal the ending
- End with a clear recommendation
- Write about 100–150 words
Book Review and Film Review — Practice
Study the topics carefully. Write your own review first. Then compare it with the model answer.
Book Reviews
Example 1
Book Review: Animal Farm by George Orwell Animal Farm is a famous novel written by George Orwell. It tells the story of farm animals that rebel against their human owner in the hope of creating a free and equal society. The book is a powerful satire on political power and corruption. The language is simple but the message is deep and thought-provoking. I found the story very interesting and meaningful. I recommend this book to all students who want to understand society and politics better.
Example 2
Book Review: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl is a real-life account written by Anne Frank. It describes the life of a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during the Second World War. The diary shows her fears, hopes and daily experiences in a secret annex. The writing is honest, emotional and deeply moving. I was greatly touched by her courage and optimism. I strongly recommend this book to everyone, especially young readers.
Example 3
Book Review: Muna Madan by Laxmi Prasad Devkota Muna Madan is a popular Nepali epic poem written by the great poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota. It tells the tragic love story of Muna and Madan. Madan goes to Tibet to earn money, leaving his wife Muna at home. The poem beautifully expresses love, sacrifice and the pain of separation. The language is simple, musical and deeply emotional. I found the story very touching and meaningful. I highly recommend this book to all Nepali readers.
Film Reviews
Example 4
Film Review: 3 Idiots 3 Idiots is a popular Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It tells the story of three engineering students and their experiences in a pressure-filled college system. The film highlights the importance of learning with understanding rather than just chasing marks. It is both entertaining and meaningful. The acting and humour are excellent. I really enjoyed this film and recommend it to all students and young people.
Example 5
Film Review: The Pursuit of Happyness The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring American film based on a true story. It shows the struggle of a poor father who works hard to build a better life for himself and his young son. The film teaches the value of determination, patience and hard work. The acting is powerful and emotional. I found the story very motivating. I strongly recommend this film to everyone who needs inspiration in difficult times.
Example 6
Film Review: Kagaj Patra (or any popular Nepali film – using a general educational example) Kagaj Patra is a meaningful Nepali film that deals with social issues and human relationships. The story is realistic and close to everyday life. The performances of the actors are natural and convincing. The film delivers a strong social message and makes the audience think about important issues. I found it both interesting and educational. I recommend this film to those who enjoy meaningful cinema.