You will complete a movie review of a film with cultural and geographic reference. You will review a movie of your choice, and write a five-page movie review in which you consider concepts you have read in the first three weeks of class.
Because this is a review based on a geographic and academic perspective, it should be assumed that simply reading posted movie reviews and regurgitating those opinions will not satisfy this project’s requirements. You should consider concepts you have read in your text thus far and feel free to reference these ideas!
Your review should:
Provide a general overview of the film—do not give a five-page summary/breakdown of the film; rather a one-paragraph summary will work. You should assume the instructor has seen the film, and your writing should prove that you have seen it.
Explain why this film is a good choice for a paper in cultural geography.
Explain why this film appealed to you for this project.
Describe any cultural landscapes.
Discuss the human/cultural characteristics of the film, including
language, movement, place, and ethnic issues;
evidence of borders or boundaries;
conflicts between people; and
the choices made by the filmmaker that demonstrates geography.Explain why this film appealed to you for this project.
Research where the film was made (imdb.com (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. is a great place to start) and consider if this impacted the film. I suggest looking this information up BEFORE watching the film. Then decide if the setting was authentic to the viewer (or not), and discuss why.
In sum, really look at what you’re shown in the film and discuss how geography is present (and consider some of the titles of the chapters in your text for ideas on expanding this as well).
When choosing a film, it is a good idea to avoid “fluff films” and consider geography when making your choice. You are free to choose your own film, but for example or suggestion, some acceptable options include:
Armageddon
Black Panther
Blood Diamond
Dances with Wolves
Grapes of Wrath
In Bruges
3:10 to Yuma
Coco
Pearl Harbor
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Lord of the Rings (any of the series)
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
South Pacific
Please note: this project does not require you to spend money. There are plenty of films available online, at local libraries, or on television that will satisfy this requirement. If you have any questions about a particular film, please contact your instructor prior to submitting your project.
