Unmistaken Child (2008) Movie Review Sample

- What is the title of the film, what (brief summary) is it about (subject, topic)?
The film is called Unmistaken Child and focuses on a Tibetan Buddhist monk’s search for the bringing back to life of his teacher and mentor. The main character who is Temzin is a very humble and quiet person is involved in the search for the child who is the reincarnation of his teacher and mentor. Unmistaken Child is a very powerful film as it shows a lot about Tibetan culture and direction.2. Why did you choose this documentary to view? What did you expect to learn or experience from this film?
The documentary interested me as it showed several different aspects of Tibetan culture and revealed the bond between student and teacher that exists around the monk culture. 3. What was the central point of this film? That is, what was the overall focus, goal or mission of the filmmaker? Think of it like an essay: What was the thesis statement?
The central point of the film was the discovery of the child who was the actual incarnation of the teacher and mentor of Temzin. The thesis statement is the emotional removing of the child from his background and roots in his village. 4. How did the filmmaker support that central point? Topics? Facts? Stats? Interviews? Comparisons? Describe them; don’t just list them.
The point was confirmed by the child displaying certain traits which reminded Temzin of his master. This was supported by various interviews with the child but there was also an emotional toll in removing the child from his actual background.5. How did this film compare to your expectations? What, if anything, did you learn from it, intellectually or emotionally? How did it impact you? That is, did it inspire you or change your perspective in any way?
The film was very powerful and although Temzin did manage to achieve his goal, this came at a considerable price which was the removal of the child from his roots. I felt that this was a negative aspect in the film as it broke the hearts of the parents. 6. Describe at least five examples in the film in which the filmmaker effectively used some of the techniques listed below by making the scene easier to follow or understand, drive home a point, enhance the drama/emotion/impact, keep your attention:
The film included several special effects such as cutaways to emphasise the link between past and present. Temzin’s recollections are also presented as leitmotifs whilst the sound effects emphasise the link with traditions and the past. Graphical creations are also very subtly used and the emotional departure of the child is also perhaps the highlight of the film.