Film Education’s Young Critics review winning films from the First Light Awards

Film Education has been bringing film into the classroom for over 20 years. This year, First Light and Film Education teamed up for the First Light Awards to bring you reviews of some of the winning films, written by the winners of Film Education’s annual competition- Young Film Critic of the Year.

The reviews are below. You can also find out more information about Film Education here

Harmony Rose Bremner’s review of ‘Can You Teach a Worm to Tango?’

Harmony won the Young Film Critic of the Year 2010 (7-11 Category)

“Can You Teach a Worm to Tango?” Was a pleasure to watch. With its simple animation and chilling music, in my opinion it is by far a winner. “Can You Teach a Worm to Tango?” created by the talented pupils of Slogursey C of E Primary School, is about feelings of abandonment. A young girl, as timid as a mouse, lives with her father – her mother has run away with the circus. The girl believes that her father pays more attention to a worm, teaching it to tango – she feels abandoned. So how can she get her father’s attention? She decides to play with fire for the thrill. She finds a box of matches and sets her home ablaze with her father and the worm inside the house. The girl runs, runs from the fire, her father, and most of all her loneliness. On the edge of the woods she meets a worm and questions him as to why a worm could be so special to her father. “Has ANYONE taught worms to do the Tango?” “The answer my friend, to that question is no,” Says worm. The girl realises that the worm is not that special. She has to face her father and the consequences of her actions. The girl understands that she is, indeed, special because instead of finding trouble when she returns home she finds love – her father is so happy that she is alive and well.

I loved many things about this film, for example, the nursery rhyme style of the storytelling expressing exactly how the girl felt. The rhythm of the rhyme was uncomplicated making the message more poignant and less sinister. I also loved the music, the way it changed with the different moods. One minute the melody was eerie and chilling, almost ghostly suggesting the unhappiness of the girl, and then the tango style music, full of zest and flavour, adding comical moments. I liked the straightforward and simple animation, the use of pastel colours making the films storyline seem less ominous and dark.

As an only child I can relate to this film, as I often get lonely. Whenever I feel my mum is not paying me enough attention I don’t burn down the house, but I do make a lot of noise. “Can You Teach a Worm to Tango?” is a perfect film for kids who often feel alone.

Ania Magliano’s review of ‘The Box’

Ania won the Young Film Critic of the Year 2010 (11-14 Category)

The Box offers an interesting, empathetic and realistic take on the current recession. It is set in the living room of a house, and follows the life of a family through difficult times.

I can see that the directors have taken time to think about what they put in to this film, and the finished product is simple yet thought-provoking. The living room where it was shot is fairly plain, but by use of the different props and lighting the right atmosphere was created. The costumes were again uncomplicated, but effective. One of the crucial elements in this short film is the relationship between the father, mother and son. While watching this, I was able to relate to the characters, and I am positive everyone else will be. Adults can relate to both parents, while children to the son.

Starting with a voiceover really helped to set the scene, and the tone and language showed the relationship between the characters. Right from the first thirty seconds, the idea of money shortages are introduced, which is a problem I am sure many people have experienced. When the film goes into fast-forward, I enjoyed it even more. Up until this point the scenario seemed quite dismal, but during the next few minutes I found myself smiling at the screen.

Overall, I think this film had the right mix of happy and sad, and despite not having a strong plotline, still connected to the audience. The idea of filming it from the view of the television was unique and worked well. It was an incredible piece of work, especially considering all the difficulties the people who made it have faced. I think it would be a well-deserved winner.

Katie Snow’s review of ‘Until My Heart’s, Like Finished’

Katie won the Young Film Critic of the Year 2010 (15-19 Category)

‘How’ve you ended up here?’ is the simple question which serves as a catalyst for the chronicling of a string of stories, reflections revealing the fine line between human strength and human frailty.

‘Until My Heart’s, Like, Finished’ discloses the poignant tales of six young adults staying at Bridgwater YMCA, Somerset. Brutally honest, the film succeeds in capturing the raw emotions so obviously present within its stars, resulting in a hard-hitting production sure to linger long after the credits roll.

This powerful documentary movie tackles important social issues such as violence, drugs, alcohol and abuse, drawing on the personal experiences of the cast to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience. Professional cinematic techniques ensure a slick and sophisticated presentation, with effective camera shots such as close-ups creating an intimate and intense atmosphere. The musical score is composed exclusively by the group, demonstrating the determination of the adolescents to unify and work as a team, whilst additionally donating an organic feel to the performance.

Despite the gravity of the subject matter, ‘Until My Heart’s, Like, Finished’ projects a defiant tone of optimism throughout, an approach which is cemented by the inclusion of the cast’s ambitions and wishes for the future. A particularly memorable moment comes as one interviewee expresses her desire to some day have her own ‘little house, little car, little kiddie…just a little life basically’, a humble aspiration which epitomises the positive yet pragmatic attitudes held by the entire group towards changing and improving their lives for the better.