Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Shandi Godfrey 03.14.26 / 11pm

   I liked how this review had pointed out the editing and the scenes that really showed the process of the lingering and slower edit style the director used for this film. For my class we have discussed how effective the pace of a film can be to shape the emotional response we have to a film and how crucial this can be for a film. I also think that the documentary style of trying to involve longer takes and zone in on Isco’s experience helped to bring a stronger perspective to the film’s mise-en-scene that showed many takes of his alone activities of appointments and training. I think that like you said Sara Salamo had a very strong way to show a personal take on using editing to reflect a lifestyle for Isco that would portray his mental and physical struggles he faced.
2. Cameron Sheahan 03.17.26 / 5am

   When you discussed the editing and color palette of the documentary, I thought that was an interesting way to discuss the injury instead of just the events of the injury itself. I actually agree with your discussion of how some of the scenes lingered on certain moments of the injury as a way to make the audience feel the frustration of the injury that happened. I also agree with your discussion of how the mise-en-scene helped to reflect the mental state of the player, using elements like the green tones and the isolated training spaces. I actually found it interesting that this documentary was made by Isco’s wife as it changes the tone of the documentary to be more personal. Do you think it would have been effective if another individual, someone with no personal connection to Isco, directed the documentary instead?
3. Amarisse Camargo 03.19.26 / 11pm

   I really enjoyed your review of Silent Struggle. I particularly appreciated the focus you gave to the editing and color palette to portray Isco’s emotional state.
   You explained the slow pace so well, this is helpful for explaining how the viewer can experience Isco’s sense of loneliness. This relates directly to our discussions in class about how film technique portrays internal conflict.
   Your observation about the consistent use of green in the film’s visuals, was very interesting. It illustrates how the film’s visual style creates a cohesive tone through out the film. I also felt the film had an intimate and unique quality due to Sara Salmó’s personal experience with Isco.
4. Melia Rigsby 03.20.26 / 3pm

   Your review of this film includes a lot of detail about the documentary which I thought was engaging. I think that mentioning that it was made by the main character’s wife is an intriguing way to begin the review and this personalized detail draws me in to watch this film. I also enjoyed how you talked about the camera movements being slow in order for the audience to feel like we are witnessing his healing process in real time. This documentary sounds very interesting and I would like to check it out. I think that the story of it (being about an injured athlete) would be very moving.
5. Isabel Konz 03.20.26 / 8pm

   I enjoyed reading this review, it seemed very thought out. I like how the review highlights how the film stands out among others and gives me a good idea of the overall stories. I especially liked the comments made about the style of the film and the coloring. I never have thought about how much the color palette could portray certain themes and vibes in a film. After reading this review, I would watch this film if I was looking for something super emotional and dramatic to entertain me.
6. Kylee McDougal 03.20.26 / 11pm

   I enjoyed how your review tuned in on the emotional side of the documentary and how this film takes us through and lets us experience Isco’s struggle with him. When you mentioned how the film has a slower pace, I thought that was cool because it makes us focus on the frustration and the pain instead of just focusing on the recovery. Your point that you made about the consistency of the green color is extremely interesting; it shows how the film uses deliberate color themes to bring an emotion out or create ideas and thoughts. I also definitely agree on your idea when it comes to isolation within the film. When we see him alone in many different scenes, it forces us as the watcher to see the loneliness and how difficult the mental process is, not just physical. Overall this review was great and it showed us how there was a more personal and emotional story
7. Gavin Peifer 03.21.26 / 2pm

   I liked how you wrote this review, focusing on the film’s structure, specifically the slower pace of the editing and how some of the scenes are allowed to linger on Isco’s recovery process. As we have been discussing in class, the pacing of a film can shape an audience member’s emotional response to what they are viewing. Your writing seems to describe how the documentary is using time to elicit a sense of frustration and isolation from its audience. I also really like the consistent use of the green color palette as a strong example of how mise-en-scene details, such as repetition, help create a sense of unity and reinforce the “mental choke hold” you described.
8. Taryn abdul 03.23.26 / 3pm

   I thought that the emphasis on the color pallet of the film was interesting because I felt that it does visually represent the way Isco feels throughout the film with his battle through isolation. I think the use of different greens highlights his emotions during specific scenes. In my film class we have developed a better understanding of mine-en-scene which consist of color, lighting, setting to get messages across without direct dialogue. I also liked how you talked about the editing of the film and how the audience has to kinda sit through the suspense and slowness the main character feels, which makes us understand his pain. The editing helps to better emphasize an emotional reaction from the audience rather than a sped up film that has no depth. I definitely do see how even though this type of recovery storyline is common this one stands out more and makes the viewer feel for the person experiencing a life challenge, and this was done thought unique editing and color choice techniques.
9. madeline L 03.25.26 / 11am

   I love how you first mentioned this is his wife filming the documentary ! I feel it gives that special personal touch that a lot of docs don’t have seeing as they are probably not filmed by people who care about the HUMAN BEINGS life that the whole film is about. When speaking about the editing you show your like for the fact the film somewhat lingers when you think it is about to cut, I believe that might be due to the fact his wife is filming. She is really seeing HIM and what he is going through; showing how a fast can so quickly pivot into a life of solitude seeming to move at a snail rate. While I am on the topic of editing the color scheme of the film intrigues me; I wonder if there is any other reason (besides the team colors like you state) she picked green and while. I also wonder if the color scheme of the film portraits the sadness and takes us through like you said the “pain with him and not cutting time to heal faster”.
10. Kevin Anigbogu 03.25.26 / 3pm

    I believe that this review did a great job of describing how this documentary portrays the physical and mental tolls of injury. I liked how you explained that the editing is slower, which helps the viewer feel what Isco is going through instead of rushing the healing process, which is something that we have discussed in class about how editing affects the pace of a film. I also liked how you explained the use of color, especially the green, which gives this film a certain look. I also agree with your point that the scenes where Isco is alone are very impactful, as this is how some people feel when they are recovering from an injury. I believe that your review does a great job of describing how this film is different from others.
11. Diego Martinez 03.26.26 / 1am

    This review does a good job highlighting how the documentary uses visual storytelling to show Isco’s emotional and physical struggle. I especially liked your point on the camera lingering on scenes when he is all alone to give an emotional effect on the audience. This might be an example of film free form and how pacing affects the audience emotion. You mention how the colors green, and white are constant throughout the documentary this reinforces the films mood and reflects Isco’s isolation, which ties into Mise-en-scene. The way this documentary catches him alone in training or appointments creates an implicit meaning about pressure, identity, and recovery. Your analyzes made me appreciate how intentional these choices where. It makes me curious as to how this documentary looks visually so ill most likely take some time to watch it later.
12. Yusen Sato 03.26.26 / 10pm

    After reading the review, I think this documentary movie is really interesting for people, especially the people playing sports. The editing was never too fast to cut to the next scene, it really shows how he recovered his injury and how the producer wants the audiences to watch this movie. Also, I think this movie more focuses on personal experiences or struggle than making entertainment story. I strongly agree with the idea that this documentary is modern and many people can enjoy to watch. Also, I really like how they shows us Isco was feeling alone throughout the documentary. I think this way of filming is great.
13. Kassandra 03.26.26 / 11pm

    For me the most compelling aspect of the film was how the theme of colors was used to in a way guide us through was is going on in the film. The colors are what helps you to understand the emotions and what is happening throughout the story. The dim blue and green light helps you to feel and even make you feel like you are the one that is going through his struggles and pain. It also gives you a serious essence of encouragement and of dedication. To continue to push through even with all of the hardships that you are facing, even if reach feels impossible. His story is one of many, but is never to old to be told.
14. Charles Castillo 03.30.26 / 11am

    This clearly explains how the documentary focuses on Isco Alarcón’s injury and recovery, especially highlighting the mental and physical isolation he experiences. I like how it was pointed out the use of editing pace and how slower cuts make the audience feel his pain rather than rushing through it. The color palette is also strong, since the consistent green tones help create a specific mood and visual identity for the film. Also, the idea about how sports documentaries often show isolation, but this one feels more personal because of Sara Sálamo’s involvement. I really liked the analysis connects film techniques to emotion well, though it could be slightly more formal and focused for a report.

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