What exactly is a film? Some say it’s simply a work of entertainment; others a kind of art. To me, cinema is a getaway. Films mean different things to different people. Yet, no one can deny the joy of watching an incredible film—-so what sparks that kind of magic? What film inspires you to chase that feeling, and what exactly makes a film truly great? Before diving into the abstract details, let’s first examine the basics of a film—its plot. The plot is the foundation of any movie and its general starting point. When someone recommends a movie, my first question is always, “So what’s it about?” Whether that film follow the fundamentals of a rising action, climax, and resolution, or even feature a complicated twist, every film has a plot. From your Tarantinos to your Spielbergs to your average 10th-grade Everest Academy movie director, it’s pretty much a nonnegotiable aspect of filmmaking. 

 

Now what else is there? Of course you’ve got the characters—an essential aspect of filmmaking I consider to be quite underappreciated. A film’s characters serve as its backbone, remaining as the one constant throughout. Whether it be the protagonist, antagonist, or even a weirdly likeable side character, these are the people who you love, despise, and oftentimes relate to. Take Good Will Hunting for example, where Will’s journey with finding direction in life resonates deeply with many. Or Forrest Gump, whose interesting character is so compelling that audiences can’t help but be drawn into his journey and narrative. These characters are an integral part of their respective films in the sense that they keep audiences consistently engaged. Characters we can care for and with whom we may resonate are one thing that make a film great.

 

Now, imagine yourselves as filmmakers, directors—some Hollywood hotshot in charge of producing the next big film. You’re given the basics of what is needed, the very essence of a film—but how exactly do you turn that into a masterpiece? The answer lies in one essential tool—cinematography—my favorite aspect of film. What exactly is “cinematography”? Cinematography, simply put, is “the visuals of a movie”. Cinematography doesn’t always have to be fancy or complicated; it’s simply the medium in which we interact with film—and so cinematography certainly differs from movie to movie. From the grand sci-fi landscapes in Dune to a simple, still shot in Home Alone, all that’s truly necessary is a cinematography that draws you in and keeps you engaged. To me, cinematography is the soul of filmmaking. It’s what resonates and what makes me mutter, “Wow, that was good,” as I leave the theater. Whether it’s the grandeur of 2001: A Space Odyssey or the intimacy of a simple heartfelt conversation, visuals have the power to evoke true emotion and leave a lasting impact. While it may not necessarily be the essence of a film, it sure is the medium that makes the magic happen. Cinematography is an aspect most integral to proper cinema.  It’s what keeps me personally wanting more, and it’s the feeling I chase in pursuit of a good film. 

 

Now as we reach the final point of this section, I leave you with an extra aspect of film that, while not always present, feels essential to me—a meaningful lesson. While cinematography may create the magic, a great film often leaves you with something more—a lesson that lingers. While it’s not a requirement, a film without a takeaway often feels incomplete. Cinema isn’t just about mere entertainment, it’s an opportunity to learn and to grow, to take something valuable from an imaginary world and to bring it into our own lives. That is why lessons matter—they stay with us, making the entire experience unforgettable and worth revisiting. Take one of my favorites for example, Soul. At face value, it’s simply just another Pixar movie—with dazzling visuals and a heartfelt storyline. But beneath its colorful animation lies a wonderful message about life itself. Soul has taught me that purpose and meaning can be found in the smallest, most ordinary moments—a shared laugh, a walk in nature, even the feeling of wind on your face. It’s a film that has urged me to rethink the way I view fulfillment—it’s shown me that life isn’t all about chasing a bigger purpose, but about appreciating everything you have in the moment. That’s precisely why I value a good lesson—it has the power to teach, inspire, and to truly resonate.

And so now that you know what I consider to be integral parts of a film and have gotten a taste of my perspective on cinema, how may you, as a reader, actually dive into this great, vast, and wonderful world? Well, my first suggestion is to explore. Appreciate the complexity of the characters in Good Will Hunting. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking cinematography of the world of Dune. Enjoy the animation of Soul and learn to enjoy the simplicities of life. But most importantly, find a film that speaks to you. Find your own preferences and find what truly makes you tick, what keeps you entertained, and what keeps you coming back for more. Go find a film for yourself. As I've said—everyone is different, and everyone has their own tastes; even I, as a writer, have already infused a great deal of bias into my seemingly “objective” guide to cinema. But that’s exactly it: find your own bias—there truly is no point in exploring cinema without seeking what brings you joy. The whole point is to simply find what you love and to find what keeps you coming back. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn’t take recommendations, check reviews, and ask around, because you most definitely should. My point simply is that in this sea of “critically acclaimed movies,” find what resonates with you. To me, that feeling is what keeps me coming back for more—rewatching films over and over in pursuit of that same magical experience I felt the first time. So if there’s anything I want to leave you with, it’s this: every film holds a piece of the extraordinary, simply waiting for the right person to find it. Let the magic of cinema take you on a journey, and find the one that speaks to you.