Cinematic Reflection Journey
Write a personal reflection (about 2-3 pages double-spaced, min word count: 500 words) that examines your personal journey through this course by focusing on two films from this semester according to the following criteria
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Cinematic Reflection Journey
Discovering Identity Through Film
One of the most impactful films for me this semester was Moonlight. It helped me reflect on how cinema can portray personal identity in deeply emotional ways. The film’s portrayal of Chiron’s journey through adolescence, trauma, and sexuality resonated with my own questions of self-understanding. It reminded me how powerful film can be in giving voice to the voiceless. Through this film, I became more empathetic toward the challenges of identity formation in marginalized communities.
Reevaluating Cultural Assumptions
Another film that transformed my thinking was Parasite. The social commentary in the film challenged many of my assumptions about class, opportunity, and inequality. It used visual storytelling and suspense to show how societal structures trap people in invisible hierarchies. Watching it made me question how class manifests in my own culture and how easily we overlook inequality when it doesn’t directly affect us. The film’s twist ending haunted me, forcing deeper reflection.
Gaining a Critical Eye
This course has sharpened my ability to analyze film beyond surface entertainment. I now notice symbolism, framing, and directorial choices. Films like Moonlight and Parasite taught me how to interpret what’s unsaid—through color, silence, and subtle cues. I’ve learned to view films as complex texts, shaped by social and historical contexts. This has enhanced my critical thinking and enriched my appreciation for cinema as art.
Personal Growth and Future Outlook
Through these films, I’ve grown emotionally and intellectually. I feel more attuned to stories that challenge norms and amplify diverse voices. Going forward, I’ll approach films with greater intention, seeking meaning and messages that can deepen my understanding of others and myself. This course reminded me that cinema can be both a mirror and a window—reflecting our world and offering glimpses into others’ lives.
