Film Review: Know Where to Go by HaqqMedia
A few months back I was requested to give my thoughts on the following film. I’ve finally come around to it. First the film, then my thoughts in brief.
My thoughts in brief:
Firstly, I commend the director for taking up the task to present a message and I encourage the individuals involved to keep sharpening their saw.
My critique of the film: It seemed the director was trying too hard to be visually creative while the film itself lacked a solid story and structure. This resulted in the film dragging. Personally, I would cut out at least half of the video to make it faster.
An audience will forgive a visually lacking film if its got a solid story. However, the reverse is not true. If there’s no story, then the film better have an artistically pleasing visual presentation to keep the audience’s attention.
Overall, I think it’s a great attempt without any real reply value except amongst the intimidate community that this was filmed. I encourage the director to keep working, but focus their efforts more towards the development of a solid story in future projects.
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REZA Says:
As Salaamu Alaikum. Really liked this video. The story was touching, and the video was visually engaging. Also the length of the video added to the character development. As Br. Belal said it probably could have been a bit shorter, but I think there is a fine line; you don’t want to make it too concise or else you will not be able to build a strong connection with the characters. WS, Reza
Bint A Says:
Same here. The story line was something a lot of people can relate to and the message was spot on mashaAllah
Alea Says:
Definitely an amazing video, and I say that with tears in my eyes! Honestly, I don’t think the video was too long although maybe a few clips could have been cut earlier. I have to say that I completely disagree with Br. Belal when he says that, “the film itself lacked a solid story and structure. This resulted in the film dragging.”
Ibn Nazzum Says:
I agree with our respected brother Belal. The story was very much dragging. inshallah the criticism only for the betterment of the Director (may Allah reward him for his efforts)
This could have been a good 5 minute short. 18 minutes is dragging it when there is not much story and depth.
A.S
Mohammad Hoque Says:
A big JazakAllahuKhair to Br. Belal for sharing this and another big JazakumAllahuKhair for the encouraging comments. It makes me super happy to see that people are enjoying and/or benefiting from this video. Please do tell me what you liked and didn’t like, so that we can make the next video better inshaAllah!
Arif Kabir Says:
It seems that we are all approaching this film from the Leechon aka movie-trailers perspective. We are all used to feeling pumped and hyped after watching such a trailer, but this short film seems to be more of drawing us to think and reflect. 5 minutes for a short film would be quickly switching from scene to scene, but this film took its time and spent a good minute and two showing the emotions of the father, children, etc. when only a few seconds may have sufficed.
Overall, excellent work Masha’Allah! I really enjoyed it Alhamdulillah. I would say to just strengthen the story a bit more as Br. Belal mentioned, and to have some moments of suspense and an unpredicted scene so that people are left sitting on the tips of their chairs Insha’Allah.
Saad S. Says:
@IBN NAZZUM: I don’t think a video of this emotional weight can be condensed into 5 minutes.
Think about it; first we get to know the family (we see the family getting ready to go camping), then we feel the pain and sadness (father getting laid off while the kids are still hoping to go camping), then we feel the struggle (as the father searches for a job), then we get a lesson in tawakkul (teacher in class, family during dinner, praying), then all of that is tied together with a beautiful metaphor at the end!
@MOHAMMAD HOQUE: In my humble opinion I think this video is a masterpiece. I really like it how it is, but to keep both sides happy, maybe keep the montages a little shorter.
@ARIF KABIR: I like your trailer theory.
Rizak Says:
Asalaamu Alaykum,
Great movie, mashaAllah. Strong points are the transitions in between scenes are very well times, the scenes are shot really nicely, the shots are cool, the lines are great and the overall message is awesome.
Things that need to be worked on: The transitions shouldn’t be longer than a few seconds to fade in sometimes. The audio, the nasheeds sometimes became a bit over-powering. The lines could be improved somewhat. The story line, could be improved just a bit. The scenes are sometimes a bit longer than they should be, I think this message and emotion could easily be conveyed through a shorter film.
Overall, really great short film. Especially being an early production, my sincere advise is to take every criticism as a pointer and improve on your work for next time and the time after that. With that attitude you will be the best in no time bithnillah.