why wouldnt that be an essay just cos ur using 'I' and 'my'i agree completely with what you're saying.. or what your teacher said. as long as you make a judgement then its clearly your own judgement and your own interpretation.. when have you ever had to write 'i' in an essay? thats not an essay at all..
an essay is your personal critique on something
especially being a CRITICAL STUDY it would be required
you dont HAVE to
although, as i said before, it IS preferred