Lights, camera, language learning! With the buzz of the recent Oscars still fresh in our minds, there’s no better time to explore how movies can be a fantastic tool for improving your English. This week, at The London Eye – English Consultant, we’re diving into the world of cinema and discovering how you can learn while being entertained.
Let’s face it: traditional textbooks can sometimes feel a bit dry. Movies, on the other hand, offer a dynamic and engaging way to immerse yourself in the English language. You get to hear natural conversations, see how language is used in different contexts, and even pick up on slang and idioms.
Why Movies Are Great for Language Learning:
- Real-World English: Movies expose you to authentic English, spoken at a natural pace.
- Contextual Learning: You learn vocabulary and grammar in context, making it easier to remember.
- Pronunciation Practice: You can improve your pronunciation by listening to and imitating native speakers.
- Cultural Insights: Movies offer a window into different cultures and perspectives.
- Motivation and Engagement: Learning through movies is fun and engaging, keeping you motivated to continue.
Choosing the Right Films:
To maximize your learning experience, choose films with:
- Clear Dialogue: Avoid films with heavy accents or mumbled dialogue, especially if you’re a beginner.
- Subtitles (Initially): Use English subtitles to help you follow along and understand unfamiliar words. As you progress, try watching without subtitles.
- Genres You Enjoy: Choose films that interest you, so you’re more likely to stay engaged.
- Films that are popular: With the Oscars in mind, watching films that have recently won awards, or been nominated, can be a great way to engage with popular culture, and also have a wide availability of resources online to help your learning.
Learning Activities:
Here are some ways to learn English through movies:
- Watch with Subtitles (Initially): Pay attention to new vocabulary and phrases. Pause the film to look up words you don’t understand.
- Watch Without Subtitles: Challenge yourself to understand the dialogue without subtitles.
- Focus on Specific Scenes: Rewatch scenes with interesting dialogue and analyze how the characters use language.
- Discuss Plot and Themes: After watching a film, discuss the plot, characters, and themes with a friend or language partner.
- Analyze Language Use: Pay attention to how language is used to convey emotions, ideas, and relationships.
- Imitate Dialogue: Practice your pronunciation and intonation by imitating the characters’ dialogue.
- Vocabulary Building: Keep a notebook of new words and phrases you learn from movies.
- Character Analysis: How does a character’s word choice reflect their personality?
Oscar-Worthy Language Learning: Recent Winners and Nominees
Let’s put your language learning into practice with some of the standout films from the recent Academy Awards:
- «Oppenheimer»: This film, rich in dialogue and complex themes, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore formal English and scientific vocabulary. Pay close attention to the nuanced discussions and debates. Practicing the delivery of the actors in this movie is great for people who must give formal presentations.
- «Poor Things»: This film, with its unique and imaginative language, is a great option for those looking to expand their vocabulary and explore creative expression. Analyzing the way that the main character evolves her language throughout the movie is a great way to see how language evolves.
- «Anatomy of a Fall»: This film, featuring intense courtroom drama, provides excellent practice in understanding legal English and persuasive arguments. Pay close attention to the way the characters construct their arguments and use language to convey their points. This film is great for anyone who needs to understand how to argue a point.
- «The Holdovers»: This film is full of natural and very common conversations, and is a great film to learn how people really talk. Pay attention to the way that the characters use slang, and informal language.
- «Anora»: This film, winner of five Oscar Awards in 2025, with its multiple award wins, offers a diverse range of language use. From the emotional performances, to the script writing, this film has a lot to offer. The plot will require characters to tell stories, explain situations, and give accounts of events. Pay attention to how they structure their narratives, use descriptive language, and maintain coherence.
- «The Brutalist»: Adrien Brody’s award-winning performance provides an opportunity to study character-driven dialogue and nuanced delivery. Pay attention to how he uses language to convey complex emotions. The film will likely contain discussions about art, creativity, and the human condition. Pay attention to how characters express their opinions and engage in intellectual debates.
Let’s Get Started!
Grab some popcorn, settle in, and start learning English through the magic of movies. What films have helped you learn English? Share your recommendations and tips in the comments below!
Check our PODCASTS section to listen the latest program about English in the Movies. Happy listening!!
The London Eye - English Consultant 