7 films for English learners

Learning a language is obviously easier when you’re enjoying yourself. And one of the best ways to pass the time is watching movies. Try not to forget about a tub of popcorn! But are blockbusters infamous for using poor English? Are indie movies usually too complicated? Do screenwriters use too many strange words? To help you out, here’s a list of movies I suppose are the most effective.

Notting Hill (1999)

A classical romantic comedy worth of enjoying on long winter evenings. If you’re still not sure whether to learn British or American English, the movie is great to learn more about both. Set in London, it is a story about a nerdy bookshop owner who falls in love with an American movie star.

Notting Hill is a cozy and colorful area of London. Even those who have never been a fan of the film, or maybe never watched it at all, know at least one shot: Hugh Grant walks along his street through the four seasons. There is a legend that the most difficult thing for the director of the film was not to recruit two movie stars, but to obtain permission to film the paradise of the British capital. Final shots will make you feel all warm.

The King’s Speech (2010)

The historical drama is based on the true story of Queen Elizabeth II's father who is preparing to take office as British King George VI in difficult times. Plagued by a terrible nervous stutter he has strong doubts about his ability to lead the country. George asks an unorthodox speech therapist to help.

The ultimate goal of a future King is to deliver a speech to the British people about war having been declared on Germany. The film is not only entertaining. There is actually a whole pronunciation lesson in there, too. Use it!

Pulp Fiction (1994)

A cult American black comedy with excellent acting. It is worth watching if you want to expand your slang vocabulary or get to know more accents. Pulp Fiction is considered Tarantino's masterpiece due to its script. For its self-reflexivity, unconventional structure, and particular stylization, critics called the film an example of postmodern cinema. The cast also received widespread praise.

The plot of the film is non-linear. This technique was extremely popular in the late 1990s. It gave rise to numerous imitations. The film tells a number of stories from a robbery of a café to saving a girl from a heroin overdose. The stories are mixed with philosophical discussions between two gangsters. The name is a reference to pulp magazines popular in the middle of the 20th century in the USA. It was in the style of such magazines that posters were designed, and later the soundtrack, video cassettes and DVD with the film.

The Green Mile (1999)##

An iconic American fantasy drama based on Stephen King's novel. Paul Edgecomb is the boss of the death row at the state penitentiary at Cold Mountain, where each of the prisoners once walks the "Green Mile" on the way to the place of execution. Paul has seen many inmates and guards during his work. However, the calm giant John Coffey, who is accused of a terrible crime, has finally become one of the most outstanding inhabitants of the prison block.

One of the convicts speaks with a French accent. In general, it is not easy to understand prisoners as they shout or swear. So, it is worth seeing when you are quite sure about your language skills. The film is known to be one of the saddest movies in the world cinematography. Though American culture would be incomplete without the masterpiece.

Titanic (1997)

An epic action-packed American romance and disaster movie, where the love story is a complete fiction and shipwreck line is based on real Titanic history. Hence you are going to learn English through films and to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation, it may be the best choice. The fun is promised while enjoying the performances of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Their touching dialogues are indeed awesome language lessons!

It is interesting that the majority of underwater shots in the movie are real. The film director James Cameron personally dived 12 times to the wreck of the ocean liner to capture the ship authentically. Cameron wanted to push the boundary of special effects with his film and it was a success. Computer-generated people were used for the dangerous falls during the climactic scene.

Great Gatsby (2013)

A historical romantic drama unfolds at the height of the Roaring Twenties on Long Island in New York. The film won a number of awards, including two Oscars for best sets and costumes. A bright story of love, betrayal, lies and deceit. The film is fairly accurate to the classic novel. It keeps most of its still actual themes intact. However, the director of the movie adds a new dimension to the story. Visually this film is incredibly stunning.

From grand sets to the detailed period dresses, this film is a real treat for the eyes. Its impressive scenery takes your breath away. A $105 million net production budget speaks for itself. Someone might be worried about the updated music, but there is nothing to fear. Jay-Z's track works incredibly well with the film. It complements the epoch in which it is set. I recommend the movie to those who are interested in improving American English.

Love Actually (2003)

British film in the genre of Christmas stories devoted to love which is unforgettable and unattainable, regrettable and ecstatic, unexpected and unwanted, uncomfortable and inexplicable, inelegant and unequal. Love truly rules all around. A prime minister instantly fell in love with a junior staffer, a writer fled to the south of France to heal his broken heart.

The production actually built a whole airport terminal in Shepperton Studios to shoot a movie. Director of the movie explains that one of the characters was originally written as a talented gymnast. When it comes to the famous airport scene, where he rushes to tell his crush how he feels before she leaves for the US, he uses those skills to evade airport security.

Love Actually is humorous, emotional and very charming. I would mention it to anyone who looks for a good comedy or romance film. Plus, characters’ pronunciation is an example to follow.