Discussing Movies in English: Join the Conversation!

There are too many interesting films to even count, and many hours could be spent discussing them.

Many films draw inspiration from books, leading to a popular debate: Which is superior, the book or its cinematic adaptation? This topic invites exploration of storytelling techniques, character development, and the unique experiences each medium offers.

One of my all-time favorite films is the iconic *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*, masterfully directed by Milos Forman. This powerful movie is based on Ken Kesey’s renowned novel of the same name. It’s a fascinating debate whether the book or the film holds greater merit, as both offer unique and compelling experiences.

What is your favorite movie?

Can you talk about it in English? If you can, that’s great!

If you’re uncertain about how to express your thoughts, this article is just what you need! Here, you’ll discover a variety of words and phrases that will boost your confidence when discussing your favorite movie in English.

To begin with, let’s remember the different film genres:

•         Romantic comedy (sometimes shortened to “Romcom”)
•         Science fiction (sci-fi)
•         Horror (scary movie)
•         Documentary
•         Animated film (animation)
•         Action / thriller
•         Drama
•         Comedy
•         Adventure

Films often blend multiple genres, making it challenging to categorize them definitively. For instance, a movie might be described as a drama infused with action elements, showcasing the unique fusion of storytelling styles.

How was the film?

As we step out of the theater, the first question we always ask our friend is, “What did you think?” And now you’re equipped to ask it in English too!

Here are a few different ways to answer that question:

•         It was heartwarming and a total laugh riot.*

*this means it was very funny

•         The special effects were breathtaking.
•         It made my blood run cold.*

*this idiom means that it was very frightening

•         It gave me food for thought.*

*this means that it gave you something to think about.

•         The plot* was intriguing.

*the idea, concept, story

If you didn’t like the movie, or if you thought the movie wasn’t interesting, you can use these expressions:

•         The movie was extremely bad/boring.
•         It was like watching the grass grow.*

*this idiom means that the movie was uninteresting and boring

•         It was like watching paint dry.*

* this idiom means the same as “watching the grass grow.”

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Finally, here are a few English words that are used in connection with movies:

•         Cast – the actors in the film
•         Veteran – an experienced actor
•         Dubbed – translated into another language
•         Subtitles – words at the bottom of the screen that match the dialogue
• Cinematography: The art and technique of capturing moving images in filmmaking, encompassing camera work and the broader film industry.
•         Trailer – a short preview that shows several scenes from a film and relates the basic plot
•         Sequel – a film that continues the story of a previous one
•         Cameo – a small character part in a movie, played by a well-known actor or a celebrity
•         Blockbuster – a film that is very popular and successful financially
•         Bombed – past tense verb, meaning a film was very bad and was a financial failure

Enhance your listening skills by watching films in English! Afterward, engage in discussions about the movies with your friends, family, or colleagues. This not only reinforces your understanding but also gives you the chance to practice conversational English.

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Just speak!

Suggest some good English language films in the Comments. 😉