Movies to watch before you step into any IELTS Listening Exam
Well, if your native language isn’t English & you’ve come from a different ethnicity with unnourished English linguistics then understanding English accents might seem like a problem to you. That’s okay, as it’s not your fault to get spoon-fed by non-English culture & that’s not something that you should be ashamed of. Each creed & caste, social dogma has its own perspectives & that where the beauty lies.
However, there is a sneaky way to train your ear to a world of dialects in English, from posh British to Southern drawls. Grab your popcorn and set your screen – as we’re about to learn some of the best English movies for a better understanding on various English accents.
Take a good look of these movies & put them into your watchlist!
Watching movies can be a passive way to get yourself all-rounded with spoken English – but it’s not a guaranteed path to a perfect accent rather it can be an approach. Movies offer exposure to naturalistic speech patterns – including rhythm and intonation which you can hear & learn. In fact, the variety of accents in films can help train your ear to recognize different pronunciations. But here’s a catch – the veracity of movie accents might be a bit questionable. Characters often can be seen exaggerated regional accents or speak very quickly – which can raise questions on its viability. Movies prioritize entertainment over language instruction, crucial pronunciation nuances or struggle to follow complex dialogue. To make faster progress, consider using resources with a stronger focus on clear speech, like audiobooks or podcasts. Combine these methods with speaking practice alongside native speakers who can provide constructive feedback. The key to accent improvement lies in consistent exposure to clear English and actively practicing your own pronunciation.
The King’s Speech (2010): This historical drama tells the story of King George VI of England, who overcame a stammer with the help of a speech therapist. In the film, both King George VI (played by Colin Firth) and Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush) use RP, though it’s worth noting that Rush’s portrayal maintains a subtle hint of his native Australian accent. This is a prestigious accent called Received Pronunciation traditionally associated with the British upper class.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994): This critically acclaimed drama is set in a Maine prison and tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man who is wrongly convicted of murder. Two of its most influenced accents are –
- General American: This is the most common accent in the film, likely used by characters like Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Warden Norton (Bob Gunton).
- New England twang: Some characters might have a subtle hint of this, which is a regional variation found in the northeastern US, including Maine. It’s not overly strong in the movie, but you might catch it in certain pronunciations.
My Fair Lady (1964): This musical comedy tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl who is transformed into a proper lady by a speech professor.
- Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) starts with a strong Cockney accent. This is a working-class London dialect known for its distinctive pronunciation, like dropping “h” sounds and using rhyming slang.
- Professor Higgins (Rex Harrison) uses Received Pronunciation (RP). As mentioned earlier, this is the posh accent of the British upper class, known for its crisp and clear pronunciation.
Forrest Gump (1994): This classic film follows the life of Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ who witnesses many of the major historical events of the 20th century. Southern American. Tom Hanks portrays Forrest with a thick Southern drawl, particularly associated with the southeastern United States, especially states like Mississippi or Alabama.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): This quirky comedy-drama is set in a luxurious European hotel between the wars.
- International Flair: The film features characters from various European countries, so there isn’t one single dominant accent.
- Central European Blend: Some characters, particularly those associated with the hotel staff, might have accents that are a blend of Eastern European and Central European pronunciations. It’s not meant to be a specific nationality, but rather a unique sound for the fictional hotel setting.
- British Influence: Ralph Fiennes, who plays M. Gustave, the hotel concierge, uses a refined British accent. This adds a touch of sophistication and complements the luxurious hotel atmosphere.
Love Actually (2003): This romantic comedy follows the lives of eight couples in London in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Set in London, the film features a cast with actors from different regions of Britain. This means you’ll hear a mix of accents, primarily:
- Received Pronunciation : The posh, “proper” accent used by some characters, especially those in positions of authority.
- Southern British Accents: Accents like Cockney (working-class London) or Estuary English (a more modern London blend) might be used by other characters.
- Regional Accents: There’s a chance you might hear hints of accents from other parts of the UK, like the north or the west.
The Social Network (2010) : It’s a highly recommended movie for understanding a face-paced dialogue in English. The film’s screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, who is famous for his quick-witted and rapid-fire dialogue. Characters often engage in verbal sparring matches, exchanging lines back and forth with minimal pauses.
- General American: This is the most common accent in the US and is likely used by many characters, particularly those from the East Coast like Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield).
- Regional Accents: There’s a chance you might hear subtle hints of regional variations depending on the characters’ backstories. For example, characters from California (where some scenes take place) might have a slight Californian accent, known for its relaxed and surfer-dude vibe.
So, these are the movies that you can watch. And as you’ll find some words highlighted – those are the accents you’ll find when you watch that particular movie. For reader’s benefit, I’ve embedded a YouTube link in each word that’ll bring you more understanding on accents.
Okay so let’s finish this article with some tips for all you movie freaks (just kidding) – loosen up!
- Watch with subtitles: When you watch movies with subtitles and your eyes bounce between the action and the text, your brain gets a bit of a workout. You’re multitasking by shifting attention and potentially learning subconsciously as the written words reinforce what you hear.
- Start with movies that you are interested in: First, you’ll be more engaged, which means you’re actively listening and absorbing information rather than forcing yourself through something dull. This increases the chances of retaining vocabulary and sentence structures you encounter. Plus, the enjoyment factor makes the whole experience feel less like studying and more like fun.
- Watch the movie multiple times: This will help you to pick up on details that you may have missed the first time around. understanding of vocabulary, sentence structures, and even cultural references used in the film. Each time you watch with focus, you might pick up on new details or nuances. But don’t reiterate it for long as that’ll limit your thirst to learn more & explore.
- Pay attention to the way that the actors speak: Notice their intonation, pronunciation, and body language. By focusing on the words spoken, you’re obviously grasping the literal meaning. But the magic happens when you combine that with observing lip movements. These visual cues can help you decipher accents, understand mumbled dialogue, and even pick up on emotions that might not be as clear from the words alone. For instance, a character might say “sure” with a clenched jaw, hinting at hidden frustration.
- Try to shadow the actors: This means repeating what they say as soon as you hear it. You’re essentially mimicking their pronunciation and intonation, training your mouth to form sounds more naturally and reduce your accent – making your own speech flow more smoothly and avoiding a monotone. Remember to choose movies that match your current level to avoid getting discouraged, and soon you’ll be speaking English with more confidence and clarity.
