Hungarian cinema offers a unique lens through which language learners can immerse themselves in the Hungarian language and culture. By watching movies in Hungarian, you not only get to enjoy compelling stories and exceptional performances but also improve your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and get a feel for the rhythm and intonation of the language. Here are some Hungarian movie recommendations that will aid in your language practice.
Classic Hungarian Films
1. Mephisto (1981)
Director: István Szabó
Synopsis: “Mephisto” is a critically acclaimed film that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It tells the story of an ambitious actor in Nazi Germany who sacrifices his morals and principles for fame and success. As you follow the protagonist’s journey, you will be exposed to a variety of conversational and formal Hungarian, making it a great film for advanced learners.
Language Learning Tips: Pay attention to the different social contexts in the film and how the characters adjust their language accordingly. This will help you understand the nuances of formal and informal speech in Hungarian.
2. The Round-Up (Szegénylegények, 1965)
Director: Miklós Jancsó
Synopsis: This historical drama is set in the aftermath of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The film focuses on a group of prisoners suspected of being insurgents. “The Round-Up” is renowned for its minimalist dialogue and long, continuous takes, which give language learners the chance to focus on individual words and phrases.
Language Learning Tips: Because of its sparse dialogue, this film is excellent for beginners who want to practice listening to Hungarian without being overwhelmed by fast-paced conversation. Pay attention to the context in which each line is delivered to better understand its meaning.
Modern Hungarian Films
3. Son of Saul (Saul fia, 2015)
Director: László Nemes
Synopsis: “Son of Saul” is a harrowing Holocaust drama that follows a Jewish prisoner forced to work in the crematoriums of Auschwitz. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is noted for its intense, immersive storytelling. The dialogue is often fragmented and whispered, which offers a different kind of listening challenge.
Language Learning Tips: This film is suitable for advanced learners due to its complex and emotionally charged dialogue. Try to focus on the emotions conveyed through the language, as this will help you understand the context even if you miss some words.
4. On Body and Soul (Testről és lélekről, 2017)
Director: Ildikó Enyedi
Synopsis: This unique romantic drama tells the story of two introverted workers at a slaughterhouse who discover they share the same dreams at night. “On Body and Soul” won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award. Its blend of everyday and poetic language makes it an excellent resource for learners.
Language Learning Tips: Pay attention to the quiet, introspective dialogue and the way it conveys the characters’ inner worlds. This film is great for intermediate learners who want to expand their vocabulary with more abstract and emotional terms.
Comedy and Light-Hearted Films
5. Kontroll (2003)
Director: Nimród Antal
Synopsis: “Kontroll” is a dark comedy set in the Budapest Metro system, where ticket inspectors navigate a surreal world of eccentric passengers and mysterious happenings. The film combines humor with elements of thriller and drama, making it a highly entertaining watch.
Language Learning Tips: The film features a wide range of colloquial Hungarian, which is perfect for intermediate learners. Pay attention to the slang and idiomatic expressions used by the characters.
6. Liza, the Fox-Fairy (Liza, a rókatündér, 2015)
Director: Károly Ujj Mészáros
Synopsis: This whimsical romantic comedy follows Liza, a lonely nurse who believes she is turning into a fox-fairy, a mythical creature that brings death to anyone who falls in love with her. The film’s quirky humor and imaginative storytelling make it a delightful choice for language learners.
Language Learning Tips: The playful and imaginative dialogue in this film is great for expanding your vocabulary. Listen for the way characters use language to create humor and convey fantastical elements.
Documentaries
7. Our Little Differences (Különleges emberek, 2013)
Director: Máté Bartha
Synopsis: This documentary explores the lives of people with intellectual disabilities living in a care home in Hungary. It offers a compassionate and insightful look at their daily experiences and challenges.
Language Learning Tips: Documentaries like this one are excellent for hearing natural, unscripted Hungarian. Pay attention to the way people speak in real-life situations, including their use of filler words and informal expressions.
8. The Euphoria of Being (A létezés eufóriája, 2019)
Director: Réka Szabó
Synopsis: This documentary follows the collaboration between a Holocaust survivor and a young dancer as they create a dance performance based on the survivor’s life story. It is a moving exploration of memory, trauma, and artistic expression.
Language Learning Tips: The film features a mix of conversational and reflective language, making it suitable for advanced learners. Pay attention to the way the characters discuss complex and emotional topics, as this will help you improve your comprehension and expressive abilities.
Family and Children’s Films
9. Willy the Sparrow (Vili, a veréb, 1989)
Director: József Gémes
Synopsis: This animated film tells the story of a mischievous boy named Willy who is turned into a sparrow as punishment for his bad behavior. As he navigates life as a bird, he learns valuable lessons about kindness and empathy.
Language Learning Tips: Animated films for children are perfect for beginners because they feature simple language and clear pronunciation. Pay attention to the basic vocabulary and repetitive phrases used in the film.
10. The Little Fox (Vuk, 1981)
Director: Attila Dargay
Synopsis: “The Little Fox” is a beloved animated film that follows the adventures of a young fox named Vuk as he learns to survive in the forest. The film is based on a popular Hungarian children’s book and is a classic in Hungarian animation.
Language Learning Tips: Like “Willy the Sparrow,” this film is great for beginners. The simple and engaging storyline will help you build your basic vocabulary and improve your listening skills.
Where to Find Hungarian Movies
Finding Hungarian movies might be a bit challenging, especially if you don’t live in Hungary. However, there are several platforms where you can access a variety of Hungarian films:
1. Online Streaming Services
Some streaming platforms, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, offer a selection of Hungarian movies. You can search for titles in their foreign films category or use the search function to find specific movies.
2. Hungarian Film Archives
The Hungarian National Film Archive has an online catalog where you can find classic and contemporary Hungarian films. Some of these films are available for streaming or download.
3. International Film Festivals
Many international film festivals showcase Hungarian films. Keep an eye out for film festivals in your area or look for virtual film festivals that you can attend online.
4. DVD and Blu-ray
You can purchase DVDs and Blu-rays of Hungarian films from online retailers like Amazon or specialty stores that focus on international films.
Additional Tips for Learning Hungarian Through Movies
1. Use Subtitles Wisely: Start by watching the film with English subtitles to get a sense of the story and characters. Then, switch to Hungarian subtitles to help you match spoken words with their written form. Finally, try watching without subtitles to test your comprehension.
2. Repeat and Shadow: Rewind and repeat scenes to practice pronunciation and intonation. Shadowing, or speaking along with the characters, can help you improve your speaking skills.
3. Take Notes: Write down new vocabulary and phrases that you hear in the film. Look them up later and try to use them in your own sentences.
4. Discuss the Film: If possible, discuss the film with other Hungarian learners or native speakers. This will help you practice speaking and deepen your understanding of the film’s themes and language.
Watching Hungarian movies is an enjoyable and effective way to enhance your language skills. With these recommendations and tips, you can make the most of your movie-watching experience and take your Hungarian to the next level. Happy viewing!
