If you are looking for a way to learn Italian that is fun and interesting, then you should definitely check out some of the best Italian films around! Although it is always a good idea to practise with a tutor or in class, watching Italian films can also be useful.
In this article, we will recommend some of the best Italian films to learn Italian quickly and easily. We are confident that by watching these films, you will be able to enrich your vocabulary, improve your understanding of grammar and pronunciation, and at the same time, enjoy an exciting film experience. So sit back, relax and enjoy the best that Italian cinema has to offer!
Movies for learning Italian
Here is a brief description of each film and why it can be useful for learning Italian:
La vita è bella
“La vita è bella” is a 1997 film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, winner of three Academy Awards. The plot of the film follows the story of Guido, a Jewish man living in Italy during World War II, and his family. Despite the terrible situation, they find themselves in, Guido tries to protect his son Giosuè from the reality of war, creating a fantastic fairy tale to entertain him and give him hope for a better future.
This film is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their knowledge of Italian, as it offers a great variety of dialogues and situations in which new words and phrases can be learned. In addition, Benigni’s clear and melodious pronunciation, combined with the fact that the film is set in Italy, makes it possible to familiarise oneself with the Italian language and culture.
Nuovo cinema Paradiso
“Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” is a film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore in 1988, which tells the story of Salvatore, a young man who dreams of becoming a film director. The film is set in a small Sicilian village and follows Salvatore’s life from the time he is a child to his adult life, showing his relationship with cinema and the community in which he lives.
This film is an excellent choice for improving knowledge of the Italian language, as it is entirely shot in Italian. In this way, students can practise listening to and using the Italian language in a real context while following the film’s plot. Moreover, ‘Nuovo Cinema Paradiso’ was highly praised by both audiences and critics and was awarded the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, so it also offers a high-quality film experience.
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Suspiria
‘Suspiria’ is a 1977 horror film directed by Dario Argento. Set in a prestigious German dance school, the film follows new American student Suzy Bannion, who discovers that the school is ruled by a dark and sinister force.
Although it is a horror film, ‘Suspiria’ can be an excellent choice for improving your knowledge of Italian due to its compelling narrative and authentic conversations between characters. In addition, the film presents a number of themes and symbolism that can offer a unique opportunity to improve one’s understanding of Italian culture.
Matrimonio all’italiana
“Matrimonio all’italiana” is a 1964 Italian comedy directed by Vittorio De Sica and starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. The film tells the story of Filumena Marturano, a Neapolitan prostitute who decides to spend the rest of her life with her old lover Domenico Soriano, a wealthy businessman. The plot of the film takes place between 1940 and 1960 and shows daily life in Naples and the social dynamics of Italy at the time.
“Matrimonio all’italiana” is an excellent choice to improve one’s knowledge of the Italian language because it presents an authentic and colloquial Italian, with funny and lively dialogues. The film offers an insight into Italian culture and everyday life, showing the traditions, cuisine and family dynamics typical of southern Italy.
Benvenuti al sud
‘Benvenuti al Sud’ is a 2010 Italian comedy that tells the story of Alberto, a postmaster from Milan who is transferred to a small town in the south of Italy as a punishment.
Initially, Alberto is distrustful and prejudiced towards the South, believing it to be full of delinquents and untrustworthy people. However, as he integrates into the community, he begins to appreciate the human warmth and hospitality of its inhabitants and learns to understand and appreciate southern culture.
This movie is an excellent choice to improve one’s knowledge of the Italian language because it uses simple, colloquial language. Moreover, the film is set in a specific geographical and cultural context, Southern Italy, which offers a unique opportunity to learn and familiarise yourself with local expressions and dialects. The film is also very entertaining and engaging, which makes it an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience.
Each of these films can be used as a tool to improve understanding of Italian, not only in terms of grammar and vocabulary but also in terms of understanding Italian culture and its values.
However, for best results, it is important to combine watching the films with a high-quality Italian course, such as those offered by SpazioLingua in Milan.
Thanks to our highly qualified mother tongue teachers and our customized teaching methods, our students can quickly improve their knowledge of Italian and gain the confidence to speak the language in real-life situations.
