Why Learn Hungarian Through Movies?

Movies and TV shows are an engaging way to immerse yourself in a language. They expose you to authentic dialogues, cultural nuances, and local slang, all while keeping you entertained. Hungarian cinema, with its deep storytelling and artistic brilliance, offers a perfect gateway to learning the language and culture.

Top Hungarian Films to Watch

Here’s a curated list of Hungarian films that can enrich your understanding of both the language and the culture:

• Son of Saul (2015) – A harrowing, Academy Award-winning Holocaust drama.
• The Witness / A tanú (1969) – A satirical take on life under communism.
• Kontroll (2003) – A darkly comedic thriller set in Budapest’s metro system.
• Sunshine / A napfény íze (1999) – A multigenerational epic about a Jewish family in Hungary.
• Satantango (1994) – A 7-hour masterpiece by Béla Tarr, emblematic of slow cinema.
• Mephisto (1981) – Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, this story explores the moral struggles of an actor under the Nazi regime.
• The Round-Up / Szegénylegények (1966) – A haunting portrayal of post-revolutionary Hungary in the 19th century.
• Sing (2016) – An Oscar-winning short film about ambition and teamwork in a school choir.
• The Turin Horse / A torinói ló (2011) – A contemplative film exploring human existence.
• The Citizen / Az Állampolgár (2016) – A touching story of immigration and identity.

How to Use Movies for Learning Hungarian

Watching Hungarian movies can greatly enhance your language skills. Here’s how you can maximize your learning:

1. Start with Subtitles: Watch movies with English subtitles, then switch to Hungarian subtitles as you progress.
2. Note Vocabulary: Pause to jot down new words and phrases. Look up their meanings and try to use them in sentences.
3. Focus on Pronunciation: Repeat lines after the characters to practice authentic pronunciation and intonation.
4. Learn Through Context: Observe how words and expressions are used in different situations to grasp their meanings naturally.

Resources for Exploring Hungarian Cinema

Delve deeper into Hungarian cinema with these resources:

• The Culture Trip: Top 10 Hungarian Films
• IMDB: Best Hungarian Films
• Daily News Hungary: Best Hungarian Movies of the 2010s
• Kafka Desk: Best Hungarian Films Since the National Film Fund
• Daily News Hungary: Popular Hungarian Movies on IMDB
• Taste of Cinema: Essential Hungarian Films
• Eastern European Movies: Hungarian Collection
• Xpatloop: Top Hungarian Films Since National Film Fund Creation
• Daily News Hungary: Hungarian Film Ranked Top 2 on Netflix

Ready to Start Watching?

Learning Hungarian through films is not just about language; it’s a journey into the heart of Hungarian culture and history. Start with our recommended list, immerse yourself, and watch your language skills flourish. For more language tips and resources, visit Learn Hungarian Anywhere.