17 film tips for Spanish, German, French or Swedish learners

Do you like films? Would you like to improve your Spanish, German, French or Swedish listening and speaking skills?

If you said yes to both, this post is for you!

We asked WordDive team members for their favourite non-Hollywood films. Watch and enjoy while learning new things about the film’s language and country of origin.

 

Spanish films

Volver, 2006
(Volver)

This sweet comedy is directed by Almodóvar and stars the charming Penélope Cruz.

 

Y Tu Mamá También, 2001
(Y tu mamá también)

A brilliant road trip film in which two young boys drive through Mexico with an older woman.

 

Instructions Not Included, 2013
(No se Aceptan Devoluciones)

An entertaining comedy drama about a bachelor whose ex-girlfriend leaves a baby girl on his doorstep.

 

The Sea Inside, 2004
(Mar adentro)

A thought-provoking film based on the true story of a man who is left quadriplegic after a diving accident and must endure a long fight for assisted suicide.

 

The Orphanage, 2007
(El Orfanato)

A tense horror film about a family whose son goes missing after they move into an old orphanage.

German films

Good Bye, Lenin, 2003
(Good Bye, Lenin!)

This heartwarming tragicomedy, set in East Berlin in 1989-1990, is worth watching!

 

Head Full of Honey, 2014
(Honig im Kopf)

A man with Alzheimer’s makes one last roadtrip with his grandchild.

 

Rabbit Without Ears, 2007
(Keinohrhasen)

A romantic comedy about a gossip journalist who is sentenced to community service in a kindergarten.

 

The Most Beautiful Day, 2016
(Der geilste Tag)

A comedy about two terminally ill young men who still want to experience one great day.

 

Downfall, 2004
(Der Untergang)

An impressive historical drama about Hitler’s last days in his headquarters at the end of the Second World War.

French films

Untouchable/The Intouchables, 2011
(Intouchables)

After an accident leaves a millionaire in wheelchair, he needs to hire an assistant… and hires the one man who was definitely not expecting to get the job. This is the beginning of a friendship that will change both men’s lives.

 

Amélie, 2001
(Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain)

The adorable Audrey Tautou has the leading role in this feel-good film.

 

8 Women, 2002
(8 femmes)

One of the eight women is a murderer, but who? A crime comedy for anyone who likes Agatha Christie.

 

Serial (Bad) Weddings, 2014
(Qu’est-ce qu’on a fait au Bon Dieu?)

A Catholic French couple has four daughters, who have all found husbands the parents can’t stand. Will anyone have a happy ever after?

Swedish films

Let the Right One In, 2008
(Låt den rätte komma in)

Based on John Ajvide Lindqvist’s book, this film is about a young boy who meets a vampire girl. There is also an American version, Let Me In (2010), which is in English.

 

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared, 2013
(Hundraåringen som klev ut genom fönstret och försvann)

Allan Karlsson, an extraordinary centenarian, has managed to get involved in many things in his long life…

 

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, 2009
(Män som hatar kvinnor)

This is the original Swedish film adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s bestselling book. It’s also available as a longer two-part version. If you want to learn Swedish, watch this version rather than the newer American adaptation from 2011.

 

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