Learning a new language is an exciting and immersive journey, and discovering engaging resources is crucial for improving your language skills. If you're learning Russian, delving into Russian films can be an excellent way to immerse yourself in the language and culture of this captivating country.
This blog article was inspired by one of my students who was looking for some recommendations related to learning Russian with films and TV shows. I'd like to explore various benefits, resources, and strategies of incorporating films into your language journey.
Remember, as your teacher, I'm here to provide guidance and support, so feel free to ask any questions or seek clarification on difficult grammar or vocabulary encountered while watching Russian films.
The Benefits of Learning Russian with Films
Watching films offers a multitude of benefits for Russian language learners.
Firstly, films offer an immersive experience that exposes you to authentic dialogues, diverse accents, and varied rhythms, enhancing your listening comprehension skills.
Moreover, films present a wide range of vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and colloquialisms, enriching your linguistic repertoire.
They also offer valuable insights into the country's history, culture, and societal norms, making your language learning journey more meaningful and well-rounded.
Effective Strategies for Russian Learning through Films
To make the most of your film-based language learning experience, it's essential to employ effective strategies.
Active listening techniques, such as using subtitles strategically and taking notes, can help you focus on the dialogue and improve comprehension.
Analysing language elements like grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and intonation while watching films will enhance your understanding of Russian language usage.
Additionally, contextual learning through film narratives and cultural references will deepen your comprehension and make language acquisition more natural.
Recommended Resources for Watching Russian Films
When it comes to watching Russian films, several resources cater to different interests and preferences. Let's explore some of them:
Star Media
Founded in 2006, Star Media is a production and distribution company specialising in Russian films, TV shows, and documentaries. They also offer a curated playlist of subtitled movies and TV shows called Movies with Russian Subtitles, featuring a collection of over 160 videos.
You can start with “Бедная Liz” (“Poor Liz”). To access subtitles on YouTube, make sure to activate the "CC" button and select Russian subtitles. These subtitles are of higher quality than the auto-generated variety. As an additional tip, consider downloading the Reverso Chrome extension, which can assist in translating Russian subtitles into your native language, as you watch your films.
Mosfilm Studio
It was founded in 1920, and is one of Russia's oldest film studios, boasting an extensive catalogue of films. The studio has also created a convenient playlist called Films with subtitles, which features a mix of English and Russian subtitled movies. If you enjoy vintage films, this playlist is perfect for you. Don't miss “Москва слезам не верит” (“Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears”), a 1980 film that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It provides a glimpse into Soviet-era culture while delivering a great cinematic experience.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
These popular streaming platforms hardly need an introduction. While the Russian language collections may not be extensive, they still offer a selection of fun films and series that are worth watching.
ivi
ivi is a Russian streaming service very popular in Russia, offering a vast collection of both Russian and foreign films. It's an excellent resource for immersing yourself in Russian cinema.
Rvision
This YouTube channel features multiple movies from the early Soviet era, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s. Dive into the rich history of Russian cinema with their carefully curated selection of classic films.
vvord.ru
This valuable online resource provides a collection of movie transcripts for Russian films. While it doesn't offer traditional subtitles, you can use the service by having the transcripts readily available while watching a film. This way, you can refer to them as needed without constantly diverting your attention from the spoken dialogue, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
User-Created YouTube Playlists
Numerous YouTube users curate playlists of Russian films and series, offering an opportunity to explore a variety of content.
Maximising Russian Learning Through Films
In addition to watching films, there are various activities you can engage in to maximise your language learning.
Practice summarising film plots, discuss your favourite scenes with your teacher or fellow learners, or even re-enact dialogues to improve your speaking skills.
Join group discussions, participate in language exchange programmes, or connect with online communities to engage in dialogue and collaboration.
Consider maintaining a language learning portfolio to document your film-related activities, new vocabulary acquisition, and personal reflections, creating a valuable record of your progress.
My Favourite Russian and Soviet Movies to Watch
Stalker (Сталкер, 1979): Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, this philosophical science fiction film follows a guide, a writer, and a professor as they venture into a mysterious and forbidden area known as the "Zone" in search of a room that grants the deepest desires of those who enter it.
The Spacewalker (Время первых, 2017): Based on real events, this gripping drama tells the story of two cosmonauts, Pavel Belyayev and Alexey Leonov, who embark on a daring mission to perform the first-ever spacewalk during the height of the Space Race. Alexey Leonov, whom I had the privilege of meeting at the Science Museum in London, where he was opening an exhibition on Soviet space exploration and giving a lecture to his admirers, is a true hero and an inspiration.
The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром!, 1975): A beloved Soviet-era romantic comedy, this film follows the humorous misadventures of a man named Zhenya after a series of mix-ups lead him to a different city, flat, and love interest.
Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures (Операция «Ы» и другие приключения Шурика, 1965): A light-hearted comedy anthology, this film features three humorous stories involving a bumbling student named Shurik, who finds himself in comical situations and often outsmarts his opponents.
Loveless (Нелюбовь, 2017): Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, this powerful drama explores the impact of a couple's bitter divorce on their 12-year-old son. As the parents focus on their own lives, the boy disappears, leading to a desperate search that reflects the disconnection and alienation not only in contemporary Russian society but also worldwide.
The Diamond Arm (Бриллиантовая рука, 1968): This classic Soviet comedy follows the adventures of a naive Soviet tourist named Semen Semenovich Gorbunkov, who becomes unwittingly involved in a smuggling operation while on holiday in the Black Sea region.
Leviathan (Левиафан, 2014): Set in a small coastal town in Russia, this drama delves into the story of a man named Kolya who fights against the corrupt local mayor to save his property. The film serves as a social commentary on power, justice, and the human condition.
Heart of a Dog (Собачье сердце, 1988): Based on the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, this satirical comedy-drama tells the story of a stray dog named Sharik, who is transformed into a human by a surgeon. The film offers a sharp critique of the social and political climate in early Soviet Russia.
Salyut-7 (Салют-7, 2017): Inspired by true events, this gripping space drama recounts the heroic mission of two cosmonauts who are sent to repair the failing Salyut-7 space station in 1985. It showcases the bravery and ingenuity of the Soviet space programme.
Legend No. 17 (Легенда №17, 2012): Based on the true story of ice hockey player Valeri Kharlamov, this sports drama follows his journey from a young talent to becoming a national hero, as he leads the Soviet Union to victory against the Canadian team in the 1972 Summit Series.
Mathilde (Матильда, 2017): This historical drama focuses on the passionate love affair between the future Russian Emperor Nicholas II and the ballerina Mathilde Kschessinska, set against the backdrop of imperial Russia and the turbulence of the early 20th century.
Gogol. The Beginning. (Гоголь. Начало, 2017): This atmospheric horror film portrays the early years of the famous Russian writer Nikolai Gogol, intertwining elements of mystery, supernatural occurrences, and his investigation of a series of murders in a provincial town.
How I Became Russian (Как я стал русским, 2019): This Chinese-Russian romantic comedy revolves around a young Chinese man named Peng Peng, who falls in love with a Russian woman and must overcome trials set by his would-be father-in-law in order to win the right to marry her. The film offers a lighthearted exploration of cultural differences and the challenges faced in cross-cultural relationships.
By exploring these suggested resources and immersing yourself in Russian cinema, you can unlock your full language potential and make your film-based language learning experience both enjoyable and educational.
Now, it's time to grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and dive into the captivating world of Russian cinema. Happy watching!
Before you go, I would love to hear from you, dear readers. Do you have any other recommendations for watching Russian films or series? Share your suggestions in the comments below and help fellow Russian language learners in their quest for great content!
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