When you’re learning Spanish, one of the best pieces of advice from any Spanish teacher is that you should watch Spanish films, to better understand the use of the language. It’s probably the only one you’re going to actually do because you get to sit back and watch a movie. Actually, that’s not always the case. You see, it’s one of the toughest challenges to do, especially if you’re going to watch those films without subtitles. But don’t worry. Here are a few films you can watch, to help you learn Spanish, and if you’ve been taking courses here on Language Atlas it’ll be a great supplement to your learning.
Spanish Films No. 1 – El Laberinto Del Fauno/Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Pan’s Labyrinth or El Laberinto Del Fauno is one of Guillermo Del Toro’s greatest masterpieces. It’s an almost horrific juxtaposition between a child’s fantasy and the adult’s world of war. Set during the Civil War in Spain, the film follows the adventures of Ofelia, the stepdaughter of a war captain, whose cruel nature forces her to live her life in a fantasy world.
She and her mother are sent to the countryside, to live with him, where he takes care of the troops and rules his home with an iron fist. Unable to understand his rigidity and cold nature, she escapes into the world of her book, which was given to her by the faun who she meets, on her first night in her new home. According to the faun, she is a long-lost princess of the underworld and must undergo three trials before she can return to her real mother and father who are waiting for her.
It’s not an easy film to watch, and it’s rated 15 (UK)/R (US) for a reason. There are lots of jump-scares, blood and gore and violence. So, unless you’re 15 years or older, then this isn’t a movie meant for you. However, if you are over 18, then this is one of the best Spanish films to watch, especially if you’re into fantasy. It’s captivating and thrilling, and you’re always on the edge of your seat when you’re watching.
But remember, this is a heavy watch, so you need to pay attention. It’s also a good idea to do some research on the Spanish Civil War, to understand what’s going on and get a little background on why this is one of the best fantasy Spanish films of the modern age.
Spanish Films No. 2 – Arrugas/Wrinkles (2011)
If you’re into animations, and you’re just starting out with your Spanish language learning, then watch Arrugas, or Wrinkles (2011). It’s a story about what the elderly get up to, in a nursing home. It follows a man called Emilio, who befriends his roommate, Miguel, who is somewhat a con-man amongst his fellow residents and Antonia, who claims that she’s in the home because she doesn’t want to be a burden on her family.
As time goes by, Emilio decides that enough is enough, and tries to escape, with the help of the friends he’s made. They attempt to leave one night and drive off to “freedom” but unfortunately they crash the car, and their escape plan fails. Eventually, Emilio ends up on the top floor, which Miguel had told him to avoid before, because of his injuries and memory loss, while Antonia is nursing a broken arm.
This film is perfect for beginners because the characters speak slowly. So, you can understand every word they’re saying, and you won’t need to rewind or pause a film, to try and search for a word you don’t understand. It’s slow-paced so you can take your time watching this film.
It’s also a great moral story about how to treat the elderly and those who need extra care and help. So, if you’re watching, you may learn a lesson or two about how your grandparents are being treated in a nursing home, or better yet, encourage you to go visit them more often. After all, sometimes the best medicine for those who are unwell is the company of others and those they love.
Spanish Films No. 3 – Mar Adentro/The Sea Inside (2004)
Mar Adentro or The Sea Inside (2004) is an award-winning Spanish film and one of the greatest acting masterpieces by Javier Bardem. It surrounds the topic of euthanasia in Spain and follows the struggles of an old sea mechanic, who suffered an injury that made him a quadriplegic. He fights for over 28 years to gain the right to die, since he can’t do anything by himself anymore and feels like there is no point to living if he can’t do anything.
As he fights the government, and he faces harsh criticisms, he and his family grow much closer, despite their contrasting views. His determination helps those around him flourish and live a better life, after interacting with him and seeing his condition. However, it’s clear that the government won’t hear his appeal, and remains steadfast in its stance against euthanasia, and eventually, he flies to Switzerland, where the procedure is acceptable.
It’s a very emotional film and it does require a lot of attention because the actors do speak rather quickly. But, if you’re already advanced in your learning, it’s one of the greatest examples of using the imperativo, subjuntivo and several past tenses like the pertérito indefinido and pretérito imperfecto tenses. So, you can get an idea of how to put them in sentences, and practice creating your own.
It’s also one of the most critically acclaimed Spanish films in modern history and is a great lesson to learn. After all, like with all modern-day politics, the right to do something is just as important as the right to have something. So, it’s a great talking point with your friends, family, or colleagues. Just remember, it’s also a very controversial topic, so you need to keep an open mind, when you do talk about this film or the topic it covers.
