Movie: Elemental

– B2-C2 (intermediate to advanced) –

Practice Your Listening Comprehension

Practice Your Reading Comprehension

Can animated movies be just as entertaining for kids as they are for grownups? Well, it seems Disney/Pixar films have been doing just that in recent years. Oscar-Nominated “Elemental” is exemplary in its appeal to both audiences. It speaks not only to the shorter attention span of children but also to the critical thinking skills of adults. With a sweet story about two star-crossed lovers, audiences around the world are being confronted by their potential biases when it comes to race and relationships. With themes lending to immigration, multiculturalism, and discrimination, “Elemental” is an important movie that not only amuses with its dynamic effects and witty humour, but it astounds with its profoundness and humanity, too.

WHAT TO LEARN

While you marvel at the cinematic elements of this film and dab your tears with Kleenex at the beauty of its messaging, don’t forget to pay attention to the educational aspects of this movie, too. Some things an English learner can take from this film include:

• sooooooo many idioms

• humour (puns)

• phrasal verbs

• vocabulary related to:

  • nature and weather

  • society

  • city living

  • cultural identity

  • relationships (family, friendship, love and romance, self)

  • emotions

  • mental health

  • expectation and pressure

  • responsibility

  • work

  • retirement

  • the immigrant condition

  • discrimination (racism, interracial mixing)

• and much more…!

Have you seen this movie? What did you think? Do you have any favourite Disney/Pixar films? Let me know in the comments below.

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Attribution: Thumbnail photo courtesy of vgfu34 on themoviedb.org.