Learning a new language can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. For those aiming to improve their Estonian language skills, one entertaining method is to immerse oneself in Estonian cinema. Watching movies in the target language helps learners grasp colloquial expressions, improve listening skills, and understand cultural nuances. This article explores the top 10 movies that can significantly aid in enhancing your Estonian language abilities.

1. November (2017)

Director: Rainer Sarnet
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced

“November” is a visually stunning film that merges Estonian folklore with a dark, fantastical narrative. Set in a pagan Estonian village, the movie explores themes of love, survival, and the supernatural. The dialogues are rich in cultural idioms and archaic expressions, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced learners. Watching “November” will not only improve your language skills but also provide deep insights into Estonia’s traditional beliefs and customs.

Language Features:
– Archaic and folk expressions
– Rich vocabulary
– Conversational dialogue

2. The Class (2007)

Director: Ilmar Raag
Genre: Drama
Language Level: Intermediate

“The Class” is a compelling drama that takes a deep dive into the issue of bullying in high schools. The film presents an authentic portrayal of teenage life in Estonia, making it a valuable resource for learners. The dialogues are straightforward and reflect everyday conversations among teenagers and adults, offering a practical learning experience.

Language Features:
– Colloquial expressions
– Teen slang
– Real-life conversational style

3. The Fencer (2015)

Director: Klaus Härö
Genre: Drama, History
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced

“The Fencer” is a historical drama based on the true story of Endel Nelis, an Estonian fencing champion. The film is set in the 1950s during the Soviet occupation of Estonia. The dialogues are a mix of Estonian and Russian, reflecting the socio-political environment of the time. This film is particularly useful for learners interested in historical and political vocabulary.

Language Features:
– Historical and political terminology
– Mixed language dialogue (Estonian and Russian)
– Formal and informal speech

4. Tangerines (2013)

Director: Zaza Urushadze
Genre: Drama, War
Language Level: Intermediate

“Tangerines” is a poignant war drama set during the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict. The film revolves around an Estonian farmer who takes in two wounded soldiers from opposing sides. The narrative is deeply emotional, and the dialogues are rich in expressive language. This movie offers a great opportunity to learn emotionally charged vocabulary and expressions.

Language Features:
– Emotional and expressive vocabulary
– War-related terminology
– Conversational dialogue

5. Names in Marble (2002)

Director: Elmo Nüganen
Genre: War, Drama
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced

“Names in Marble” is a historical war drama based on the novel by Albert Kivikas. The film is set during the Estonian War of Independence and follows a group of young students who join the fight for their country’s freedom. The dialogues are rich in historical and military terminology, making it an excellent resource for advanced learners.

Language Features:
– Historical and military vocabulary
– Formal and informal speech
– Period-specific expressions

6. Autumn Ball (2007)

Director: Veiko Õunpuu
Genre: Drama
Language Level: Intermediate

“Autumn Ball” is an ensemble drama that weaves together the lives of six individuals living in a Soviet-era housing complex. The film offers a raw and realistic portrayal of life in Estonia during the late 20th century. The dialogues are natural and often explore existential themes, making it a valuable resource for intermediate learners.

Language Features:
– Natural, everyday conversation
– Existential and philosophical vocabulary
– Colloquial expressions

7. The Temptation of St. Tony (2009)

Director: Veiko Õunpuu
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Language Level: Advanced

“The Temptation of St. Tony” is a surrealist drama that delves into the life of a middle-aged man experiencing a moral crisis. The film is known for its abstract and philosophical dialogues, making it suitable for advanced learners. The complex language and themes offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for those looking to deepen their understanding of Estonian.

Language Features:
– Abstract and philosophical language
– Complex sentence structures
– Advanced vocabulary

8. Cherry Tobacco (2014)

Directors: Andres Maimik, Katrin Maimik
Genre: Drama, Romance
Language Level: Intermediate

“Cherry Tobacco” is a coming-of-age drama that follows the story of a teenage girl navigating the complexities of love and life. The film is set in a small Estonian village, offering a glimpse into rural life. The dialogues are simple yet poignant, making it ideal for intermediate learners looking to improve their conversational skills.

Language Features:
– Simple, everyday language
– Rural expressions
– Emotional and romantic vocabulary

9. The Days That Confused (2016)

Director: Triin Ruumet
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Language Level: Intermediate

“The Days That Confused” is a dramatic comedy that explores the aimless life of a young man in post-Soviet Estonia. The film is a mix of humor and drama, providing a balanced learning experience. The dialogues are rich in slang and colloquial expressions, making it an excellent resource for intermediate learners.

Language Features:
– Slang and colloquial expressions
– Humorous dialogues
– Real-life conversational style

10. The Little Comrade (2018)

Director: Moonika Siimets
Genre: Drama, History
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced

“The Little Comrade” is a historical drama set in Soviet-occupied Estonia. The film is based on the autobiographical novel by Leelo Tungal and follows the life of a young girl whose mother has been sent to a Siberian labor camp. The dialogues are a mix of childlike innocence and adult conversations, offering a unique learning experience.

Language Features:
– Historical and political vocabulary
– Child and adult dialogues
– Emotional and expressive language

Conclusion

Estonian cinema offers a rich and diverse array of films that can significantly aid in improving language skills. From historical dramas to contemporary comedies, each movie provides unique language features that cater to different learning levels. Whether you are an intermediate learner looking to improve your conversational skills or an advanced learner aiming to master complex vocabulary, these top 10 movies are excellent resources for enhancing your Estonian language abilities. Happy watching and learning!