The true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is adopted by neighbourhood gangsters at an early age and climbs the ranks of a Mafia family under the guidance of Jimmy Conway.
"Goodfellas" tells the story of Henry Hill, a young man who grows up dreaming of being a gangster. The movie follows his life as he rises through the ranks of the Mafia, experiencing the thrill of easy money, power, and belonging. Learners can pick up vocabulary related to crime ("hijack," "score," "pinch," "whack"), relationships ("crew," "wiseguy," "goodfella"), and everyday life in 1950s-80s America. It also showcases different accents and speaking styles, from Brooklyn tough guys to working-class families. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime. It's full of intense emotions like fear, anger, and excitement, which are expressed through colorful and sometimes coarse language. While the movie contains strong language ("fuck," "shit," "motherfucker") which learners should be aware of, hearing these words in context can help them understand the nuances of English and recognize how tone and situation affect meaning. "Goodfellas" also demonstrates how language can be used to threaten, persuade, and build relationships within a specific social group. This movie is useful for English learners because it offers exposure to a variety of authentic American accents and dialects. The dialogue is fast-paced and realistic, providing a valuable opportunity to practice listening comprehension. While the language is sometimes strong, understanding it in the context of the story can help learners grasp informal English expressions and idioms they might not encounter in textbooks. Furthermore, the engaging narrative and compelling characters can motivate learners to improve their English skills while enjoying a classic film.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in GoodFellas:
