Learn english with Fargo

Jerry, a small-town Minnesota car salesman is bursting at the seams with debt... but he's got a plan. He's going to hire two thugs to kidnap his wife in a scheme to collect a hefty ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. It's going to be a snap and nobody's going to get hurt... until people start dying. Enter Police Chief Marge, a coffee-drinking, parka-wearing - and extremely pregnant - investigator who'll stop at nothing to get her man. And if you think her small-time investigative skills will give the crooks a run for their ransom... you betcha!

Why learn english with Fargo?

"Fargo" tells the story of Jerry Lundegaard, a car salesman in Minnesota who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife so he can get ransom money from his wealthy father-in-law. The plan goes terribly wrong, leading to a series of murders and a police investigation led by the very pregnant Marge Gunderson. The movie uses a lot of everyday language, including colloquialisms like "you betcha" and "oh, jeez," which are common in the Midwest region of the United States. You'll also hear vocabulary related to cars, crime, and police work, like "ransom," "kidnapping," "homicide," and "suspect." Learning these words and phrases will help you understand everyday conversations and news reports. The movie explores themes of greed, desperation, and the consequences of bad decisions. It also portrays a range of emotions, from anxiety and fear to determination and humor. The dialogue is often simple and direct, but also includes some more complex conversations, especially during the police investigation. The mix of simple and complex language makes it a great tool for learners at different levels. By paying attention to how the characters express their emotions, you can improve your understanding of English intonation and body language. Watching "Fargo" can be a fun and engaging way to improve your English listening and comprehension skills. The distinct regional accents might be challenging at first, but they provide an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with different ways English is spoken. The movie's captivating plot and memorable characters will keep you interested, making the learning process more enjoyable. Furthermore, understanding the cultural context of the film can give you valuable insights into American society and values, particularly in the Midwest.

Words from Fargo

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Fargo:

retirement: the time you stop working, often because of old age
umber: a dark brown or yellow-brown colour used in paints
vouch: to be able to say that something is true based on your knowledge or experience
fella: an informal word for a man
ransom: to pay someone to release a person they are holding captive
kidnap: to take someone someone by force, often to demand money for their release
buck: the male of certain animals like deer and rabbits
rob: to steal money or items from a person or location
badger: an animal with grey fur and black and white stripes on its face that lives in underground tunnels
gopher: a North American animal like a rat that lives underground
supper: the last meal of the day, which can be a casual main meal or a light snack before bed
assure: to tell someone something is certain or will happen, even if they doubt it
acre: a way to measure land area, equal to 4050 square meters or 4840 square yards
heck: used to express mild surprise, annoyance, or to emphasize a statement
parking: a space or area where vehicles can be left temporarily