Pennsylvania, 1956. Frank Sheeran, a war veteran of Irish origin who works as a truck driver, accidentally meets mobster Russell Bufalino. Once Frank becomes his trusted man, Bufalino sends him to Chicago with the task of helping Jimmy Hoffa, a powerful union leader related to organized crime, with whom Frank will maintain a close friendship for nearly twenty years.
"The Irishman" tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who becomes involved with the Bufalino crime family and the powerful Teamsters Union leader, Jimmy Hoffa. The movie takes place over many years, showing how Frank rises through the ranks of the Mafia. English learners can pick up vocabulary related to crime ("hitman," "extortion," "racketeering"), family relationships ("cousin," "daughter," "wife"), and work ("union," "driver," "business agent"). You'll also hear natural conversations, learn idioms, and see how language changes over time. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. You'll see a wide range of emotions expressed, from anger and fear to love and regret. The language used in the movie is a mix of formal and informal English, including some Italian slang. Pay attention to how characters speak to each other in different situations. This will give you a good feel for how native speakers use English. The movie's slow pace and clear dialogue make it easier for learners to follow along. "The Irishman" is a great choice for English learners because it offers a captivating story, a rich vocabulary, and authentic dialogue. The historical setting gives you a glimpse into American culture and the language used during that time. While some of the vocabulary is specific to crime, many words and phrases are commonly used in everyday English. Watching this movie can help improve your listening comprehension, expand your vocabulary, and expose you to different accents and speaking styles.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in The Irishman:
