Learn english with Gangs of New York

In 1863, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points of America to seek vengeance against the psychotic gangland kingpin, Bill the Butcher, who murdered his father years earlier. With an eager pickpocket by his side and a whole new army, Vallon fights his way to seek vengeance on the Butcher and restore peace in the area.

Why learn english with Gangs of New York?

"Gangs of New York" tells the story of Amsterdam Vallon, a young man seeking revenge for his father's murder in the Five Points slum of New York City during the 1860s. The movie offers a glimpse into 19th-century America, with its unique slang and dialects. You'll encounter words like "bludger" (a thief), "swag" (stolen goods), and "crusher" (a policeman). Learning these words and expressions will enrich your vocabulary and understanding of historical English. The film also depicts the lives of immigrants and the struggles they faced, offering valuable cultural insights. This movie explores powerful themes like revenge, loyalty, and the fight for power. You'll witness a range of emotions, from anger and grief to love and hope. The language used reflects the raw and violent nature of the time, exposing you to both formal and informal English. The dialogue includes colorful expressions, insults, and threats, as well as more eloquent speeches, which will broaden your understanding of English usage in different contexts. Pay attention to how characters express their feelings in English – this can help you improve your own emotional vocabulary and expressiveness. Learning English with "Gangs of New York" is useful for several reasons. The historical setting provides exposure to older forms of English, expanding your understanding of language evolution. The strong narrative and engaging characters make learning more enjoyable and help with memory retention. Finally, the movie's focus on social and political issues encourages critical thinking and provides a platform for discussing important historical events in English, further enhancing your communication skills.

Words from Gangs of New York

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Gangs of New York:

archangel: an angel of the highest rank
protector: a person or thing that protects someone/something
snare: a trap for catching small animals or birds, usually with a wire loop that closes around the animal or bird
wickedness: the quality of being bad or morally wrong, often in an attractive way
satan: the Devil
notch: an imaginary position in a system used to compare values, where being higher is good and being lower is bad
crusty: having a hard outer layer
handful: a small amount or number of something or someone
ragtag: appearing poorly organized or sloppy
warrior: an experienced and skilled soldier, especially in the past
plug: a device used for making an electrical connection, especially between an appliance and the mains
ugli: a large orange-yellow citrus fruit with a rough skin that is sweet and juicy inside
thief: a person who steals items from other people or places
sway: to move slowly side to side
horde: a large group of people or creatures