If you want an enjoyable way to learn the Romanian language, watching Romanian movies and series boosts your skills.
Above all, learning a foreign language can be challenging, but it can become an enjoyable and even fun experience with the right methods. As a result, watching movies and series in the target language is a highly effective and satisfying method for improving language skills. By all means, the Romanian film industry offers diverse, captivating films that teach viewers everyday language, pronunciation, and popular expressions.
This article presents Romanian movies and series that offer an authentic cultural perspective and aid in learning the Romanian language. These productions are perfect for beginners and intermediate speakers to learn Romanian naturally and enjoyably.
1. „Umbre” („Shadows”) – 2014–present: Learn the Romanian language
At this point, “Umbre” is one of the most appreciated modern Romanian series, being broadcast by HBO Europe. So, the story follows Relu, a salvager, who struggles to balance his underworld career with his family life. The engaging action and authentic language make it a valuable tool for those who want to learn Romanian.
How it helps you learn the language:
- The dialogues are realistic and used in everyday language, aiding in understanding Romanian expressions and phrases in their daily lives.
- The series includes accents from different regions of the country, offering a diversity of pronunciations and dialects.
2. „Las Fierbinți” – (2012–present): Learn the Romanian language
“Las Fierbinți” is one of the most popular comedy series in Romania, which reflects life in a contemporary Romanian village. The episodes feature charming characters and humorous situations, highlighting Romania’s rich rural culture and everyday life.
How it helps you learn the language:
- The dialogues are simple and often repeat common Romanian expressions, making them easy to understand and remember.
- Humor and irony help you familiarize yourself with the cultural nuances and multiple meanings of words.
- So, the characters often use popular and regional expressions, which provide an authentic context for learning the spoken Romanian language.
3. „Moartea domnului Lăzărescu” ( “The death of Mr. Lăzărescu”) – 2005
This internationally awarded film, directed by Cristi Puiu, is one of the most representative examples of the “new wave” in Romanian cinema. Even more, the film follows an elderly, sick man who is taken through various hospitals in Bucharest on a fateful night. Although the subject may seem grim, the film offers a fascinating insight into human interactions and the Romanian medical system.
How it helps you learn the language:
- The film offers long and natural dialogues that reflect the language used in official and medical situations.
- Helps to understand vocabulary related to health, social interactions, and medical terms.
- Due to the slow pace of the film, it is easier to follow the conversations and understand the grammatical structures used.
4. „4 luni, 3 săptămâni și 2 zile” (“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days”) – 2007
This is a powerful Romanian film by Cristian Mungiu, depicting two women’s difficult situations under the communist regime. Moreover, the film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is recognized worldwide for its realism and disturbing story.
How it helps you learn the language:
- At this point, the film offers a deep understanding of the Romanian language and culture, enhancing comprehension of its historical and social context.
- The dialogues are natural, even if the subject is serious, and it gives you a chance to learn vocabulary related to daily life in the communist era.
- Moreover, the film helps you get used to a slower pace of conversation, ideal for those still honing their listening skills.
5. „Aferim!”- 2015
For one thing, this film directed by Radu Jude is a Balkan western set in 19th-century Wallachia. Moreover, the story follows a zapciu (a kind of policeman) and his son who are searching for a fugitive Roma slave in Wallachia. “We Find Out!” is a visual ode to the past that explores themes such as freedom, injustice, and society back then.
How it helps you learn the language:
- The vocabulary and speaking style are different from modern Romanian, but they help you understand the evolution of the language and discover archaic expressions.
- It is an excellent film for those interested in the history of the Romanian language and how words were used in ancient contexts.
6. „Poziția copilului” ( “Child’s Position”) – 2013
The film, directed by Călin Peter Netzer, delves into the strained relationship between a domineering mother and her son. “The Position of the Child” tackles sensitive topics such as corruption and the generation gap.
How it helps you learn the language:
- The characters’ tense dialogues reveal emotions and conflicts in Romanian, offering insight into the language’s cultural dynamics.
- The language used is contemporary and relevant, ideal for learning modern vocabulary.
7. „Comrade Detective” (2017)
“Comrade Detective” is a satirical series produced in the USA, but filmed in Romania, which parodies the propaganda films of the communist era. In the 80s, Romanian detectives, resembling old detective films, fight against capitalism in a thrilling action-packed story.
How it helps you learn the language:
- Although a parody project, the series offers an interesting foray into the language and speech style of the communist era.
- It’s a fun way to learn vocabulary related to the ideology and politics of the time.
Romanian movies and series offer a fun way to learn the Romanian language while exploring the country’s rich culture and history. Start with simpler series like “Las Fierbinți” or “Comrade Detective.” Then, progress to more complex productions like “Moartea Domnului Lăzărescu” or “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.”
These productions enhance vocabulary and cultural understanding, helping you master the Romanian language authentically and naturally. Learn the Romanian language at your own pace by immersing in rich dialogues and cultural nuances of Romanian cinema.