Crocodile Dundee

AHK Cinema · Movie Review

Crocodile Dundee

1986 Dir. Peter Faiman 97 minBest for CEFR B1

Get ready for a wild adventure with *Crocodile Dundee*, the 1986 comedy classic that brings the Australian Outback to New York City. With its light-hearted humor and fish-out-of-water storyline, this film is sure to entertain and educate.

Introduction to Crocodile Dundee

The movie Crocodile Dundee, directed by Peter Faiman, tells the story of Mick Dundee, a rugged Australian crocodile hunter who travels to New York City. The film is a perfect blend of action, comedy, and romance, making it a must-watch for audiences worldwide.

Themes and Performances

The movie explores themes of cultural differences, friendship, and love. Paul Hogan's performance as Mick Dundee is outstanding, bringing to life the character's charm and wit. The chemistry between Hogan and Linda Kozlowski, who plays the role of Sue Charlton, is undeniable, making their romance a believable and enjoyable part of the story.

Direction and Cinematography

Peter Faiman's direction is commendable, as he successfully balances the film's tone and pace. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the beauty of the Australian Outback and the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Why It's Worth Watching

Crocodile Dundee is a great film for English learners because it showcases a wide range of vocabulary and phrases used in everyday conversations, making it an excellent resource for improving listening and speaking skills.

Things You Didn't Know

6 hidden details

1

Box Office Success

The movie was a huge commercial success, grossing over $328 million worldwide. It became the highest-grossing film of 1986 in Australia and the second-highest-grossing film in the United States.

2

Paul Hogan's Script

Paul Hogan co-wrote the screenplay and was heavily involved in the development of the story. He drew inspiration from his own experiences as an Australian in the United States.

3

Filming Locations

The film was shot on location in Australia and the United States. The Australian scenes were filmed in the Northern Territory, while the New York City scenes were filmed on location in Manhattan.

4

Linda Kozlowski's Debut

Linda Kozlowski made her film debut in *Crocodile Dundee*. She was a relatively unknown actress at the time and was cast after a long audition process.

5

Cultural Impact

The film had a significant cultural impact, helping to promote Australian culture and tourism. It also spawned two sequels and a television series.

6

Awards and Nominations

The movie received several awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, Crocodile Dundee is a classic comedy film that offers a unique blend of humor, adventure, and romance. The movie teaches viewers about the importance of cultural understanding and the value of friendship. For English learners, I recommend watching the scene where Mick Dundee first arrives in New York City with subtitles to improve their listening and comprehension skills. This scene is particularly useful for learning vocabulary related to city life and cultural differences.

The Learning Pack

Watch this film. Speak better English by Sunday.

Vocabulary, idioms, cultural context, and one scene broken down for shadowing practice.

Vocabulary (15)

rugged

early

strong and rough

"Mick Dundee is a rugged outdoorsman."

charm

middle

a pleasing or attractive quality

"Mick Dundee has a lot of charm."

undeniable

middle

impossible to deny or dispute

"The chemistry between Mick and Sue is undeniable."

commendable

late

worthy of praise

"Peter Faiman's direction is commendable."

cinematography

late

the art of filmmaking

"The cinematography in the film is excellent."

hustle and bustle

middle

a lot of activity and noise

"New York City is known for its hustle and bustle."

outstanding

middle

exceptionally good

"Paul Hogan's performance is outstanding."

believable

middle

able to be believed

"The romance between Mick and Sue is believable."

everyday

late

ordinary or routine

"The film showcases everyday conversations."

comprehension

late

the ability to understand

"Watching the film with subtitles can improve comprehension."

unique

early

one-of-a-kind

"The film offers a unique blend of humor and adventure."

blend

early

a mixture of things

"The film is a blend of action, comedy, and romance."

must-watch

early

a film that everyone should see

"The movie is a must-watch for audiences worldwide."

audiences

early

groups of people who watch a film

"The movie is a must-watch for audiences worldwide."

worldwide

early

all over the world

"The movie is a must-watch for audiences worldwide."

Idioms & Expressions

fish out of water

someone who is out of their usual environment

Mick Dundee in New York City

light-hearted

not serious or solemn

the film's tone

recipe for disaster

a situation that is likely to end in failure

the clash of cultures

break a sweat

to work hard or make an effort

Mick Dundee handling challenges in the city

concrete jungle

a city or urban environment

New York City

Cultural References

Australian Outback

a remote and rugged region in Australia

New York City

a major city in the United States known for its diversity and fast-paced lifestyle

Australian culture

the customs, traditions, and way of life of the people of Australia

American culture

the customs, traditions, and way of life of the people of the United States

Scene Breakdown for Shadowing

around 00:42:00

Mick: 'I've never seen so many people in one place.'
Sue: 'This is just a small part of the city.'
Mick: 'It's a bit overwhelming.'
Sue: 'You'll get used to it.'
Mick: 'I hope so.'

This scene is a great example of the cultural differences between Australia and the United States. The vocabulary used is everyday and conversational, making it easy for learners to understand. The scene also showcases the chemistry between the two main characters, making it a believable and engaging part of the story. Learners can practice shadowing by repeating the dialogue and trying to mimic the intonation and pronunciation of the actors.

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20 words, 5 idioms, cultural notes — all in one printable sheet.

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