AHK Cinema · Movie Review
The Martian
2015 Dir. Ridley Scott 141 minBest for CEFR B2
Imagine being stranded on Mars with limited supplies. *The Martian* tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney's fight for survival. With stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, this film is a must-watch.
Things You Didn't Know
6 hidden details
1
Novel Inspiration
The Martian is based on a novel of the same name by Andy Weir. Weir's novel was initially self-published in 2011 before being picked up by a traditional publisher. The book's success led to the film adaptation.
2
Scientific Accuracy
The film's scientific accuracy was ensured by consulting with NASA and other space experts. The movie's portrayal of space travel and the Martian environment is remarkably realistic.
3
Filming Locations
Although the film is set on Mars, it was primarily shot in Jordan and Hungary. The Jordanian desert provided an ideal landscape for depicting the Martian terrain.
4
Matt Damon's Preparation
To prepare for his role, Matt Damon worked with a NASA consultant to learn about the physical and mental challenges astronauts face. He also had to undergo a rigorous diet and exercise regimen.
5
Visual Effects
The film's visual effects were created by a team of over 200 artists and technicians. The effects included the creation of the Martian landscape, the spaceship, and the storm that strands Watney.
6
Box Office Success
The Martian was a commercial success, grossing over $630 million worldwide. It received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including seven Academy Awards.
The Takeaway
The Martian teaches viewers about the importance of perseverance and ingenuity in the face of adversity. For English learners, it's a great film to watch with subtitles, especially the scene where Watney first realizes he is alone on Mars. This scene showcases Watney's initial panic and subsequent resourcefulness, making it a compelling watch. The takeaway from this film is that even in the most challenging situations, there is always hope for survival and rescue.
The Learning Pack
Watch this film. Speak better English by Sunday.
Vocabulary, idioms, cultural context, and one scene broken down for shadowing practice.
Vocabulary (16)
ingenuity
earlythe quality of being clever and inventive
"Watney used his ingenuity to survive on Mars"
meager
middlesmall or inadequate in amount
"Watney had meager supplies"
hostile
earlyunfriendly or aggressive
"The Martian environment was hostile"
subsist
middleto survive with minimal resources
"Watney had to subsist on limited food and water"
signal
lateto send a message or signal
"Watney tried to signal to Earth"
wit
earlythe ability to think and act quickly and cleverly
"Watney used his wit to survive"
spirit
middlea person's attitude or mood
"Watney's spirit remained strong despite the challenges"
manned
earlystaffed by humans
"The mission was a manned mission to Mars"
presumed
earlybelieved or assumed to be true
"Watney was presumed dead"
storm
earlya severe weather condition
"A fierce storm hit the Martian base"
crew
earlya group of people working together
"The crew had to leave Watney behind"
supplies
middlethings needed for survival
"Watney had limited supplies"
ingenuous
middlesincere and honest
"Watney's ingenuous nature helped him connect with his crew"
terrain
middlea particular area of land
"The Martian terrain was harsh and unforgiving"
NASA
earlythe National Aeronautics and Space Administration
"NASA was involved in the mission to Mars"
consultant
middlean expert who provides advice
"The film consulted with a NASA expert"
Idioms & Expressions
against all odds
despite the difficulties or challenges
Watney's survival on Mars
on the edge of something
in a state of excitement or suspense
The crew waiting for news of Watney's survival
in the face of adversity
when dealing with difficulties or challenges
Watney's determination to survive
make the most of something
to use something to its fullest potential
Watney using his resources to survive
think on your feet
to think quickly and make decisions rapidly
Watney's quick thinking to survive on Mars
Cultural References
NASA and space exploration
NASA is the US space agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and space research. The film's portrayal of NASA and space travel is a reflection of American culture and society's fascination with space exploration.
The concept of a 'martian'
The idea of a 'martian' refers to a hypothetical being from Mars. In science fiction, martians are often depicted as alien life forms. The term has become a cultural reference point for anything related to Mars or space exploration.
The importance of teamwork in space missions
In space exploration, teamwork is crucial for success. The film highlights the importance of collaboration and communication among crew members to achieve their mission objectives.
The psychological effects of isolation
The film explores the psychological effects of isolation on Watney, who is stranded on Mars with no human contact. This theme is relevant to the cultural discussion about the effects of isolation on mental health.
Scene Breakdown for Shadowing
around 00:42:00
Watney: 'I'm gonna have to science the shit out of this.' Watney: 'I'm gonna grow my own food.' Watney: 'I'm gonna make water.' Watney: 'I'm gonna make everything I need to survive.'
This scene showcases Watney's determination to survive on Mars. The vocabulary used, such as 'science the shit out of this', is informal and conversational, making it accessible to English learners. The idioms and phrasal verbs used, such as 'make the most of something', are also relevant to the scene's context. To practice shadowing, learners can repeat Watney's lines, focusing on the intonation and rhythm of his speech. This scene is powerful for learners because it demonstrates the importance of perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity.
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