AHK Cinema · Movie Review
Thor
2011 Dir. Kenneth Branagh 115 minBest for CEFR B2
Kenneth Branagh's Thor brings Norse mythology to life with stunning visuals and compelling characters, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Things You Didn't Know
6 hidden details
1
Thor's Hammer
Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, was created using a combination of practical and visual effects. The prop department built a real hammer, which was then enhanced using CGI. The hammer's iconic look has since become a symbol of the Thor character.
2
Casting Thor
Chris Hemsworth was cast as Thor after a long audition process. He had to undergo a rigorous training program to build the physical strength and endurance needed for the role.
3
Asgardian Armor
The armor worn by the Asgardian warriors was designed to resemble a mix of medieval and futuristic styles. The costumes were created using a combination of leather, metal, and fabric.
4
Loki's Backstory
Tom Hiddleston's portrayal of Loki was influenced by his own experiences as an outsider. He drew inspiration from his time at boarding school, where he felt like an outsider among his peers.
5
Heimdall's Character
Idris Elba's character, Heimdall, was initially supposed to have a smaller role in the film. However, his performance impressed the directors so much that they expanded his character's screen time.
6
Asgardian Language
The Asgardian language used in the film was created by a linguist who specializes in constructing fictional languages. The language is based on a combination of Old Norse and other ancient languages.
The Takeaway
Thor is a film that teaches viewers about the importance of humility and perseverance. For English learners, it's a great resource for improving listening and comprehension skills. We recommend watching the scene where Thor first arrives on Earth with subtitles to get a feel for the dialogue and pacing. This scene is not only entertaining but also provides a chance to learn new vocabulary and phrases in context.
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)
arrogant
earlyhaving or showing too much pride
"Thor was punished for being arrogant."
humility
middlethe quality of being humble
"Thor learned humility during his time on Earth."
mythology
latethe study of myths
"Norse mythology is the basis for the Thor character."
grandeur
middlethe quality of being impressive or magnificent
"The film's visuals showcase the grandeur of Asgard."
perseverance
latethe ability to continue trying hard
"Thor's perseverance helped him become a true hero."
villain
middlea person who does bad things
"Loki is the main villain in the film."
invade
middleto enter and take control of a place
"The darkest forces of Asgard invaded Earth."
punishment
earlya penalty for doing something wrong
"Thor was sent to Earth as punishment."
fantasy
latea genre of fiction that involves imaginary worlds
"Thor is a fantasy film."
warrior
earlya person who fights in battles
"Thor is a warrior god."
reckless
earlyacting without thinking about the consequences
"Thor's reckless behavior led to the war with the Frost Giants."
ancient
middlevery old
"The war between Asgard and Jotunheim is an ancient one."
cast
earlyto throw or send something
"Thor was cast down to Earth."
forced
earlymade to do something against one's will
"Thor was forced to live among humans."
among
middlesurrounded by or in the middle of
"Thor lived among humans on Earth."
learn
lateto gain knowledge or skill
"Thor learned what it takes to be a true hero."
Idioms & Expressions
take control
to become in charge of something
When Loki takes control of Asgard
get a feel for
to become familiar with something
When Thor first arrives on Earth
in the middle of
surrounded by or among
When Thor is living among humans
on the verge of
close to doing something
When Thor is about to return to Asgard
put to the test
to challenge or try someone's abilities
When Thor's powers are put to the test on Earth
Cultural References
Norse mythology
Norse mythology is the collection of myths and legends from ancient Scandinavia. It includes stories of gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings.
Asgard
Asgard is the realm of the gods in Norse mythology. It is said to be connected to the mortal world by the rainbow bridge, Bifrost.
Mjolnir
Mjolnir is the hammer of Thor, the god of thunder. It is said to be so powerful that it can level mountains and shatter the earth.
Jotunheim
Jotunheim is the realm of the giants in Norse mythology. It is said to be a cold and barren land, home to the Frost Giants.
Scene Breakdown for Shadowing
around 00:42:00
Thor: 'I am Thor, the god of thunder.' Jane Foster: 'You're not from around here, are you?' Thor: 'I am from Asgard.' Jane Foster: 'Asgard? I've never heard of it.' Thor: 'It is a realm of wonder and magic.' Jane Foster: 'A realm? You mean like a kingdom?' Thor: 'Yes, a kingdom. But much more than that.'
This scene is a great opportunity for learners to practice their listening and comprehension skills. The vocabulary used is relatively simple, but the conversation is fast-paced and natural-sounding. Learners can practice shadowing the dialogue to improve their pronunciation and intonation. The scene also introduces the concept of Asgard and the idea of different realms, which can lead to interesting discussions and vocabulary-building activities.
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