Groundhog Day (1993)
A good movie is one I can watch over and over again because the story and the acting are exceptional. I know that movies from the last century seem quaint to younger viewers, but trust me when I tell you that it's worth watching Groundhog Day (1993). You'll appreciate the full cast and the very memorable story. I can't think of an actor better suited to the main role than Bill Murray. Murray is known for his unique style of comedy. He uses deadpan humor to poke fun at the world and others around him.
Humor is very much needed when the main character, Phil Connors, finds himself stuck in February 2, Groundhog Day. This isn't the most exciting holiday in America, nor is Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, known to be the most interesting town in the U.S. Phil is just a visiting TV weatherman, but now he's permanently trapped there, and it takes a while to figure out his new reality. He experiences a range of feelings: confusion, disbelief, frustration, giddiness, and desperation. Nothing he does has any lasting effect. Any action, good or bad, is erased by the next morning, which is always February 2. You can laugh at the absurdity of the situation and the numerous acts (and crimes!) Phil does. But below the layer of humor is a deeper exploration of a man's character and the meaning of life. If you want to peel back that top layer and get more out of this film, there are many insights to be gained.
Phil must learn who is he and who he wants to be. As we watch his transformation, we witness how he is able to shed his discontent. Happiness is a combination of knowing who you are, finding your potential as a human being, and sharing the best parts of yourself with others. Personal growth doesn't depend on one's geographical location. You also gain nothing by putting everyone down all the time. Each person has a story worth knowing and a life with value. As Phil opens himself up to the possibilities, he is able to learn a lot of skills and knowledge in his new "home" in Punxsutawney on February 2. The string of endless Groundhog Days is a lifetime for Phil, and thankfully he learns not to waste it. In doing so, he becomes a much happier person...and a much more likable one.
The beauty of this story for a language learner is that some scenes are replayed multiple times. The repetition gives you the chance to learn the dialogue. When small changes happen, you notice them. You also have enough time to learn who everyone is. Each character is important in Phil's small world, and you learn to appreciate each one, just as Phil does.
I know there was a remake of this film, but I personally think the original is untouchable. Groundhog Day (1993) is a classic, and I highly recommend it for entertainment, for language practice, and for personal reflection.
PHRASAL VERBS
figure out = realize, understand
get (something) out of (something) = receive something of value
put (someone) down = criticize someone
open (oneself) up to (something) = put oneself in a situation where you can receive something potentially good or bad
KEY VOCABULARY
exceptional (adjective) better than most; excellent
quaint (adjective) old-fashioned, but usually in a good way
deadpan (adjective) appearing serious and without much feeling
poke fun at (verb phrase) tease or joke about
lasting (adjective) happens or exists for a long time
giddiness (uncountable noun) excited and silly at the same time
desperation (uncountable noun) the state of being without hope and willing to do anything to get something needed
absurdity (uncountable noun) craziness
insight (countable and uncountable noun) understanding
transformation (countable and uncountable noun) change
witness (verb) see or observe
shed (verb) lose
discontent (uncountable noun) feeling of unhappiness
potential (countable and uncountable noun) ability
put someone down (phrasal verb) speak disrespectfully to another
remake (countable noun) a film that is an updated version of an original story
untouchable (adjective) If something is untouchable, nothing else is as good as it.
