Shadowing Practice: The Godfather I Opening scene HD - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

C1
I believe in America.
⏸ Paused
86 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
I believe in America.
2
America has made my fortune.
3
And I raised my daughter in the American fashion.
4
I gave her freedom, but I taught her never to dishonor her family.
5
She found a boyfriend, not an Italian.
6
She went to the movies with him.
7
she stayed out late.
8
I didn't protest.
9
Two months ago, he took her for a drive with another boyfriend.
10
They made her drink whiskey and then they tried to take advantage of her.
11
She resisted.
12
She kept her honor.
13
So they beat her like an animal.
14
When I went to the hospital, her nose was broken.
15
Her jaw was shattered, held together by wire.
16
She couldn't even weep because of the pain.
17
But I wept.
18
Why did I weep?
19
She was the light of my life.
20
Beautiful girl.
21
Now she will never be beautiful again.
22
Sorry.
23
I went to the police like a good American.
24
These two boys were brought to trial.
25
The judge sentenced them to three years in prison and suspended the sentence.
26
Suspended the sentence?
27
They went free that very day.
28
I stood in the courtroom like a fool.
29
And those two bastards, they smiled at me.
30
Then I said to my wife,
31
for justice, we must go to Don Corleone.
32
Why did you go to the police?
33
Why didn't you come to me first?
34
What do you want from me?
35
Tell me anything but do what I beg you to do.
36
What is that?
37
I can't do anything.
38
That I cannot do.
39
I'll give you anything you ask me.
40
We've known each other many years,
41
but this is the first time you ever came to me for counsel or for help.
42
I can't remember the last time that you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee.
43
Even though my wife is godmother to your only child.
44
But let's be frank.
45
You never wanted my friendship.
46
And you were afraid to be in my debt.
47
I didn't want to get into trouble.
48
I understand.
49
You found paradise in America.
50
You had a good trade, made a good living.
51
Police protected you and there were courts of law.
52
And you didn't need a friend like me.
53
But now you come to me and you say,
54
Don't call me on and give me justice.
55
But you don't ask with respect.
56
You don't offer friendship.
57
You don't even think to call me Godfather.
58
Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter's to be married,
59
and you ask me to do murder for money.
60
They ask you for justice.
61
That is not justice.
62
Your daughter is still alive.
63
You're going to suffer, then.
64
She suffers.
65
How much shall I pay you?
66
I'm sorry.
67
Buona Sarah.
68
Buona Sarah.
69
What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?
70
If you'd come to me in friendship,
71
Then the scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day.
72
And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies,
73
then he would become my enemies.
74
And then they would fear you.
75
Be my friend.
76
Godfather.
77
Good.
78
Someday, on that day may never come,
79
I'll call upon you to do a service for you.
80
But until that day, accept this justice as a gift on my daughter's wedding day.
81
Grazie, grazie, ma'am.
82
Grazie.
83
I'll give this to Clemenza.
84
I want reliable people, people that aren't going to be carried away.
85
I mean, we're not murderers,
86
in spite of what this undertaker says.

Download App

AI scoring for every sentence you speak

Scan To Download
Scan To Download
Download on theApp Store
Get it onGoogle Play
TRENDING

Popular

Why Practice Speaking with This Video?

Engaging with the opening scene of "The Godfather" provides a rich context for English speaking practice. This captivating excerpt features emotional delivery and complex themes, making it perfect for learners aiming to improve their fluency. By mimicking the powerful expressions and emotional intonations, you can enhance your ability to convey feelings in English. Practicing with this video allows you to immerse yourself in a dramatic narrative, helping to solidify your understanding of conversational nuances. Additionally, it's an excellent resource for IELTS speaking practice due to its formal and informal language elements, preparing you for a variety of real-life speaking situations.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Analyzing some key structures can significantly improve your speaking skills. Here are a few useful constructs from the dialogue:

  • I believe in America. - This statement reflects a strong conviction. Using "I believe" can express personal opinions effectively in conversation.
  • When I went to the hospital... I wept. - This combination of past tense verbs emphasizes actions that happened sequentially and can help learners convey narratives clearly.
  • Why did I weep? She was the light of my life. - This rhetorical question followed by a metaphor enhances emotional impact. Using questions like this can add depth to your speaking.
  • I can't remember the last time... - This expression implies a significant gap in time. It's useful in discussions about past experiences.
  • You found paradise in America. - This phrase uses figurative language. Exploring expressions like this can enrich your vocabulary and cultural understanding.

Common Pronunciation Traps

While practicing with this video, be aware of certain pronunciation challenges that might arise:

  • Honor - This word is typically pronounced with a silent "h," making it a bit tricky for learners. Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable.
  • Beautiful - The pronunciation often trips learners up. Focus on breaking it down into syllables: beau-ti-ful.
  • Justice - Watch the stressed syllable, especially when practicing with rapid speech. Try to enunciate clearly to avoid blending sounds.
  • Suspended - This word may be difficult due to the consonant cluster. Practicing its pronunciation can help in achieving clearer speech.

Utilizing the shadowing technique with this video, where you imitate the characters' speech patterns right after hearing them, can greatly assist in mastering tricky pronunciations. This method is especially effective on a shadowing site, allowing you to practice in real-time and improve not only your speaking but also your listening comprehension. Incorporating these practices into your routine will surely enhance your English speaking practice skills.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

☕ Buy us a coffee