Brainstorm

How difficult is Brainstorm in English?

Brainstorm: 70.1% A1–A2 vocabulary; 12.3% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary. Vocabulary size: 949.

Unique vocabulary

• For A2 learners: 22.9% of unique vocabulary is above A2 or marked rare. Expect substantial preparation; start with short scenes and English subtitles.
• For B1 learners: 12.3% of unique vocabulary is above B1 or marked rare. Preview recurring words and use English subtitles.
• For B2 learners: 8.1% of unique vocabulary is above B2 or marked rare. Try a short scene and check your comprehension; the vocabulary offers a relatively accessible starting point.

7.0% Unclassified. Unclassified vocabulary has no reliable level assignment.

Vocabulary weighted by word occurrences

91.9% A1–A2 vocabulary; 3.6% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary; 1.8% Unclassified.

This counts repeated eligible words. Phrases are excluded from this calculation to avoid counting their component words twice.

Recurring words and phrases to preview

• lillian (rare): 18 occurrences in available subtitles.

  Subtitle example: Lillian, you don't understand. It's part of my...

• tape (C1): 14 occurrences in available subtitles.

  Subtitle example: We'll need to make a demo tape. We want to show the potential...

• hell (C1): 11 occurrences in available subtitles.

  English meaning: A place of suffering in some religious beliefs; also used informally to express anger or surprise.

  Subtitle example: Hell, it's the best piece of luck I've had.

• lab (B2): 11 occurrences in available subtitles.

  Subtitle example: Hal, kill the grid. And, Gordy, take a look around the lab.

• project (B1): 8 occurrences in available subtitles.

  Subtitle example: Lillian, I don't think Dr. Marks's presence will be a detriment to the project.

Compare with titles in similar genres

• Replicant: 12.3% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.0 percentage points more than Brainstorm).
• The One: 12.2% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.1 percentage points less than Brainstorm).
• Scanners: 12.5% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.2 percentage points more than Brainstorm).

These percentages describe vocabulary, not the proportion of dialogue you will understand. CEFR labels are estimates, not official film ratings. Accent, speed, songs, context, and your own vocabulary also affect comprehension. Repeated occurrences may include repeated dialogue or lyrics.

How we estimate vocabulary difficulty · Evidence generated: 2026-10-13