feature film
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feature film
A film with a fictional plot performed by actors. This distinguishes it from a documentary film.
Am Samstagabend schauen wir uns einen spannenden Spielfilm im Fernsehen an.
On Saturday evening, we'll watch an exciting feature film on TV.
'Spielfilm' is composed of 'Spiel' (play/acting) and 'Film' (film). Here, 'Spiel' refers to 'Schauspiel' (acting), that is, a plot performed by actors. A feature film is therefore literally a 'performed film.'
Für diesen historischen Spielfilm wurden Hunderte von Kostümen angefertigt.
Hundreds of costumes were made for this historical feature film.
Common verbs used with 'Spielfilm' (feature film) are 'einen Spielfilm schauen/sehen' (to watch/see a feature film), 'einen Spielfilm drehen' (to shoot/produce a feature film), or the impersonal form 'ein Spielfilm läuft' (a feature film is playing/on, in the cinema or on TV).
Der Regisseur hat drei Jahre an diesem Spielfilm gearbeitet.
The director worked on this feature film for three years.
The word 'Spielfilm' (feature film) is often used to emphasize the fictional character of a film. It sets it apart from formats that depict real events, such as documentaries or news reports.
Die Geschichte basiert auf wahren Begebenheiten, wurde aber als Spielfilm umgesetzt.
The story is based on true events, but it was made as a feature film.
film
Film is the neutral general term for works made from moving images. Spielfilm refers more specifically to a film with a fictional plot performed by actors. Film is appropriate as a general term; when this particular type matters, Spielfilm is the right term.
Am Abend sehen wir einen Spielfilm über eine erfundene Familiengeschichte.
Tonight we're watching a feature film about a fictional family story.
Am Abend sehen wir einen Film, aber ich kenne seine Art noch nicht.
Tonight we're watching a film, but I don't know what kind it is yet.
