Director Bong Joon-ho of 2019’s Parasite says in his Golden Globes speech, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
And that statement is incredibly true. As someone who watches all her Netflix and Disney+ content with subtitles, the accompanying words on a screen are almost like a familiar friend when it comes to enjoying my entertainment. A different language hasn’t deterred me from watching a foreign film, and because of that, I’ve been able to uncover some wonderful movies that have resonated with me.
Truly, I recommend for everyone to give at least one foreign language film a try. I’m not a film buff by any means and my own list of watched films is not as extensive as I would like, but I’m glad I chose to expand my palette to include such a wide roster of options. For those who are new to watching entertainment that’s not in English, I’m here to address some potential concerns and skepticism.
What’s the point in watching something you don’t understand?
Many times, I too wish that I knew the language of the film I was watching. Although translators have my infinite gratitude for their work in making entertainment more accessible, there’s no denying that things will get lost in translation. Sometimes the beauty of the original dialogue, tone, wordplay, and other nuances just cannot be transferred over without sacrificing the pace of the film. Because of that, I can understand the point of view where watching something one doesn’t understand in its original form may not seem appealing at first glance.
While there will be instances where context cannot be easily translated over, the teams working behind subtitles spend a lot of hard work crafting the best subtitles for the film, that will accurately convey the messages and emotions of the story. As long as the meaning behind it is there, it won’t require word-for-word translation to get you hooked into a story.
Language is only one aspect of the film. The narrative isn’t simply told through its dialogue, but in the editing of the scenes, in the shots and the settings, the expressions and actions of the characters, and more. Even when I don’t understand everything that is being said, I can get lost in the emotional acting or mesmerizing soundtrack that’s been set before me. So give it a try, and you may find that understanding a film is not as difficult as it may be perceived!
Doesn’t reading the subtitles distract from the other visual elements of the film?
This is another valid concern that can deter someone from diving into foreign-language films. Subtitles may feel like a distraction from the final product, as our eyes have to go back and forth between appreciating the cinematic work to reading the text to keep up with what is being said. Some may not like the way the addition of subtitles clashes with the visuals of the rest of the screen.
I’d say that this in itself comes with practice, and getting used to reading subtitles. With streaming services making subtitles readily available for all their content, it’s easy to have subtitles implemented on any viewing experience. Try re-watching a favourite show or trying an English movie with subtitles on first to get used to the experience of having them there. Grow your comfort with subtitles. Then, see how they enhance your experience with a foreign language film that you’ve been wanting to see.
As for how the additional lines of text at the bottom of a screen may impact viewing experience for the visuals of the film, know that many personalized streaming services also allow for subtitle customization. You can change the settings of subtitles so that they are less jarring in looks, or alter their size for more convenient viewing. I personally prefer my subtitles to be of white text with a black outline and no background.
Why do I enjoy foreign language films?
For starters, the roster of potential things to watch is far greater. My watchlist on Netflix is long but oftentimes I don’t feel like I’m in the right mood to tackle certain movies. But with foreign films as potential watches too, I have even more options and almost always find something that suits my current viewing mood.
Movies from different countries can present different cultural contexts and values, and it’s always a treat to learn more about other cultures of the world. What I enjoy about foreign films is when it comes to the exposure of culture, they don’t stop to explain everything the way the American counterpart would do if they were to present any culture outside the Western norm. This in itself makes the experience much more immersive in my opinion, as it refrains from breaking the flow of the story and puts its trust in the audience. We may not know everything about the cultures we see, but the story is told well so that we still understand everything that’s going on and its meanings. I find that I learn something new every time I watch a foreign film, without it having to stop and explain itself to the audience.
Lastly, the introduction to foreign language films has made me appreciate more of what goes towards the entire work of a film. Even with subtitles, I find myself relying more on facial expressions, settings, actions, and directing to truly understand the complexity of the plot. It’s made me more appreciative of the work that goes into crafting a story, and the details that are put in place to make something come to life.
Overall, films are an enjoyable experience and I rarely see a movie that I don’t like. Thanks to the wonderful world of subtitles and online streaming, access to films from around the world is easier than ever, and I recommend trying one out before the end of summer!
