Introduction To Watching Foreign Films

Are you looking to learn the culture of a foreign country or perhaps just curious about foreign films? Have you grown bored with standard Hollywood movie fare and like to add a little excitement to movie night? If so then read on. By giving a foreign film a chance you are likely to develop a new interest in film watching and add freshness to those stale choices you have been looking over for so long.

To the right of this paragraph you see a text box of links to recommended films from those countries. One or more of those countries you may have visited or would like to and that would be a good start for your new experience. Language is only one aspect of the film that you may notice as different from what you are accustom. Another culture's comedy timing, body language, and method of storytelling will be foreign as well. Look for the aspects that make a great film such as how the characters are developed, how well you feel empathy for these characters or circumstances, as well as direction, music score, etc.

These take just a bit of getting used to but do not let it discourage you. I believe subtitles are much better than dubbing where English speakers over-dub their voice on top of the actor’s foreign dialog. Subtitles allow you to embrace the language, and while you may not understand you still experience the tone and gravity of expression. Over dubbed movies are not always translated accurately either… dubbing attempts to match mouth movement to another language. Give it a good effort and it will become more comfortable for you and you will not miss any of the show. Unless you are hearing impaired I suggest you choose English subtitles over English for the hearing impaired when you have the choice. English for the hearing impaired also includes subtitles to convey ambient sounds such as "door squeaking" or "birds singing" which is more text than you will need.

I believe that most of you will find enjoyment from all of the movies I present here. As I am only recommending a couple of movies at a time I am obviously leaving many great movies out. I cannot list them all so I encourage you to add comments on each country's page letting me know the films you have enjoyed. Let me know what you think about those I recommend and if you think of a foreign film you would like for me to review please leave me that comment as well.

Happy viewing!