Why watching foreign films is important

Why watching foreign films is important

Many people overlook the prospect of watching foreign films simply based on the fact that they feel they’ll need to read something in order to get anything from the movie.  To some people, the goal of watching a film is to simply be entertained, and the more complex the process, the less likely they are to watch, even if it is amazing.  Others may watch foreign films but choose to use dubbing, which has the unfortunate side effect of blurring the actual meaning of the film.  But I insist that foreign films play an important role in both education and entertainment.

One need only look at some of the great films coming out of other countries these days to be convinced otherwise.  Mexico and Korea in particular have caught my eye in recent years (with India a close second), turning out some of the most complex and meaningful films anywhere in the world.  In addition to watching these movies for the cultural value, many of them are just as visually entrancing as anything made with millions of dollars in Hollywood.  One just has to set aside their prejudices to see this.

Films should not just be a medium for turning the brain off and accepting whatever a production company/director has to offer.  One should think critically about what they are watching and attempt to get something from it.  Even if just seeking entertainment, there are still movies of every genre coming from foreign sources that keep one’s interest.  Just look at the amazing action films that come from Hong Kong.  Or the martial arts genius that China has displayed over many decades.  For those that enjoy historical films, foreign productions are often some of the best, showing an insight into events that only the residents of those lands can possibly understand.

I guess what I’m trying to say it - don’t ignore something just because it comes from a place you’ve never heard of or may be only passingly familiar with.  You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about another culture simply by watching their films.  The medium of cinema is a great way to learn about both the other worlds on our planet as well as the imaginations of the people who inhabit it.