The Problem with Ignoring International Cinema
Movies are a form of art that transcend borders and are appreciated by people from different cultures and backgrounds. However, despite the wealth of films available from around the world, many film-goers restrict their viewing to Hollywood releases. While there are plenty of reasons why Hollywood movies are great, ignoring international cinema is robbing audiences of a world of endless entertainment and enlightening perspectives.
Why Hollywood Cannot Provide Enough Entertainment
There is no denying that Hollywood produces some of the greatest movies in the world. However, the truth is that Hollywood cannot provide a never-ending supply of entertainment that meets the tastes of everyone. Not everyone loves action movies, romantic comedies or horror flicks. International cinema offers a wider array of movies that appeal to different tastes and interests. For instance, the French movie «Amélie» is a quirky romantic comedy that is both heartwarming and charming, while the Japanese movie «Rashomon» is a classic drama that explores the philosophical concept of truth.
The Benefits of Watching International Cinema
Watching international cinema has a variety of benefits, including broadening understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Films made in other countries often convey stories and themes that are not always explored in Hollywood movies. For instance, «City of God», a Brazilian film, explores the life of impoverished children living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The movie offers a stark contrast to Hollywood’s depictions of impoverished youth as being unredeemable criminals.
Moreover, watching international cinema can help improve one’s foreign language skills. It is easier to learn a new language when watching movies in that language. Besides, watching non-English speaking films can help one appreciate the nuances and subtleties of language that are not always evident in subtitles.
Another benefit of watching international movies is gaining insight into the political and social issues of other countries. For instance, the Iranian film «A Separation» explores the complexities of Iranian society and the impact of their legal system on families. It is an example of how entertainment can be used to educate audiences about real-world issues while also entertaining them.
Diversifying Viewing Choices
One way of broadening one’s film horizons is to watch international films from countries that have similar cultural values. For instance, if someone enjoys Hollywood rom-coms, they might enjoy watching Indian «Bollywood» movies, which are known for their over-the-top song and dance routines. Someone who loves action movies can seek out Korean movies, which are known for their high-octane fight scenes.
Another option is to watch movies from countries with different cultural values, such as Iran or Saudi Arabia. Though it may be challenging to appreciate a movie made in a culture that is vastly different from yours, it is also an opportunity to learn and understand new perspectives.
Where to Find International Cinema
Thanks to the internet, finding international movies has never been easier. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu offer a wide range of movies from all over the world. For even more variety, websites like FilmStruck specializes in international cinema, offering movies from different countries and time periods.
Film festivals are also an excellent resource for international cinema. Cinemas host festivals that showcase a variety of movies from different countries. It’s an opportunity to watch movies on a big screen and to interact with filmmakers and fellow movie-goers. These opportunities are often free or much cheaper than regular cinema tickets.
Finally, libraries are an excellent source for international cinema. Libraries stock a range of movies from around the world, often catering to communities that represent diverse international backgrounds. It’s a chance to support free public libraries while expanding one’s movie collection.
Why Ignoring International Cinema is Not Encouraged
The important thing is not to limit oneself to Hollywood movies, but to explore a diverse range of international movies. While Hollywood movies are entertaining, they have their limits. Watching and appreciating global cinema offers an opportunity to broaden perspectives and become more open-minded.
There are high-quality international movies that deserve critical attention and recognition. Unfortunately, many people do not know they exist, whether due to lack of promotion, distribution, or just plain ignorance. It is essential to seek out international films and give them the attention they deserve, in order to support international cinema and ensure its growth on a global scale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ignoring international cinema deprives audiences of endless entertainment and enlightening perspectives. International movies broaden our understanding of other cultures and issues, which makes us more empathetic and compassionate towards others. By diversifying our viewing choices and seeking out international films, we not only get to experience the world and its diversity, but we also enhance our appreciation of cinema as an art form. So let’s open our horizons, and discover the world through international cinema.