It is said that Americans lack an understanding of the greater world because they are too consumed with the chaos within their borders. A survey by the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Geographic Society found that “Americans exhibit gaps in their knowledge about geography and world affairs.”
However, in that same study, researchers found that while Americans are ignorant of the rest of the world, they “consider international issues to be relevant to their daily lives and express a desire to promote education in these areas.” The connection between curiosity and the reason why so many Americans consume solely Western content boils down to understanding.
Foreign films often lack the promotional budget to reach U.S. audiences unless critically acclaimed. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu monopolizing the market, foreign film studios face an uphill battle without advertising funds. In today’s political climate, marked by the alarming rise of red pill content and the decreasing rate of media literacy, it is crucial to have access to multiple perspectives outside of U.S. narratives.
According to an article published by The Stanford Daily, “American moviegoers generally cite subtitles as the reason why they don’t watch many foreign language movies.” Many people use subtitles while watching TV, even when the language being spoken is English. From a poll taken by CBS, “over half of Americans keep subtitles turned on some (21%) or all (34%) of the time, especially younger people.”
Subtitles improve literacy and comprehension by providing additional print exposure throughout viewing. Watching a foreign film with subtitles allows viewers to follow along with the dialogue and plot while engaging the mind in the process. This in tandem with a film that excites and interests, when it comes to picking a movie to watch, the foreign genre contains many surprises.
In university, students have much time to be curious about the world and reflect on their identity. Film can act as a portal to introspection–if you allow it to be. “All About Lily Chou-Chou” (2001), is a Japanese experimental crime/drama, directed by Shunji Iwai. Most of the film’s characters experience seeing into portals, so to speak, and living extremely chaotic lives that are not far off from what youth might experience in the States. The film is weighted, with a run-time of 2 hours and 37 minutes. It follows a non-linear storytelling structure with themes of coming-of-age, mental health, ostracism in one’s community and the unadulterated, universal love for music.
Films about grief, trauma, and uncertainty are especially interesting when presented through another culture’s lens. “Santa Sangre” (1989) is a horror/fantasy film from Chilean-French director, Alejandro Jodorowsky. It leans heavily into the fantastical, full of offbeat circus artists, devotional obsessions and psychedelic imagery throughout its 2-hour run time.
“Santa Sangre” is not afraid of carnage, with its title translating directly into “holy blood.” Known for his avant-garde imagery, Jodorowsky, a former circus clown and puppeteer, subverts conventional horror, and invites viewers to open their minds to the many forms that horror takes.
In French director Justine Triet’s 2023 legal drama, “Anatomy of a Fall,” a writer is suspected of killing her husband, and the sole witness– their blind son. The story is personal to the characters, yet allows the viewer to feel present, discovering everything for the first time. It immerses viewers in the French justice system, contrasting that of the U.S. system. Triet uses this film to showcase the importance of nuance and intention when defining the truth.
It becomes easy to slip into an echo chamber of similar opinions and points of view when all of the media consumed is centered around Western cultural ideals. Watching foreign films disrupts comfortable viewpoints and forces an open mind to the rest of the world. Film watchers will surely discover more about themselves and the things that they want out of life when they leap toward exploration.
Jenell is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Jenell about her column? Email her at jt563822@ohio.edu.
