Reading between the subtitles

How many people have claimed 'not to like' subtitled films but have in fact never watched one?

There are numerous preconceptions surrounding foreign films, such as they will be difficult to follow or they won't be relevant to a non-native audience.

However, if you were to sit down and watch one of these films you would find features that mirror those found in popular Hollywood cinema.

There are love stories, plot twists and psychological thrillers to entertain and enthral you.

So what is it that stops people seeing these films?

Is it a fear of the unknown, an unwillingness to step outside of ones' comfort zone or perhaps a lack of knowledge about these films and their very existence?

When Spanish film The Orphanage was released in March it was shown at only a handful of mainstream cinemas, despite the critical acclaim it received.

This was because it was feared that it wouldn't appeal to a mass audience because of it being a Spanish film with English subtitles, thus limiting the opportunities that people had to see it.

A further example of this can be seen when award-winning French actress Audrey Tatou's new film Priceless was released earlier this summer.

With its Breakfast at Tiffany's style story line and mix of comedy, romance and glamour it seemed like the perfect recipe for success.

However it passed by our cinemas and audiences without so much as a flutter.

This leads me to ask had this been a Hollywood film, and therefore non-subtitled, would it have received greater mainstream success?

However much we speculate about why these films are so limited in their cinematic release, we can take comfort in the fact that many subtitled films are widely available on DVD, and with world cinema sections increasingly growing, those who never explored them before can start to revel in their delights.

So why not start with this selection and enjoy the beginning of your foreign love affair... 12»