Films about language delve into the intricacies, the power, and sometimes the mystery surrounding human communication. These films explore various aspects of language, including its capacity to connect people, its role in shaping our identities and cultures, and the challenges that arise from miscommunication or the loss of language. They can span genres from drama and documentary to science fiction, each offering a unique perspective on how language influences our lives, relationships, and understanding of the world.
“Arrival”, 2016
Director: Denis Villeneuve
This science fiction drama centers around a linguist who is recruited by the military to communicate with alien visitors. The film explores the nature of language and communication, and how understanding can lead to profound changes in perception of reality and time.
Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O'Brien, Ma Tzi, Abigail Pniowsky, Julia Scarlett Dan, Jadyn Malone, Frank Schorpion;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: science fiction, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
“The King's Speech”, 2010
Director: Tom Hooper
Based on the true story of King George VI, who struggled with a speech impediment, this historical drama highlights the importance of overcoming barriers to communication. It showcases the king's journey to find his voice with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, against the backdrop of his unexpected ascension to the throne.
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Anthony Andrews, Michael Gambon, Claire Bloom, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Ehle;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Lost in Translation”, 2003
Director: Sofia Coppola
This film follows two Americans in Tokyo who form an unlikely bond amid their mutual feelings of displacement and cultural dissonance. It beautifully captures the nuances of feeling lost in a place where you cannot understand or be understood due to language barriers.
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Akiko Takeshita, Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Kazuko Shibata, Take, Ryuichiro Baba, Akira Yamaguchi;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Lost in Translation” on the website imdb.com
“The Terminal”, 2004
Director: Steven Spielberg
A comedy-drama about a man from Eastern Europe who becomes stranded in New York's JFK Airport when his country undergoes a coup and his passport is suddenly invalid. With a limited grasp of English, he experiences the challenges and comedic misunderstands that come with language barriers.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Barry Shabaka Henley, Kumar Pallana, Zoe Saldana, Eddie Jones, Jude Ciccolella;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Terminal” on the website imdb.com
“Nell”, 1994
Director: Michael Apted
The film recounts the story of a young woman who has grown up isolated in a cabin in the woods, with only her late mother as company. Speaking a language of her and her mother's own creation, the protagonist must find a way to communicate with the outside world.
Starring: Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson, Natasha Richardson, Richard Libertini, Nick Searcy, Robin Mullins, Jeremy Davies, O'Neal Compton, Sean Bridgers, Joe Inscoe;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Nell” on the website imdb.com
“Babel”, 2006
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
A multi-narrative drama that explores the interconnectedness of humanity despite cultural and linguistic differences. The film weaves together stories from three continents, highlighting how miscommunications and the inability to understand each other can lead to tragedy, yet also offers a meditation on the universal need for connection.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal, Koji Yakusho, Rinko Kikuchi, Adriana Barraza, Elle Fanning, Nathan Gamble, Michael Peña, Clifton Collins Jr.;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Babel” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their own way, underline the profound impact of language on human interaction, emotion, and understanding. They show us both its limitations and its boundless potential to bridge divides.
In the expansive catalogue of cinematic explorations, those films that delve into the intricate world of language stand out for their profound impact on our understanding of human connection and the power of communication. Whether dramatizing the challenges of learning a new language, depicting the recovery of lost languages, or exploring the cognitive shifts that accompany bilingualism, these films not only entertain but also enlighten, challenging audiences to reflect on the role language plays in defining our identity, shaping our relationships, and bridging cultural divides. By weaving narratives around the central theme of language, these films underscore its significance not just as a tool for communication but as a vessel for cultural heritage, empathy, and understanding, ultimately reminding us of the remarkable ability of cinema to illuminate the most intricate aspects of the human experience.
