by Danelle Karth

Created on: February 20, 2008

I have seen a few really good foreign films that have nothing more then subtitles. I have also seen a lot of foreign films with horrible and cheesy dubbing. It takes work to make a good dubbed film. However, there are several things that make dubbed films better then those with subtitles.

Available for Everyone.
Some have a hard time reading a movie with subtitles. It might be that they can't read fast enough, are too young, or struggle to see the screen. Whatever the reason, they miss out on a lot of great foreign films. There are some wonderful works of art out there that a lot of people miss because they are in a different language with subtitles.

Can Be Watched Any Time.
There are times when I want to watch a movie, but I am tired or had a long day. I don't want to read my movie and if I did then I would pick up a book. These are the times when foreign films with subtitles are bad choices in movies. However, a dubbed film can be watched any time, no matter how tired you or or how long your day has been.

A Good Dubbed Film Can Be Wonderful.
There is no denying it, a poorly dubbed film is often funny to watch. We make fun of them in skits, jokes, and sometimes in silly conversations. However, a well dubbed film can be fantastic. One great example of this is Miyazaki's "Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind". This movie is beautiful in any language. However, the dub is wonderful. They did a good job with good characters and it is a wonderful movie.

Characterization.
Often times, voice tones and fluctuations lead a lot to the characterization of movie characters. This is absent if the language these characters is speaking is unfamiliar to you. Often times it is hard to know how different emotions and different aspects of the character can sound in a foreign language. Subtitles don't help with this. It is much easier to feel for the characters with a good dubbed movie. It makes you feel like you have become a part of the movie and that they are people you have gotten to know.

A dubbed movie appeals to more people and makes it possible for more people to enjoy it. It shares characters and beauty from other nations. It can be watched no matter how the day is or how tired you are. And it can be just wonderful. Foreign films add to our lives, but not understanding them makes it worthless to watch them. Dubbed films help everyone understand the film.

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