|   Foreign Films: Subtitled or dubbed? | puffum
Apr 12, 2001 8:24 AM | | When watching a foreign language film, which do you prefer?
I've contemplated this often, but with the "success" of Crouching Tiger and public response, I find it apalling that they dub foreign films. Of course, there is always an exception and a time when it's absolutely necessary, but for the most part, IMO, it takes away from the movie. I've come to the conclussion that in a quality film (from the writing, directing, and acting standpoint) that you generally don't need THAT MUCH dialogue. And what does that say for the English language in general other than how much crap it is full of?
Of course, conversation is an artform, and think of all the humor we might miss (sight gags can only take you so far).
Of course 1 line is what can often make a movie and that may be what we remember it for (Rosebud...) - just PLEASE leave the foreign films the way they are!!
I guess I'm just afraid they will offer dubbing on Crouching Tiger and I don't want people to watch it that way and lose the greatness of that film.... |
| re: Foreign Films: Subtitled or dubbed? | Daigoro
Apr 12, 2001 9:23 AM | | I definitely prefer subtitled.
I can watch a really good dub (Das Boot, Princess Mononoke, Shogun Assassin) but I will take the subtitles when given a choice. |
| re: Foreign Films: Subtitled or dubbed? | Kelly W
Apr 12, 2001 10:23 AM | | I have found that a great way to enjoy foreign films is to watch it first in the dubbed version, then again with the subtitles. I feel it is best to get the visual impact the director intended without having to be distracted from the movie by averting your eyes every few seconds to read. It is amazing how subtle differences in translation can change the meaning of a scene. "Life is beautiful" is a good example as is "Das Boot." I have read that the CTHD DVD will be offered in Chinese with English subtitles and dubbed as well as a bunch of other cool extras in June. Anyone heard anything to the contrary? |
| re: Foreign Films: Subtitled or dubbed? | EdwinGene
Apr 12, 2001 8:06 PM | | I'm split on this one.
On the one hand, the purist in me wants to see and hear a movie the way it was originally filmed and released.
But then I see a movie like the dubbed version of Das Boot. If only all dubbing could be done that well. |
| Here's something else to consider... | JazzHead
Apr 13, 2001 6:26 AM | | Many foreign films are dubbed in their original language and release. Fellini looped the dialogue in just about all his pictures, and a lot of Chinese flicks are done this way too. For instance, the recent DVD release of Jackie Chan's "Legend of the Drunken Master" is dubbed in English, by Chan himself. On the original Cantonese track, another actor dubbed in Chan's lines, so the English dub version is the only way you'll hear him deliver the dialogue.
I usually opt for the original language, though occasionally I'll go for the dub, especially if it's a straight-out HK actioner and the dialogue is decidedly secondary to the visuals. I did make an exception for "Princess Mononoke," because the English translation was written by Neil Gaiman.
peace,
jh. |
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