Cinematic Storytelling : Bridging Connections Through International Storytelling

        

Back in 2020, as I sat watching the Academy Awards I witnessed a historic moment that truly impacted my views on cinema. For the first time ever in its history a movie other than English won the Best Picture award. Bong Joon-ho's picture "Parasite" not only won the prize, but made a significant impact on the world about the universality of storytelling. During his acceptance speech, the director proudly said, "Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films." 

 While I was watching the show behind the tv screen, this particular statement left a huge impression on me. Until then, I hesitated watching international films, because I found reading subtitles while watching films would be inconvenient. However, his statement left a curiosity in me, driving me to broaden my horizon in watching international films. 

 With the support of my friends who have a wider knowledge about films in different countries, I embarked on a journey to explore different international narratives. Sometimes we would go to the movie theater or sometimes indulge in binge watching shows in our homes , immersing ourselves in stores that spanned the barrier of languages and continents. 

(1) watching movie with my friends

Impact on personal growth:

 Cultural and historical understanding: 

 Experiencing diverse tv shows and movies introduced me to a lot of cultural and historical elements of a country. It introduced me to their societal norms, traditional clothing, rich histories ,languages and so on. For example: While I was into a Korean drama, I was really interested in learning about their traditional clothing hanbok. The hanbok did not only serve just an attires to the characters but it introduced me into their deep cultural and emotional meaning adding a deeper understanding into Korean societal norms and age old traditions. Watching European tv shows introduced me to the historical and artistic movements happening in those regions. Films set in England, Italy or France showed me their own culture, food etc. The contrast between European and Asian histories became evident through the characters' mannerisms, languages, and interactions, providing nuanced insights into the evolution of these societies over time.

( 2) picture from "Moon lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo". female lead wearing Korean traditional clothing

(3) movie: Pride and prejudice. A traditional English cloth from 17th century

 

 Life lessons: 

By watching the Indian Movie "Dear Zindagi" it taught me about emotional well being and personal growth. While watching the protagonist Kaira embracing her own complicated emotions rather than ignoring them, seeking help when her life was in shambles . Her story gave me strength and encouragement to do the same. This movie offered me to embrace my emotions with open arms and allow myself to seek help and talk it out when life is not going well.

Similarly, the Turkish show "The Magnificent Century" introduced me to so many strong historical figures. One of the characters that caught my eye was Hurrem Sultan. She influenced the Ottoman empire in such a way, no women at that time had ever done. She demonstrated her strength and intelligence in a patriarchal environment. Despite facing challenges she just kept moving forward. Her story inspired me that with determination, intelligence it is possible to go through a change and overcome challenges. 

(4) picture from the Indian film "Dear Zindagi"

 Language skills: 

While watching international tv shows and movies I have learned a new language and improved my vocabulary. Watching Indian shows introduced me to Hindi. Through the entertaining characters and storyline I have learned their language and can understand what they are saying without any subtitles. Similarly, by watching the English language my vocabulary has increased a lot. I am able to comprehend the language well. It has immensely helped me in my academic as well as personal life.

 Personal insights : 

International narratives offered me personal insights and developed self discovery. By watching the characters personal growth and overcoming the obstacles in life made me think about my own life. A Chinese film about self discovery made me a lot of confident and enabled me to widen my world view.

This stories related with  my experience and deepened my compassion and sympathy for others.

                                       (5) a picture of myself watching movie for the first time

Watching movies and tv-shows gives me immense pleasure After a hectic day, when i turn on the television i just immersed myself in all those wonderful narratives. By watching these it bought me joy as well as deepened my relationship with my self and my friends.My daily routine has become enriched by their diverse characters, compelling plots, and emotional connections