Movies About Language

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in the Cidade de Deus favela of Rio de Janeiro, the film tells the story of two boys growing up in the violent environment of the slum, where various drug factions battle for control. Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) is an aspiring photographer who uses his camera to capture the harsh realities of life in the slum, while his best friend Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino) becomes one of the most feared drug lords in the neighborhood. As Rocket struggles to stay out of the gang warfare, he must also contend with his own evolving sense of morality. The film also features a stellar ensemble cast that includes Seu Jorge and Jonathan Haagensen. City of God was nominated for four Academy Awards and won numerous other awards and accolades, cementing its status as one of the greatest films of the 21st century.

From Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rated PG-13

3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, based on the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. It tells the story of three engineering students who struggle against the traditional systems of education, social pressures, and corporate greed to find success in life. The film stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya. The story follows Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan) and Raju Rastogi (Joshi) as they try to find their lost friend, Rancho (Khan). The two friends, along with Chatur Ramalingam (Vaidya), a student seen as a failure by his father, embark on a journey to find Rancho. They quickly discover that the traditional systems of education are not the only path to success. The film follows the trio as they explore their true potential and strive to challenge the status quo. The film also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, ambition, and the importance of having an open mind. Through the course of their journey, the three friends realize the importance of following their dreams and never giving up

From Asghar Farhadi, starring Payman Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini
Rated PG-13

"A Separation" is a 2011 Iranian drama film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi. The film tells the story of a troubled marriage between Nader and Simin, two Iranian citizens who are at a crossroads in their relationship. When Simin files for divorce, Nader is unwilling to let her leave, so she moves out of their home and in with her parents. In her absence, Nader hires a young woman, Razieh, to care for his elderly father, who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. However, a dispute between the two leads to a series of events that bring their tumultuous relationship to the forefront and eventually have legal consequences. The film explores themes of religion, morality, and family bonds, and ultimately offers a complex and nuanced look at the issues facing modern Iranian society.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is an epic historical drama directed by David Lean. It follows the remarkable journey of T.E. Lawrence, a British Army officer, who is sent to Arabia during World War I to find a way to unite the warring Arab tribes and drive out the Turkish oppressors. Lawrence leads a daring, and often dangerous, campaign against the Turks, making himself a hero among the Arabs. With the help of his friends, he is able to successfully liberate the Arabian people and become a symbol of hope and freedom. The film celebrates Lawrence's courage and determination, along with the power of his incredible leadership. Along the way, Lawrence grapples with his own personal demons, struggling to come to terms with his place in a rapidly changing world. Lawrence of Arabia has remained one of the most acclaimed films of all time, winning seven Academy Awards and becoming a classic of world cinema.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, the film stars Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, and Sven-Bertil Taube. Set in Sweden, the film follows investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he works with computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, an heiress who disappeared over 40 years ago. As Blomkvist and Salander investigate the case, they uncover a dark and twisted family history filled with secrets, murder, and lies. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was a critical and commercial success, and remains one of the most acclaimed films of the 21st century. It also spawned two sequels, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.

From Na Hong-jin, starring Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Yeong-hie Seo, Kim Yoo-jeong
Rated Not Rated

The Chaser is a 2008 South Korean crime thriller film directed by Na Hong-jin. The film stars Kim Yoon-seok as a former detective-turned-pimp, Joong-ho, who discovers that a serial killer is targeting his prostitutes. As he hunts for the killer, he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding him and brings the police in to help. Despite the police's reluctance, Joong-ho is relentless in his search and eventually discovers the murderer's identity. The film follows his journey as he attempts to bring the killer to justice, while also struggling with his own moral dilemma. In the end, the film paints a portrait of a man who is willing to go to any lengths to protect the women he cares about, no matter the cost.

From William Friedkin, starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey, Tony Lo Bianco
Rated R

The French Connection is a 1971 American crime thriller directed by William Friedkin. It tells the true story of New York detectives Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Buddy "Cloudy" Russo as they unravel a drug-smuggling operation between France and the United States. Through a series of clever detective work and daring raids, Doyle and Russo eventually discover that an international heroin smuggling ring is being operated by a French drug smuggler, Alain Charnier. As they get closer to Charnier, the two detectives face increasing danger, and the stakes grow higher and higher. Ultimately, the French Connection is a thrilling and suspenseful story of crime, corruption, and justice.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull
Rated PG

The African Queen is a 1951 adventure drama film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. The story centers around Charlie Allnut (Bogart), the eccentric and bumbling captain of a small, dilapidated steamboat, and Rose Sayer (Hepburn), a prim and proper missionary. The two team up to transport a modified and heavily armed steamboat, the African Queen, up the Ulanga River in German East Africa during World War I in order to attack a German warship. Along the way, the two must overcome obstacles such as torrential rains, raging rapids, and dangerous animals in order to complete their mission. Despite their differences and initial animosity, the two eventually fall in love and find the courage and determination to succeed in their quest.

From Alejandro Amenábar, starring Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Fionnula Flanagan, Alakina Mann
Rated PG-13

The Others is a psychological horror film about a mysterious family living in an isolated mansion on the British Isles during World War II. Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) is a religious and overprotective mother who lives with her two young children, Anne and Nicholas, while awaiting the return of her husband from the war. One day, three servants arrive at the house, claiming to have been sent by Grace’s husband. As strange and unexplainable events begin to occur, Grace gradually becomes convinced that the house may be haunted. In a race against time, Grace must discover the truth about the house and its mysterious inhabitants before it’s too late.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Ziyi Zhang, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Dandan Song
Rated PG-13

House of Flying Daggers is an epic Chinese martial arts fantasy film directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, and Ziyi Zhang. Set in the 8th century during the Tang Dynasty, the story follows a police captain who is working undercover to investigate a mysterious group known as the House of Flying Daggers. During his investigation, he falls in love with a blind dancer associated with the group, and the two of them must fight against the oppressive government forces that are determined to bring down the House of Flying Daggers. Along the way, the two must battle their own feelings for each other, as well as the powerful forces of fate that are conspiring to keep them apart. With thrilling martial arts sequences and a rousing score, House of Flying Daggers is an exciting and romantic adventure.

From Anthony Minghella, starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas
Rated R

From Peter Collinson, starring Michael Caine, Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone
Rated G

From David Mamet, starring Steve Martin, Ben Gazzara, Campbell Scott, Ricky Jay
Rated PG

From Prachya Pinkaew, starring Tony Jaa, Phetthai Vongkumlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Suchao Pongwilai
Rated R

From Directors: Leos Carax, Michel Gondry, Bong Joon Ho, starring Ayako Fujitani, Ryô Kase, Ayumi Ito, Nao Ômori
Rated Unrated

From André Øvredal, starring Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg, Knut Nærum, Glenn Erland Tosterud
Rated PG-13

From Joel Zwick, starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Christina Eleusiniotis
Rated PG

From Jonathan Kesselman, starring Adam Goldberg, Andy Dick, Judy Greer, Mario Van Peebles
Rated R

From Steven Soderbergh, starring George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Tobey Maguire, Beau Bridges
Rated R