Do you think it is good to have subtitles for films, videos?

@warvial (1146)
Singapore
December 29, 2009 1:52am CST
It is for me... In the past, I didn't realize I can't survive without subtitles. That's because in recent years, most of the films that I watched are foreign languages (Japanese, Korean eg) and they always comes with subtitles to cater to the public. When I went for English films, some does not comes with subtitle (on big screen) and that's when I realize I am very used to having subtitles and it's very difficult for me to concentrate on what they are saying especially when they were whispering things in phrases that I don't catch the jokes. Thus for me I think it's good to have subtitles, because 1, I get to understand what they are saying; 2, I can get to know what's going to happen next before they finished saying the jokes; 3, I can fast forward the videos, I still know what they had communicate in between. But then again, I will also question myself, was it the plot that I was watching (based on the subtitle) or did I just missed the good acting by the casts... So, what's your take? Is it good to have subtitles, or is it better to be omitted?
6 responses
• United States
29 Dec 09
Yes I DO think it is good to have subtitles in movies,films,etc. I am SO like you! haha I didnt realize that I cant survive without sibtitles too! I still want subtitles even if I am watching an English film. I dont know why but I am just used to subtitles. Its not that I dont understand them, the subtitles, for me just make the movie complete. Actually, to be honest, there ARE some films in which are exceptions where subtitles just totally ruin it or are not necessary. Haha For example, Titanic and Avatar do not need subtitles. They are masterpieces! Hehe Those were the movies I thought of at the moment. Haha
1 person likes this
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
29 Dec 09
Talking about subtitles that spoil the movies, you are right. If the subtitles are in nice fonts and right size, I think it will just make the film complete for people who needs them and doesn't distract people who doesn't need them. I still remember those huge subtitles and flicking-attention-seeking portion shown with the film (in the movie theater). I think that should be the very few occasion that I will find the subtitles not suitable. Else, yes, I really need the right size, right font and right color subtitles to be in place to make the film looks complete.
• Australia
29 Dec 09
Hi there! I think movies that are shown in cinemas shouldn't have subtitles because some viewers may think of it as a bit too distracting. However, personally, I like having subtitles because sometimes i can't quite catch what the character is saying or maybe they might have a really think accent i don't understand...? But in general, i'm a big fan of subtitles especially since I tend to watch movies/dramas that are in foreign languages too! :)
1 person likes this
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
29 Dec 09
Same as you. I do enjoy the subtitles although it might make me skip the actors acting. That's why I like to go for action movies as most of the times, it's just action and less talking. Especially for shows with medical terms or certain abbreviation for certain actions, I think subtitles in place to provide explanation is much better even if I understand the language, I don't think I will understand the term.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
21 Jan 10
Hi warvial, I too think so. I find it lot easiuer to follow since , sometimes you are not able to follow clearly. Another thing is that I watch films from diffrent languages and it is much easier when there are sub titles.I am sure films with sub titles get a wider audience ...all the best and happy mylotting
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
21 Jan 10
Hi kiran, yes, I agree with you. I am a big fan of different languages films and a pity I haven't master any of the languages (although I now know a little of each like "Hi", "Good Bye", "Yes" etc). And it's a lot easier to follow the subtitles as I find it hard to grasp the audio because different people have different pronunciations and accents. Thank you for sharing too!
@agv0419 (3022)
• Philippines
30 Dec 09
Yes I agree that it can help us to understand the movie more even if it is English. Sometimes the actors and actresses speak fast so I can't understand what they are talking about. It is very helpful for me if there's a subtitle because even if I can understand English but I can't follow the story and sometimes I'm a little bit confused on what is the exact story of a particular movie.
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
30 Dec 09
Yes, that's right! That's why I totally think having subtitle is good, but only if it doesn't destroy the movie by having big ugly or small tiny subtitles. Thank you for sharing! Cheers
• India
14 Jan 10
Yes, sometimes the dialogues are spoken in hushed tones which make your ear strain and you could miss out its intensity. Subtitles will do the job for you. Moreover, with subtitles you could enjoy a film of any language. I love subtitles.
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
15 Jan 10
Hi! Yes~ same sentiment! I love subtitles a lot. In the past when I went for movies in the threatre, the subtitles was awful thus destroying the movie. And nowadays I watch movies on the DVDs, they comes with optional subtitles which I love the subtitles especially if there are jokes mentioned which I don't understand. Thanks for sharing!
@advokatku (4033)
• Indonesia
29 Dec 09
for the films with foreign languages, I would prefer a movie that has subtitles. The reason is, just like you, I am hard to understand the dialog of the film foreign languages
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
29 Dec 09
Yes, else, we will be scratching heads at the end of the show not knowing what just happened. But how about films that you understand the language? Do you think subtitle is good to have?