If you hadn’t realized by now, we’re huge on translation and interpretation. The profession of translating and interpreting has been around for centuries. However, it is rarely spoken about, let alone cinematized. Today, we thought we’d sift through a few great films highlighting the work and lives of translators and interpreters. Grab your popcorn, and join us as we explore five of the best interpreting movies.
A Roundup of the Best Interpreting Movies
The Interpreter (2005) – One of the Best Interpreting Movies of ALL Time
This film finds interpreter, Silvia Broome, at the United Nations when she overhears a private conversation that she believes is a plot to kill the president, Edmond Zuwanie.
When she informs the authorities, secret service agents are assigned to the investigation. It doesn’t take long for them to conclude that Silvia herself is a suspect. After all, she was linked with both a guerrilla organization in Matobo and the president’s main opponent. Consequently, Silvia became a target and runs for her life.
The film reflects multilingualism as well as globalization, international relations, and international terrorism. Realistically, interpreters working with the UN must recognize, understand, and interpret languages regarding several issues. Politics, legal affairs, social concerns, and human rights, are all prime examples of interpretation subjects. The most obvious component of their responsibilities is providing interpretation during meetings.
The film is indeed realistic. It demonstrates experienced interpreters on the job. Additionally, it highlights moral and ethical issues that interpreters often encounter.
It is also interesting to note that it was the first film shot within the United Nations office in New York.
Desert Flower (2009) – A Look Into Medical Interpreting
This film is based on the true story of Waris Dirie. Dirie was a Somalian girl that escaped a marriage of convenience. After this, she finds herself working as a servant in London. She must rely on interpreting because she does not speak the local language.
Waris Dirie goes on to become a globally recognized supermodel turned women’s rights advocate. More importantly, she becomes a United Nations spokeswoman against the inhumane procedure known as Female Genital Mutilation.
The need for an interpreter comes around when Waris is rushed to the hospital. She was in severe abdominal pain and needed immediate medical attention. The dilemma shows itself when the doctor tries to communicate to Waris in English. However, he soon realizes she doesn’t understand. He proceeds to get an ‘interpreter’ who is racially biased and unprofessional towards Waris and decides not to interpret what the doctor is trying to convey to her.
This film teaches several lessons to the audience. It highlights the dangers of utilizing unqualified translators. Particularly in a medical context when highly sensitive, personal, and confidential information is transmitted. Ms. Dirie’s life might have been jeopardized as a result of the hospital’s ad hoc interpretation, thus exposing the facility to a lawsuit.
Charade (1963) – One of the Oldest Interpreting Movies
Reggie, a UN interpreter, wants a divorce. But then she finds her husband dead in his apartment, besieged by criminals and agents in this criminal comedy. Peter Joshua offers her assistance in solving the mystery. This film depicts the origins of simultaneous interpreting in movies. It also dives into the unprofessional behavior of an interpreter who leaves during a meeting.
Reggie is portrayed to be a highly unprofessional interpreter. She is constantly distracted while she works, hardly listening and having conversations while she should be focused on interpreting.
At one point in the film, she becomes so distracted that she stops interpreting completely and the delegates in the meeting look towards her booth wondering why her interpreting has stopped.
This is an unrealistic representation of interpreters because traditionally, interpreters are highly professional and don’t allow their personal lives to become an obstacle to working proficiently.
Amistad (1997) – Detailing the Life of a Court Interpreter
This film falls under the genre of historical drama. It takes viewers on the journey of the slave trade. The plot follows an inexperienced court interpreter as he fails to interpret the narrative of 40 Africans who were abducted and were about to be sold as slaves in the United States. Fortunately, another interpreter succeeds. This allows the court to hear the whole truth and make the proper verdict on the case.
The inexperienced interpreter (Professor Gibbs) failed at interpreting correctly because he simply could not understand the Africans who were facing the death penalty. The second interpreter, Covey, is a proficient African interpreter. He was able to interpret and translate what the African people were saying to the court.
This highlights the grave consequences of not having a professional and capable interpreter when handling matters where there is a language barrier.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012) – One of the Most Modern Interpreting Movies
This film depicts the pursuit of Al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, following September 11, 2001. It depicts the interpretation profession as a vital element of the operation.
It provides an intriguing perspective on interpreting in the military profession for people who know little about it. The film also demonstrates the distinction between military interpreters who operate in war zones and those who provide community interpreter services.
Let’s Wrap it Up
What did you think of our roundup of the best interpreting movies? Have you seen any (or all) of them?
We at Day Interpreting have some of the best interpreters and translators in the world. Our global network of language specialists can assist with any type of interpreting and localization services you may need.
We also provide language specialists who have expertise in dealing with particular language service demands in various industries. We are available 24/7 to meet your translation, interpreting, and localization needs. Connect with us today!!
Kayan is a multi-talented writer based in the beautiful island of Jamaica. Her strong point is ideation and she loves to take on new challenges.
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