I was watching a movie in French the other day, and while the credits were rolling, I realized the importance of what I had just done. Being an English-speaking, sometimes French-speaking individual, I really don't have a grasp on the daily nuances of other cultures or how they perceive the world. Granted, I had to read the subtitles throughout the whole movie because my extensive French vocabulary doesn't really extend beyond what you would find in textbooks. Anyways, I was left with this overall impression of feeling more worldly and knowledgeable, and I have to admit I liked it.

Here are three benefactors to expanding your film-watching languages:

1. Explore other cultures.

A film in another language typically entails that the movie is not based in an English-speaking country. This entails that you will see how different cultures interact with one another such as kisses on checks, greeting with "namaste," a simple wave, etc. You'll watch friendships evolve and romances flourish and fallouts occur, all while trying to comprehend a language that you aren't familiar with.

2. Meet new actors/actresses.

A non-English speaking film also usually means that you get to see some fresh faces and watch them in roles not portrayed in Hollywood. Additional bonus: now you won't be left wondering where you recognize that actress from, or if that actor was in that sequel to Transformers, or whatnot.

3. Learn, or reinforce, a new language.

Watching a movie in a language you are attempting to learn is a fairly easy and mindless way to develop your accent and learn to speak like the natives. It's a laid back reinforcement that doesn't require much effort on your part except to sit there and listen. Score.

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There are other great things to learn from films and cultures other than our own. It's important to keep in mind to not be too egotistical about our society and take the time to learn and appreciate the other values and beliefs our fellow humans share.