Why does all of Europe speak only English in this show?
Don't be afraid of subtitles. It adds authenticity to shows.
shareThey have every single person that lives in Europe on this show. Impressive production.
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MovieChat Forums > Crossing Lines (2013) Discussion > Why does all of Europe speak only Englis...
English is the international language of Europe.
Even the shows with subtitles have their characters speak English when talking with foreigners.
My brother and I were also deeply bothered by the fact that French / German / Czech / whatever families talked English with each other all the time. It's just not realistic. There might be exceptions, but usually people in Europe converse in their own language.
"Adds authenticity" is a good description of actually having characters speak their respective languages.
It was actually great to see characters of different nationalities played by actors who actually have the same nationality or at least lived in the country. Would have been great if all the different languages were a bigger part of the show!
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I don't think it is a smart question because it would be unrealistic to make a tv show with people speaking 4 or 5 different lanaguages.
In reality an international project like this would talk to each other mostly in english.
If they all spoke their own language and only their own language they would not get very far.
I say mostly in english because I expect that some of the group would also share other languages.
English is the international language,people from most european countries either learn english at school or learn it by listening to British or American music or watching British or American tv shows and films.
I'm not so sure if it is realistic. If there was an investigative unit based in central Europe surely they would speak French or German?
This reminds me of an earlier show: 'The Eagle' http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383164/?ref_=fn_tv_tt_40 which was a bit more believable imo. Several languages spoken, mainly Danish as the unit was based there, and subtitled. It's a shame they wrapped it up after 3 short seasons.
The script for 'Crossing Lines' often tries to feature cultural differences but feels clunky and I get the impression they stick with English to take an episode along at break neck speed with a lot predictable lines spoken by some of the team that adds nothing to the story. ...or it could be that in France this is shown mainly in French, etc.
Well, if you throw together a German, a Frenchman (or woman), and Italian and a Brit, you have to find some kind of common denominator, and the lowest common denominator just happens to be English. Easy.
shareI understand that the team speaks English. I don't understand why they usually speak English with the suscpects, and even people is shown speaking English at their homes or works.
shareYou're right. I did notice as I got further into the show. It is weird but I guess they think it's just easier for viewers...I'd prefer them speaking in their original languages with subtitles, too!!
shareI think they were going for entertainment, not authenticity.
Having everyone predominately speak a common language helps with the continuity and keeps the pace moving smoothly.
I think they were going for entertainment, not authenticity.
Having everyone predominately speak a common language helps with the continuity and keeps the pace moving smoothly.
I just began watching S1. I agree with that. If you consider the broader language base in the several Star Trek iterations, they encountered a lot of aliens that spoke English. As I recall there was a universal translator mentioned for some of them.
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But subtitles take away from the experience. The story is more than just the words that are spoken, and when your eyes are on the subtitles, they aren't watching facial expressions, body language or things going on in the periphery.
shareIf you are used to subtitles, you don't have problems. I watch most of my shows with subtitles, no problems to read expressions or anything. But people speaking English when they should be speaking other languages is annoying to me and one of the things that bothers me more about this show.
shareExactly. Well said.
shareBecause it's american crap.
shareIt's to keep continuity. Yes, authenticity will be there if they speak native languages but let's face, most people dislike watching shows with subs.
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