In 2004, language barriers were explored in the film Spanglish. Although the film did not win the Golden Globe it was nominated for the message portrayed remained strong and relatable to audiences world wide. It was released in numerous other countries after the American release.
The story focuses on a wealthy American family, the Claskys, and the mother and daughter pair of Flor and Cristina Moreno.
Flor brings her daughter to America hoping for a better life and tries to remain strictly inside the Latino community avoiding the language and cultural barriers surrounding her. However, she is eventually led to the housekeeping job at the Clasky residence and here is where the differences in culture and language are explored.
James L. Brooks, the films writer and director uses the two different families to draw parallels and compare cultures. Although Flor struggles in everyday life trying to find her spot in the new culture and with money she realizes by living with the affluent Clasky family that she is not alone.
John and Deborah Clasky have difficulties agreeing on how to raise their children and remain faithful and connected to each other. Flor and John develop a special relationship and communicate and help one another despite the language barrier.
Flor does eventually learn English but I think Brooks decides to keep her on the outside for the majority of the movie to prove a point. It is understood that Flor is a functioning member of society and a mother who provides for her daughter the best she can in a country whose language she does not know. So many times in today's world frustration takes over when a person can't speak the language and judgements are made.
Spanglish came out three years ago but it is prevalent to the times we live in today in the United States and in other countries around the world. It is more of a film of understanding and patience rather than preaching a message and using the Mexican and American parallels demonstrates this point perfectly.
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