The brand new version of The Jungle Book recently hit the cinemas of Madrid and many cinemas across the Comunidad de Madrid are choosing to screen it in English rather than dubbed into Spanish. This wonderful initiative is to be applauded and encouraged. Here are five reasons why we think you should go and see the film in English at cinemas in Getafe, Pozuelo, Las Rozas, Majadahonda, Manoteras or in the city centre.
- Easily understood: This family film is based on a story that almost everyone knows, to a greater or lesser extent. Furthermore the music and sound effects help keep the story moving along. The tale is narrated through action (which is a language unto itself) and does not require viewers to be bilingual to understand. Even if you, as a parent, don’t understand much English, this film is so easily understood that the language will not be an impediment!
- An exciting adventure: Watching a film like “The Jungle Book” in which Mowgli’s adventures and tricks are inspiration to all children old and young allows you to discuss the adventures in your own lives with your kids. Point out to your children that one of our survival tricks in the “jungle” of 21st century Madrid being able to speak English!
- Make English fun: Taking English out of the classroom and into leisure time is a key factor in helping your kids become bilingual. Moreover, seeing their parents making the effort to go and see a film in a language that they don’t speak very well is an excellent example to your children. When you leave the theatre with smiles on your faces for having enjoyed such a good film, your satisfaction will be double for having chosen to watch it in English.
- Well known songs: There are songs in this film that are already known to your children. “The Bare Necessities” and “I wanna be like you” are classic songs that they will have heard at nursery schools. For the first time your children will hear them sung in context and the songs will gain more relevance to them. From now on when they hear the songs played they will think of Mogwli sitting on Baloo’s tummy in the middle of the river or King Louie attempting to convince Mowgli to teach him how to make fire.
- English is spoken in India: Your children will learn that the official language of India is English and – not only that – the animals of the jungle speak it too!! Jokes aside, this film helps introduce new cultures and environments to our children.
I urge you to share your English adventure with Mowgli, Baloo, Bagueera and their friends. Let the bare necessities of life come to you!
Follow our blog to stay up to date with the latest events in the life of Madrid.
