Get Reel: Subtitles

When was the last time you saw a film without subtitles? In Hong Kong films are commonly shown with either Chinese or English subtitles, sometimes both, rather than without any at all.

It seems, however, that some of the staff members manning the ticket counters of some local cinemas aren't aware of this. Why else would more than one Caucasian friend of mine tell me that they've had conversations with local cinema employees that run along the following lines when they go to watch a Chinese language film?

Friend: "I'd like a ticket for [title of film] please."

Cinema employee: "This is a Chinese movie."

Friend: "Yes, I know."

Cinema employee: "How can you watch it?"