The Universal Language (2011): cast, story & where to watch
2011 · Film · ★ 6
Released in 2011, The Universal Language is a notable film.
What it’s about. The Universal Language is a new documentary from Academy Award-nominated director Sam Green (The Weather Underground). This 30-minute film traces the history of Esperanto, an artificial language that was created in the late 1800s by a Polish eye doctor who believed that if everyone in the world spoke a common tongue, humanity could overcome racism and war. Fittingly, the word “Esperanto” means “one who hopes.” During the early 20th century, hundreds of thousands of people around the world spoke Esperanto and believed in its ideals. Today, surprisingly, a vibrant Esperanto movement still exists. In this first-ever documentary about Esperanto, Green creates a portrait of the language and those who speak it today that is at once humorous, poignant, stirring, and ultimately hopeful.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Universal Language has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Universal Language page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Universal Language (2011)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Universal Language change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Universal Language worth watching?
- The Universal Language holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- When was The Universal Language released?
- The Universal Language was released in 2011.