Where can I stream Mother Tongue legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Mother Tongue
2015·Movie
Mother Tongue fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, politics, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, politics, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, politics, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want something to laugh at
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
"Mother Tongue" chronicles the first time a documentary film about Guatemalan genocide in Guatemala was translated and dubbed into Maya-Ixil—5.5% of whom were killed during the armed conflict in the 1980s. Told from the perspective of Matilde Terraza, an emerging Ixil leader and the translation project’s coordinator, "Mother Tongue" illuminates the Ixil community’s ongoing work to preserve collective memory.
Guatemalan GenocideIxil CommunityDocumentary TranslationCollective MemoryIndigenous LanguageHistorical TraumaSocial JusticeCultural PreservationPolitical Awareness
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Mother Tongue
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
What is Mother Tongue rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Mother Tongue?
0 h 19 min
Mother Tongue runs 0 h 19 min.
What language is Mother Tongue in?
EnglishSpanish
It was made in English, with some Spanish.