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International Films That Need No Translation
Trivia: What sport is traditionally known as "the king of sports"?
RetireHub
July 16, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing great tips on international films that need no translation, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Jeanine Lauren After her divorce, Kathleen is ready for a fresh start—running a toy store in a new town and spending time with her granddaughters—until life throws her a curveball in the form of financial trouble and unexpected full-time childcare. Enter Roy, the girls’ other grandfather: charming, infuriating, and impossible to ignore, especially as sparks (and disagreements) begin to fly. As the holiday season unfolds, what starts as a clash of personalities slowly softens into something warmer, offering them both a second chance at love and healing. |
Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom—Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.
Happy Wednesday, Everyone!
Hope all of our readers enjoyed some time celebrating America’s 249th Birthday with friends and family! Many years ago, I would never miss a fabulous firework display. Now, crowds do not thrill me. As I was traveling this week, I had a great view from my hotel window of the firework display just down the boardwalk. It was a beautiful view that my husband and I enjoyed from the comfort of our room. I felt blessed. It brought me back to simpler times and I found myself reflecting on everything we as Americans take for granted. We are truly living in the best country in the world, no matter what side of the political spectrum we stand.
For this week’s topic, I would like everyone’s opinion and thoughts on tipping. Holy Moly! Has tipping gotten totally out of control? I might be aging myself, but I believe I was taught tipping should be 15% to 20% for good to exceptional service. In addition, you should feel comfortable rather than pressured for the dollar amount you choose to tip.
I think the guidelines I grew up with were as follows:
Waiter/Waitress: 15% to 20% of the total bill (before coupons and discounts)
Bartender/Server of a drink: $1 to $2 per drink
Hairdresser: 15% to 20% of the total bill (There is a caveat to this… do you tip the hairdresser if they are the owner of the shop? I do, but others have stated that if it is the owner, no tip is necessary.)
Nail Salon: 20% (she does a terrific job)
Bellhop or anyone handling your luggage: Used to be $2 per bag, but I’ve upped mine to $5 per bag—don’t want to put fate of a misplaced luggage situation.
Uber/Lyft: I tend to be pretty generous if the driver arrives as promised, is polite, helps me load my luggage into the car, and gets me where I need to be. Usually 25%, then round up. I tend to flip flop whether I want to chit chat or not. It’s nice when the driver can sense what kind of mood I am in. Bonus tip for that!
I don’t normally DoorDash, but friends have told me they tip 10% to 20% of the total bill.
My husband is a very generous tipper. We have a fabulous steakhouse near my home that provides a free filet on your birthday. We went there for my big day. When the server brought the bill, he “reminded” my husband by saying: Don’t forget the tip is on the amount before the coupon. Yes, we know, we’ve eaten out before. I found that terribly rude.
Now there are some places that I just don’t understand tipping. They ask, but I am always perplexed. Like the cashier at a coffee shop. So, I order a coffee, they pour it and hand it to me. I put in my own creamer and sweetener. Price is highly inflated to begin with, but then the keypad asks me if I want to tip while the cashier is staring at me, putting me under extreme pressure. I’ve gotten used to hitting No Tip without looking up.
My mailman left me a note that his birthday was the following week. Huh? Is that a hint for a gift/tip? I don’t even know what he looks like. My mailbox is at the curb. He drives up and drives away.
I was at a casino recently when a nice elderly woman came over to play the machine next to me. She didn’t know how to play, so I showed her the buttons, took thirty seconds to explain, and went back to paying attention to my own machine. She tried to hand me a $20 bill for helping her out. I declined at least three times. I was just being nice, not looking for a tip. I believe in Karma. Ten minutes later she hit the jackpot for $1,600… I was down $100. She walked away. I lost more money. That’s life. But I digressed… what made her think I would want a tip just for being nice? Is that what is ingrained in our minds these days?
I used to tip the young man who would help me put the groceries in the car. No one helps anymore.
I had a server tell me that the average tip is now 30%. Is that possible? Going out to dinner is expensive to begin with.
I’ve never been a server in a restaurant, but I am sure it is long and strenuous hours. Worst of all, there are some not very nice people they need to deal with. Of everyone who deserves a tip, I totally side with my server. You deserve every penny. Glad the new tax laws will help you with your wage situation, or at least I hope it does!
Send me your thoughts on tipping.
Your standard percentage, people you love to tip, and the situations you find yourself questioning the tip request.
On a side note, our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow Americans in Texas who are living through their nightmare this week. We stand with you and will help however it is needed.
Until next time, where every goodbye is just a promise of a new hello,
Joanne
On this day in 1969, NASA launched Apollo 11 from Kennedy Space Center, carrying Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins toward humanity’s first-ever Moon landing. The successful liftoff marked the beginning of a daring mission that would culminate four days later with Armstrong taking "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Apollo 11’s journey ignited wonder in over half a billion viewers and forever changed our place in the cosmos.
International Films That Need No Translation
When storytelling speaks louder than words
Great cinema doesn’t always need subtitles. Some international films use visual storytelling, universal emotions, and powerful scenes to communicate across language barriers. Whether you speak the language or not, these films manage to move, inspire, and entertain—reminding us that a good story speaks directly to the heart.
One standout example is “The Red Balloon” (Le Ballon Rouge, 1956), a French short film that follows a little boy as he wanders through Paris with a mysterious red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own. With almost no dialogue, the film uses color, movement, and mood to capture themes of friendship, loneliness, and imagination. It’s a timeless watch for viewers of all ages.
Another visually rich film is “The Triplets of Belleville” (2003), a French animated feature that follows a grandmother's wild quest to rescue her grandson, a kidnapped Tour de France cyclist. The film contains almost no spoken lines, instead relying on exaggerated facial expressions, music, and surreal animation to carry the story. Its whimsical style and heartfelt message make it incredibly accessible to global audiences.
“Baraka” (1992) and “Samsara” (2011), both directed by Ron Fricke, are stunning non-verbal documentaries filmed in dozens of countries. These films showcase breathtaking footage of people, rituals, nature, and cityscapes—all set to stirring musical scores. Without a single word, they explore the beauty, chaos, and interconnectedness of life across cultures.
Then there's “Playtime” (1967), a French comedy by Jacques Tati that leans heavily on physical humor and clever visuals. Tati’s character, Monsieur Hulot, fumbles his way through a hyper-modern Paris, with miscommunication and human quirks taking center stage. It’s a delightful example of how body language and situational comedy can cross any linguistic boundary.
For anyone who’s hesitant to explore international cinema due to language concerns, these films are a beautiful entry point. They prove that you don’t need to understand every word to feel the emotion, laugh at the absurdity, or marvel at the art of storytelling.
So the next time you're browsing for something different to watch, consider pressing play on a film that says everything—without saying a word.
🎥 What’s your take on films without dialogue or subtitles? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How safe do you feel when using online banking?
While nearly half of readers (46%) say they feel very confident using online banking—thanks to strong passwords and extra security—there’s still a notable portion taking a more cautious approach. About 31% feel somewhat safe but admit they could do more to protect themselves. Meanwhile, 11% worry regularly about scams and hackers, and 12% still prefer the comfort of handling their banking in person or by phone. Not a single person chose “Other” this time—which might just mean we’re all navigating similar digital waters. Whether you’re tech-savvy or tiptoeing in, it’s clear that safety and peace of mind still go hand-in-hand when it comes to managing money online.
TOP COMMENTS
“I’ve been using online banking for years. Strong passwords and two-factor authentication are key, and I check my accounts regularly. The convenience is hard to beat — it saves time and gives me peace of mind.”
“Much safer than I feel when I make purchases on internet sites that aren’t larger, more reputable sites. I’ve been “taken” a couple of times, so, I will say, if your gut / intuition is telling you that “the deal” is too good, follow your gut / intuition.”
“I use 2 factor authentication, very strong password and I still worry about hackers.”
Retirement Adventures Await: Top Destinations to Explore
Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to embark on new adventures. The article highlights several breathtaking destinations ideal for retirees seeking memorable experiences. From witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland to exploring the rich history and architecture of Italy's ancient towns, these locations promise enriching journeys. Whether you're drawn to the serene beaches of the Caribbean or the vibrant cultures of Africa, the world is full of places waiting to be discovered. Embrace your newfound freedom and start planning your next adventure today.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Canon event
Meaning: A canon event is a key moment or storyline in a book, movie, TV show, or series that is officially part of the main story and shapes what happens next. It’s an event that’s considered “official” or essential to the overall plot.
In a sentence: “When my bridge club finally agreed on the new rules, it was a real canon event—now nothing will ever be the same at our weekly game nights!”
Good News of the Day
Message in a Bottle Bridges 2,000 Miles: Newfoundland Couple's Love Note Found in Ireland After 13 Years
In 2012, during a romantic picnic on Bell Island, Newfoundland, Brad and Anita Squires sealed a heartfelt message in a wine bottle and cast it into the Atlantic Ocean. Thirteen years later, on July 7, 2025, the bottle was discovered on Scraggane Bay in County Kerry, Ireland, by Kate and Jon Gay during a beach cleanup. The note, which invited the finder to call a provided number, was opened that evening, and the Gays reached out to the Maharees Conservation Association for assistance in locating the couple. Within an hour, local resident Martha Farrell confirmed that Brad and Anita were still in love, now married with three children. The story has since captivated many, highlighting the enduring power of love and the unexpected ways people connect across time and oceans.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
What sport is traditionally known as “the king of sports”? |
Which ancient civilization built Machu Picchu? |
What is the name of the extinct flightless bird that was native to New Zealand and stood at about 3.6 feet tall? |
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