The Universal Language
2011, English. Directed by Sam Green.
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.
- Runtime
- 0h 31m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Universal Language
The Universal Language isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 10 October 2011.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 10 October 2011
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Shannon Kennedy, Sam Green
- Budget
- $100K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked The Universal Language
I Know That Voice
2014 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Casting By
2012 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
This Changes Everything
2019 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Behind the Planet of the Apes
1998 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin
2003 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Irishman: In Conversation
2019 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Girl Rising
2013 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Back in Time
2015 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Battered Bastards of Baseball
2014 · 7.4/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Come See Me in the Good Light
2025 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Universal Language: quick answers
Is The Universal Language worth watching?
The Universal Language doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Universal Language?
The Universal Language runs 31 minutes (0h 31m).
Does The Universal Language have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Universal Language. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Universal Language parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Universal Language yet.
Which OTT platform is The Universal Language on?
The Universal Language isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 10 October 2011. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Universal Language?
If you liked The Universal Language, try I Know That Voice, Casting By, This Changes Everything.
Who directed The Universal Language?
The Universal Language (2011) was directed by Sam Green.