Of course subs aren't perfect but they are a million times better than the alternative. I've said it a thousand times before in various discussions, but I'll repeat it again. If I'm watching a movie with Catherine Deneuve, I want to hear Catherine Deneuve's voice and not Mary Jane voiceactor, Jean Gabin, not Bob the ADR guy etc.
I barely even notice them anymore, but I probably watch more subtitled movies than English movies these days.
Jeff, I'm floored by your statement on Ikiru. Care to elaborate? I think it is one of the 2 or 3 best films ever made and is the most humane and truthful film about real life I've ever seen and it is still just as truthful, real, and impacting today as it was 50+ years ago. For me, Ikiru, and it's brother-in-arms, Tokyo Story, describe modern life as it truly is.
Chris, I also preferred Aparajito to Pather Panchali for some of the reasons you state. Haven't seen Marienbad so I can't discuss, but I have read reactions similar to yours.
Lew, what do you mean "wake up to having no free will"? Doesn't that go with the territory for any married man?
Personally I just throw out the cyncicism when it comes to the romance in romantic comedies and (most) musicals. It's inevitable the couples fall in love and get together to live happily ever after. It's the getting there that's the fun.