As a global citizen who has had the pleasure of watching films from various cultures and countries, I find it fascinating to observe how certain movies can spark controversy and divide opinions. One such example is the Kazakhstani situation with “Borat.” On one hand, some Kazakhs are offended by the less-than-flattering portrayal in the film, while on the other, others see it as a source of notoriety that boosts tourism. It’s a complex issue, much like trying to navigate the bustling bazaars of Astana with a goat carcass under your arm!
Cultural conflicts, religious mores, political grudges — these are just some of the reasons why a film might get banned in countries around the world, preventing their residents from ever seeing it. Banning a film can be detrimental to its box office success – the Marvel Cinematic Universe lost millions of dollars in ticket sales when China blocked the majority of its releases from 2019 to 2023 – but in certain cases, a ban can also generate the sort of negative attention that lures in audiences. Case in point: the gruesome 1981 Italian thriller “Cannibal Ferox,” which, when released in the United States as “Make Them Die Slowly,” proudly trumpeted its record-setting (and allegedly dubious) ban in 31 countries in its advertising.
In numerous cases, films can face prohibition in multiple nations, which might come as a shock given that many of these censored titles are highly acclaimed and even award-winning productions. These films, however, have encountered disapproval by international censor boards for one or more substantial reasons. Here’s a list of movies that received bans from various countries worldwide.
Wonder Woman
In 2017, Patty Jenkins’ movie titled “Wonder Woman” became a massive success for DC Films (now known as DC Studios), earning over $800 million globally at box offices. Yet, a sizable portion of the globe not only missed out on Gal Gadot’s debut solo performance in the title role, but also prevented its screening within their borders. The Middle Eastern country of Lebanon led the way by banning “Wonder Woman” from cinemas, and was soon joined by Algiers, which removed it from its esteemed “Nuits du Cinema” festival, as well as Tunisia and Kuwait. Jordan initially banned the film too, but later reversed its decision.
While some suggested that the ban may have been due to Gadot’s Israeli heritage, it was also noted that this hadn’t led to bans for her films like “Batman v Superman” and “Fast and Furious” series (or any other movies starring Jewish actors). The real issue seemed to be Gadot’s two-year service in the Israeli Defense Forces and her support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which sparked controversy.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
In addition to the DC Extended Universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s production, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” released in 2022, also faced censorship issues in various countries within the Persian Gulf. It seems the main point of contention was the portrayal of an LGBTQ+ character, America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez.
As a movie enthusiast, I can share that Disney was asked to make a 12-second cut in the film where Chavez discussed her two mothers. Speaking from the heart of the Middle East, it’s challenging to approve content like this, as Nawaf Alsabahn, supervisor of Saudi Arabia’s cinema classification board, explained to The Guardian. However, Disney was reluctant to make the edit, leading to the film being removed from cinemas not just in Saudi Arabia but also Kuwait and Qatar.
In addition to banning various Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) titles like “Eternals” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” China has also prohibited a movie called “Multiverse.” This ban was instigated due to a brief appearance of an Epoch Times newspaper box during a fight scene in Doctor Strange, which upset supporters of China’s Communist Party (CCP). The Epoch Times is a conservative publication linked to the Falun Gong religious group, known for its opposition towards the CCP.
Thor: Love and Thunder
2022 saw “Thor: Love and Thunder” added to the MCU’s list of titles facing bans due to content disputes. The film’s depiction of a romantic relationship between Korg (characterized by director Taika Waititi) and another Kronan, Dwayne (portrayed by Dave Cory), as well as hints at a bisexual relationship for Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson), are thought to be the main causes behind its prohibition in China and several countries in the Persian Gulf, such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and Jordan.
Malaysia has blocked the release of “Love and Thunder” following objections by the Film Censorship Board to certain scenes deemed offensive. Malaysian Deputy Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin confirmed that the film did not receive approval from the board, but noted that they do not have jurisdiction over international streaming services such as Disney+ or Netflix, which will air the movie without cuts. The minister stated, “We cannot regulate foreign platforms accessible online, but we can enforce rules within our country. We have always been firm and dedicated in this regard.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
In a shocking twist, Tobe Hooper’s chilling masterpiece “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is surprisingly devoid of graphic violence despite its grisly subject matter – human slaughter and cannibalism. Hooper strategically avoided excessive gore in the hopes of earning a more lenient PG rating. However, it was not the absence of blood that caused unease; instead, it was the relentless tension, punctuated by intense moments of fear and ear-piercing shrieks that bordered on panic attacks, that left audiences and censors squirming in their seats. This unsettling atmosphere led to bans in various parts of the world.
The horror movie ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ was prohibited from being shown in Great Britain for almost a decade. The British Board of Film Censors felt that it promoted the enjoyment of terror, likening it to pornography. This was due to its graphic portrayal of violence against character Sally Hardesty (played by Marilyn Burns). It wasn’t until 1999 that the film received a nationwide rating restricting viewing to those aged 18 and over in cinemas and for home use. The ban was also imposed for extended periods in other countries such as Australia, Brazil, France, Sweden, Norway, and Singapore.
Cannibal Holocaust
Despite some disagreement about its standing as a model for found-footage horror, the 1980 Italian horror-exploitation film “Cannibal Holocaust” undeniably presents a relentless showcase of real and imagined brutality, leading to bans in as many as 50 countries. The director, Ruggero Deodato, crafted a tale where a reckless documentary crew encounters and provokes violent South American tribes, resulting in their brutal retaliation. This film combines striking special effects with actual animal killings, triggering censorship and even legal issues worldwide.
The controversial film titled “Cannibal Holocaust” faced immediate backlash following its debut in Italy. Authorities seized the movie and its creators, including director Deodato, were detained on allegations of obscenity. They were given suspended sentences of four months, while the movie was prohibited in Italy due to breaches of animal cruelty regulations and wasn’t accessible until 1984. Countries like Australia, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa also enforced similar bans, with some regions keeping the film off-limits even in edited versions, until well into the mid-2010s.
Fifty Shades of Grey
It’s not unexpected that several countries with traditional values have prohibited the release of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” This steamy romance, featuring the sexual escapades between a wealthy man (Jamie Dornan) and a young woman (Dakota Johnson), has faced criticism from censorship boards in regions such as Kenya, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Papua New Guinea, much like other titles that have been banned in these areas.
Kenya made it clear to theater owners who might consider violating their ban in hopes of earning some ticket sales: “The Kenya Film Classification Board would like to inform everyone, including film operators and interested parties, that the film has been restricted,” stated the announcement (as reported by CNN). “It should not be shown or distributed to the public.
In my gaming world, it feels like I’m constantly navigating through different levels, and back in 2015, one of those levels was the release of “Fifty Shades” in Malaysia. But just as a boss level can be too challenging, this film seemed to have pushed some boundaries, leading to its cancellation by Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board. Their statement was brief yet impactful: “The scenes weren’t natural or suitable for sexual content.
The Wolf of Wall Street
In various Asian and African nations, the graphic portrayals of nudity, sexual content, excessive partying, indulgence, and strong language – featuring an impressive 569 uses of a particular swear word – led to Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” being added to their list of prohibited films. This Academy Award-nominated drama from 2013, which follows the extravagant lifestyle and illegal activities of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, was banned in Nepal, Malaysia, and Kenya. In Kenya, those caught illegally selling bootleg DVDs of the film faced fines or even imprisonment.
In various markets, severe edits or restrictions were imposed on “Wall Street,” similar to the way censors in the United Arab Emirates reduced a film by 45 minutes, making it confusing for many viewers. India made fewer but still significant cuts of six minutes, while the Lebanese version was mostly intact except for one scene. Singapore reportedly trimmed scenes as well, rating it R21 and limiting viewings to those over 21 in select downtown theaters.
Barbie
The global sensation of “Barbie,” with its billion-dollar earnings, is showcased in its box office revenues and list of accolades. However, it encountered opposition in various international regions due to concerns over its inclusivity and even political controversy. For instance, Greta Gerwig’s comedy was prohibited in Lebanon for supposedly advocating LGBTQ+ themes and “sexual transformation” (as reported by Reuters). Similarly, Algeria and Kuwait also banned the film, without providing clear explanations; the Ministry for Press and Publication of Kuwait stated that “Barbie” disseminated “ideas and values foreign to Kuwaiti society and public order” (according to the BBC).
In addition to Vietnam, there’s been a prohibition on the movie “Barbie” due to geopolitical issues. This is because the film displayed a world map that seemed to replicate the “nine-dash line,” a boundary line found on specific maps that emphasizes China’s territorial claims over almost 90% of the South China Sea, an area also disputed by Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other nations.
Warner Bros. released a statement through Reuters, explaining that the map in Barbie Land was simply a colorful crayon drawing and not meant to make any political statements. The controversy had led the Philippines to consider banning Barbie, but after careful consideration, they decided against it.
The Da VInci Code
Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code,” published in 2003, became a global phenomenon with over 80 million copies sold globally up until 2016. However, the book faced criticism from scholars and religious communities due to what they deemed as misleading and conflicting ideas regarding Christianity, Islam, and other religions. The 2006 movie adaptation by Ron Howard mirrored this reception, earning over $760 million at box offices worldwide while also encountering bans in various countries.
In various countries such as China, Iran, Pakistan, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Belarus, the Tom Hanks starrer “The Da Vinci Code” was prohibited. The film faced bans in several Indian states, but continued to play nationwide with a mature audience rating. Bans in Thailand, the Philippines, and the Faroe Islands were either lifted or never enforced following a careful review of the movie. A theater in The Entrance, an Australian coastal town, refused to show “The Da Vinci Code” due to the conservative religious beliefs of its owners.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
In 2023, during its theatrical debut, the movie “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” was prohibited in several Middle Eastern countries due to a fleeting scene that seemed supportive of transgender youth. Specifically, a sign saying “Protect trans kids” displayed in Gwen Stacy’s room stirred up issues with censors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leading to a ban on the film’s release. Additionally, other Gulf countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain decided not to show this Academy Award-nominated film.
In simpler terms, a post from the UAE Media Council, as reported by The National News, didn’t mention “Spider-Verse” specifically but warned against sharing or publishing content that goes against the values and legal norms of the UAE regarding media content. As per Equaldex, living openly as LGBTQ+ or being transgender is illegal in the UAE and could result in severe penalties, including capital punishment.
Borat
A variety of people and organizations took offense to Sacha Baron Cohen’s 2006 comedy “Borat” and even considered legal action, ranging from television news producers to fraternity members. Remarkably, the controversy extended beyond the U.S., reaching numerous countries such as nearly all nations in the Persian Gulf (with the exception of Lebanon), where the film was prohibited due to its uncensored comedy. Even the United Arab Emirates refrained from a total ban but released the movie with significant edits instead.
The nation of Kazakhstan, portrayed negatively by the movie “Borat,” was initially opposed to its screening and has continued to express resistance against it up until 2020. This includes the Kazakhstan American Association, who have spoken out against the film and its sequel on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. However, a different group within Kazakhstan seems to appreciate the fame brought by “Borat.” In 2012, the country’s former foreign minister, Yerzhan Kazykhanov, praised the movie, attributing it to an increase in tourism. The Kazakhstan tourism board even used a quote from Borat (“Very nice!”) in one of their promotional ads that highlighted his famous catchphrase.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian
“Monty Python’s Life of Brian,” a comedic masterpiece from the innovative British comedy group, is a scathing satire that humorously explores religious themes and fanaticism. The narrative revolves around a young man (played by Graham Chapman) who is mistaken for the Messiah and manipulated by political forces in ancient Judea. Employing their trademark absurdity, sharp sarcasm, and physical comedy, Monty Python cleverly mimicked the life of Jesus, which predictably sparked controversy. Despite financial hurdles when initial backers withdrew, requiring emergency funding from ex-Beatle George Harrison, they faced backlash from both critics and religious groups.
Several town councils within the UK prohibited the screening of certain films, despite the fact that some of these locations lacked movie theaters and council members hadn’t actually watched the movie. The film was even banned for eight years in Ireland and a year in Norway. This ban in Norway led to the Monty Python group making fun of Norway – a country known for its dry wit – when “Life of Brian” was played in Sweden, a neighboring nation. Advertisements in Sweden referred to it as “The film that is so hilarious it was banned in Norway,” as Terry Jones, late member of the Monty Python team and director of “Life of Brian”, explained to NBC.com.
Lightyear
In addition to Doctor Strange and Spider-Man, another Disney property faced criticism from international censors – Pixar’s “Lightyear.” This movie delved into the life of Buzz Lightyear, the human character who inspired the action figure seen in the Toy Story films. It featured a brief same-sex kiss between two married women characters. Consequently, it was banned in several Middle Eastern and Asian countries such as China, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. Interestingly, while Morocco and Indonesia, who typically ban films with LGBTQ+ content, chose not to remove “Lightyear” from theaters, a nationwide petition to ban the film gained significant support in Indonesia.
Initially, a scene featuring “overtly gay affection” was removed from the movie “Lightyear” before its release. However, this scene was later added back following a joint statement issued by LGBTQ+ employees and allies at Pixar. This action was taken in response to what they perceived as self-censorship by Disney executives over such content. The catalyst for this statement was seen as a lackluster reaction from then-CEO Bob Chapek towards Florida’s H.B. 1557 bill, which restricted the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. The reinstatement of the scene came about due to the widespread attention garnered by the employee letter.
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2024-09-11 14:36