It's an interesting debate. Should audiences worldwide be able to access and watch whatever material they want? Or is it in the public's interest that institutions such as the IFCO, BBFC and MPAA exist; to shield us from the sexually sordid, violent material of today's cinema? While I'm not here to argue either point (although I will state my opinion lies firmly in the former), all this talk has gotten me thinking. What are the most baffling examples of film censorship thus far? After a quick scurry through various sites, I've decided to share some of the highlights with you readers!
For clarities sake, I'm going to post the film first, then the countries in which it was banned, followed by why.
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974)
Banned in;
Banned in;
Banned in;
Banned in;
Banned in;
For clarities sake, I'm going to post the film first, then the countries in which it was banned, followed by why.
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974)
United Kingdom (1974 - 1999) - Banned due to depictions of extreme violence.
Sweden (1974 - Present) - Banned for ???
Singapore (1974 - Present) - Banned for ???
Sweden (1974 - 2008) - Banned for ???
Iceland (1985 - 1999) Banned due to high-impact violence and cruelty.
Finland (1984 - Present) Banned for ???
Chile (1974 - Present) Banned for ???
Brazil (1974 - ???) Banned for ???
Not a lot of reasons even given for the censorship of this title. The extreme violence tag doesn't make too much sense, either, even back then. TCM has little-to-no bloodshed whatsoever throughout it's running time.
2012 (2009)
North Korea (2009 - Present) Banned due to film's title coinciding with political leader, Kim Il Sung's 100th birthday.
Wikipedia also notes another reason for this banning; the year has been titled, "The year for opening the grand gates to becoming a rising superpower". Er...
BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY (1985 - 1990)
People's Republic of China (2011 - Present) - Banned along with 15 titles due to new legislation which prohibits the depiction of time travel in films or television.
I hadn't heard of this until now. What with time travel being such an evil theme that relates to every day life, I can understand this censorship...?
BRUNO (2009)
United Arab Emirates (2009 - Present) - Banned due to homosexual themes.
Ukraine (2009 - Present) - Banned for ???
Trinidad & Tobago (2009 - Present) - Banned due to sexual themes.
Malaysia (2009 - Present) - Banned for ???
TOMB RAIDER: THE CRADLE OF LIFE (2005)
People's Republic of China (2005 - Present) - Banned due to it's unflattering depiction of Chinese society.
There are a lot more to choose from. If you look through the records of censorship in various countries, particularly Ireland, the UK, the US and Canada, we're becoming less prudish, more accepting to the art form. Certain countries just seem to ban film's that disagree with their countries' political ideals or moral codes (Malaysia has banned a staggering amount, over 100 films since 1936). These groups that edit, cut and ban films will likely never go away, but it's interesting to see what ridiculous excuses they attach to the prohibition.
What's your opinion on censorship in cinema? Do you know of any other strange reasons for a film being banned? Comment below!
