Baby is a 2015 India action crime mystery by Neeraj Pandey. Starring Kerem
Sarikaya, Ali Balkan Avci and Zachary Coffin.
Pakistan: Banned by film censors in January 2015
Baby is an Indian action movie about a spy mission to catch a dreaded terrorist. It has now been banned by Pakistan's film censors. The Dawn newspaper
reported:
Censor boards in Islamabad and Karachi have decided to ban the film because it portrays a negative image of Muslims and the negative characters in the film also have Muslim names.
Summary Notes
An elite counter-intelligence unit learns of a plot, masterminded by a maniacal madman. With the clock ticking, it's up to them to track the terrorists' international tentacles and prevent them from
striking at the heart of India.
Badhaai Do is a 2022 India comedy by Harshavardhan Kulkarni Starring Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar and Sheeba Chaddha
Kenya: Banned by the film censor in February 2022
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KCFB) has banned a gay-themed Indian film titled Badhaaai Do . Sammy Wambua, the Film Board's acting Chief Executive said that the film tries to directly influence the viewer into believing that
homosexuality is a normal way of life. He added:
The multiple scenes of lesbian and gay affection depicted in the film are in complete disregard of our cultural values and beliefs. The film in question overtly disregards
our laws, constitution, and sensibilities as a people.
Summary
Shardul Thakur and Suman Singh enter into a marriage of gay convenience but chaos ensues when her girlfriend comes
to stay with them.
Availability
UK: Passed 12A uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for homophobic behaviour for 2022 cinema release.
v Baise-moi
- 2000 France crime drama by Virginie Despentes and Coralie.
Baise-moi is a 2000 France crime drama by Virginie Despentes and Coralie. With Raffaëla Anderson, Karen Lancaume, Céline Beugnot.
Cut by the BBFC for 2001 cinema release and 2002 DVD, but uncut on 2013
DVD. The BBFC notes that the film contains real sex. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Australia: Banned by the Film Censorship Board for:
2013 Potential Films video
2002 Requested ban by Australian Government upheld
The film was previously shown in Australian cinemas with an R18+ (18) rating
See article from
refused-classification.com . Note that the version banned by the censors in 2013 was a pre-cut version with the sight of penetration deleted from the rape scene. The
Film Censorship Board explained its majority decision to ban the video:
In summary, as this film contains depictions of explicit sexual activity and sexual violence, sexualized violence and violence which are very high in
impact and, as such, exceeds what can be accommodated within the R 18+ classification, and, as the film also contains violence, sexual violence and sexualized violence and, as such, cannot be accommodated within the X18+ classification, this material
warrants Refused Classification.
Summary Review: Crude but exhilarating
Two young women, marginalised by society, go on a destructive tour of sex and violence. Breaking norms and killing men -
and shattering the complacency of polite cinema audiences.
People comparing Baise-Moi to Thelma and Louise and finding it wanting by comparison are missing the point. Baise-Moi has much more in common with
films like Natural Born Killers and Rafal Sielinski's Fun , and viewers who won't enjoy the nasty music, nasty violence and nasty sex should stick to safe, predictable Hollywood production-line films. For those with stronger stomachs, this
will be a cult film to watch repeatedly.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for sexual violence, real sex and very strong language with previous BBFC cuts waived for:
Bangistan is a 2015 India comedy by Karan Anshuman. Starring Jacqueline Fernandez, Rajesh Sharma and Riteish Deshmukh.
Pakistan: Banned
The film has been banned in Pakistan with the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Censors, Mobashir Hasan, saying:
The film has not been certified
and given a complete ban, primarily because it is offensive to Muslims and Hindus living in Pakistan.
The problem with the film is that it's a religious satire, which leaves very little room for any lenience.
The central board has also requested all the provincial boards to put a complete ban on the film, since there is no way in which the film can be edited to suit the audiences.
Singapore: Banned
Banned by the film censors but there is still the possibility of an appeal to the reviewing committee.
UAE: Banned
A day before its grand opening in Dubai, Karan
Anshuman's directorial debut, Bangistan, has been banned in United Arab Emirates.
The reason for the ban may be to do with religious sensitivities. In Inida protestors cited an 'objectionable' scene in which a character is dressed up as the Hindu God,
Hanuman, and later seen indulging in terrorist activities.
Summary Notes
Two blundering terrorists with lofty ideologies, but ordinary talent, on a mission to change the world.
Availability
UK: Passed 12A uncut for moderate innuendo, threat, violence for:
Banned from cinemas in 2015 after 31 scenes were deemed inappropriate by local censors. Government film censors explained the ban:
This film has a title, theme, storyline, scenes and double-meaning
dialogue with implicit messages that were feared could raise controversy and public doubt, the response reads, adding that it mocked national security issues, specifically the Lahad Datu intrusion ... ridiculed the capacity and role of security troops in
maintaining peace as well as national security ... includes allegations and negative perceptions towards government agencies related to citizenship ... and accentuates negative sociocultural lifestyles such as lesbian gay bisexual transgender (LGBT).
Summary Notes
The action comedy centres on Harris, a Bangladeshi worker in Malaysia who just wants to return to his hometown to marry the love of his life; Hangouren, a
pro-Malaysian activist who wants his fellow countrymen to join him in his attempt to regain their country's natural state without immigrants; and Rina, the idealistic daughter of the boss that has fallen for Harris at first sight.
v Barbie
- 2023 UK/US comedy fantasy by Greta Gerwig
Barbie is a 2023 UK/US comedy fantasy by Greta Gerwig Starring
Margot Robbie, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Ryan Gosling
No censorship issues in the west but banned in Vietnam over a map ceding to China's territory grab in the South China Sea. The film was also banned in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Summary Notes
Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.
Versions
banned
Kuwait
Saudi
Vietnam
Kuwait: Banned in August 2023:
Kuwait has banned the film Barbie in a bid to protect public ethics and social
traditions.
Saudi: Banned in August 2023:
In Saudi Arabia, the culture ministry's announcement on August 9 cited violations of laws and values, asserting that certain scenes within the film mocked the sanctity
of marriage and family, and insulted Islamic beliefs.
Vietnam: Banned in July 2023
Vi Kien Thanh, head of the Department of Cinema, a government body in charge of licensing and censoring foreign films said:
We do not grant license for the American movie 'Barbie' to release in Vietnam because it contains the offending image of the nine-dash line
uncut
run:
113:54s
pal:
109:21s
UK: Uncut and BBFC 12A rated for moderate innuendo, brief sexual harassment, implied strong language:
2023 Warner Bros Entertainment UK cinema release (rated 02/07/2023)
Ireland: Uncut and IFCO 12A rated for implied strong language, moderate sex references, some mature themes are explored:
2023 Warner Bros cinema release (rated 05/07/2023)
Australia: Uncut and ACB PG rated for mild crude humour, innuendo, coarse language and slapstick violence:
Beauty and the Beast
is a 2017 USA family musical romance by Bill Condon. Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Luke Evans.
Kuwait: Banned in March 2017
Beauty and
the Beast opened in Kuwait last week with a PG-13 rating, but by this week, the nation's government-owned cinema company, which runs 11 out of the 13 theaters in the Persian Gulf country, announced that all screenings had been canceled and offered a
full refund to anyone who had purchased a ticket.
One board member of the National Cinema Co. told the Associated Press:
We were requested to stop the screening and further censor the movie for things that were deemed
offensive by the Ministry of Information's censorship department.
At issue, apparently, is a scene in which a supporting character, LeFou, is depicted as having a romantic fascination for Gaston and is shown dancing with another man
in a ballroom scene said to be three seconds long.
Malaysia: Uncut and P13 rated on appeal
Disney's movie Beauty and the Beast has won an appeal against censorship and will now be released uncut with a PG 13
rating.
Malaysian authorities had initially demanded cuts but Disney refused to oblige the censors, choosing to instead to appeal the decision
Disney have now won that appeal, a decision perhaps linked to some members of parliament questioning the
need to censor the film, arguing that the debacle was giving Malaysia bad publicity.
Malaysia: Withdrawn after the distributors refused cuts in March 2017
Malaysian censors ordered cuts to the cinema release of Beauty
and the Beast, removing what its creators say is a gay moment. Even after the cuts, the censors imposed a P13 rating (a 13A in UK terms). But according to a media report, Walt Disney decided anyway to shelve the film's Thursday release in the
country.
Malaysian Censorship Board (LPF) chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid told The Star Online the film has been approved with a P13 parental guidance classification, with a minor cut.
Since 2010 Malaysia's film censorship rules allow
the depiction of gay characters, but only if those characters show repentance or are portrayed in a negative light.
Russia: Children banned in March 2017
the Russian government has opted to give the film a rather
unviable 16+ rating, a restrictive rating preventing children below that age from seeing the film.
Vyacheslav Telnov, director of the Culture Ministry's cinema department, told Russian entertainment site KinoPoisk.ru:
We will issue the film distribution license without any problems. The minimum age is 16+.
A 2013 Russian law bans promotion of homosexuality among minors. The law describes homosexuality as non-traditional sexual relations.
Summary Notes
Disney's animated
classic takes on a new form, with a widened mythology and an all-star cast. A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a beast, can be freed only by true love. What may be his only opportunity arrives when he meets Belle, the only human girl to ever visit
the castle since it was enchanted.
v Beirut Hotel
- 2011 France/Sweden/Lebanon drama by Danielle Arbid.
Beirut Hotel is a 2011 France/Sweden/Lebanon drama by Danielle Arbid. With Charles Berling, Darine Hamze and Fadi Abi Samra. Lebanon: Banned
In Beirut Hotel , Zoha, a Lebanese nightclub singer, and Mathieu, a Frenchman on a business trip who may or may not be a spy, repeatedly get together in Mathieu's hotel room in Beirut and have raunchy sex. The film, the third feature by the Lebanese director
Danielle Arbid, was banned in her home country.
The reason: not so much the erotic scenes as one the film's subplots, which concerns the 2005 assassination of the former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, which is an explosive topic in the country. The
censors claimed that the film's depiction of the political situation would endanger Lebanon's security.
Black Friday is a 2004 India action crime drama by Anurag
Kashyap. Starring Kay Kay Menon, Pavan Malhotra and Aditya Srivastava.
Banned by Indian courts in 2005 until it was unbanned in 2007. The 2007
UK cinema release was cut for animal cruelty.
India: Banned in court 2005
The 2005 cinema release was blocked by Bombay High Court. The producers appealed at the Supreme Court but the High Court order was
upheld.
The movie was unbanned and released on video in 2007.
Summary Notes
A dramatic presentation of the bomb blasts that rocked Bombay on March 12, 1993, displays the
police investigation, amidst allegations of human rights violations, led by DCP Rakesh Maria, in tracking down the suspects, especially Bashir Khan. Bashir managed to elude authorities by re-locating to Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and West Bengal,
after finally being apprehended in Bombay. His confession and subsequent flashbacks showcases the apathy shown by authorities who refused to intervene during the destruction of the sacred Babri Masjid by Hindu Kar Sevaks, and the inability of the police
to fulfill their mandate and protect the vulnerable, forcing many to flee to other locations. The subsequent aftermath that succeeded in irreversibly polarizing communities in Bombay; Pakistan's involvement in training and arms' supplies; the main
alleged suspects, Dawood Ibrahim, and Mushtaq Memon, sought refuge in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while Indian politicians made a cosmetic move to ...
Black Swan is a 2010 US drama thriller by Darren Aronofsky.
With Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel.
Barbados: Temporarily banned.
The Film Censorship Board instituted the ban deeming the film inappropriate for viewing because of offensive sexual behaviour. The movie features a scene depicting a lesbian
encounter.
Public protest and a petition against the ban got it overturned and the film was eventually released with an R Rating.
UAE: Banned
Mohammad Naser, the UAE cinema censor said: When we find that the
amount of editing required takes a big part of the movie, we conclude that there is no point in releasing it.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong sex, language and bloody images for
Blue is the Warmest Colour is a 2013 France/Belgium/Spain romance by Abdellatif Kechiche. Starring Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Salim Kechiouche.
Banned in France: December 2015
The French 12 rating for Blue is the Warmest Colour was withdrawn in December 2016 over its extended lesbian scenes. This was the result of court case issued by the
religious campaign group Promouvoir (Promote). Abdellatif Kechiche's film was re-rated 12 about a year after the ban.
Summary Notes
Adele's life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with
blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire, to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adele grows, seeks herself, loses herself, finds herself.
Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine will not be shown in India.
Allen is not one to compromise his artistic vision. He decided not to show the film in India rather than
add legally required anti-smoking messages to two scenes.
PVR Pictures Ltd., the Indian distributor said the director considered the required additions, written warnings that appear on screen during scenes with smoking, and found them to be
unacceptable.
Summary Notes
A New York socialite, deeply troubled and in denial, arrives in San Francisco to impose upon her sister. She looks a million, but isn't bringing money, peace, or love...
Availability
US: Uncut and MPAA PG-13 rated for:
2014 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment RA Blu-ray at US Amazon
2014 Sony Pictures
Home Entertainment R1 DVD at US Amazon
Borat is a 2006 USA / UK comedy by Larry Charles. Starring Sacha Baron
Cohen, Ken Davitian and Luenell.
Kazakhstan: Banned for cinema
Unbanned for video and was a big hit.
Malaysia: Banned
Later unbanned
and passed 18
Russia: Banned for cinema
Passed 18 for video
UAE: Banned
A censor at Dubai's ministry of information, labelling the comedy vile, gross and extremely ridiculous, added
that if all the offensive scenes were cut out, only 30 minutes would remain.
Ukraine : Banned
Summary Notes
Borat Sagdiyev is a TV reporter of a popular show in Kazakhstan as Kazakhstan's
sixth most famous man and a leading journalist. He is sent from his home to America by his government to make a documentary about American society and culture. Borat takes a course in New York City to understand American humor. While watching Baywatch on
TV, Borat discovers how beautiful their women are in the form of C. J. Parker, who was played by actress Pamela Anderson who hails from Malibu, California. He decides to go on a cross-country road trip to California in a quest to make her his wife and
take her back to his country. On his journey Borat and his producer encounter a country full of strange and wonderful Americans, real people in real chaotic situations with hysterical consequences.
Availability
UK:
Passed 15 uncut for strong language and sex references for:
The Bridge is a 2006 UK/USA documentary by Eric Steel. With Eric
Geleynse, Chris Brown and Susan Ginwalla.
New Zealand: Banned from Netflix in 2015
Netflix complied with the New Zealand Film and Video Labeling Body to remove The Bridge. The film is classified as objectionable in the country.
New Zealand: Banned by the film censor in 2007
Summary Notes
People suffer largely unnoticed while the rest of the world goes about its business. This is a documentary exploration of the mythic beauty of
the Golden Gate Bridge, the most popular suicide destination in the world, and those drawn by its call. Steel and his crew filmed the bridge during daylight hours from two separate locations for all of 2004, recording most of the two dozen deaths in that
year (and preventing several others). They also taped interviews with friends, families and witnesses, who recount in sorrowful detail stories of struggles with depression, substance abuse and mental illness. Raises questions about suicide, mental
illness and civic responsibility as well as the filmmaker's relationship to his fraught and complicated material.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for suicide theme and footage of real suicides for:
Bruce Almighty is a 2003 USA comedy fantasy drama by Tom
Shadyac. Starring Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman.
Egypt: Banned in November 2003
The Egyptian authorities banned Bruce Almighty for undermining Muslim and other religious values. The director of artistic censorship, Madkour Thabet, said the American film Bruce Almighty was banned because
it harms the Almighty by daring to have him incarnated by an actor. The film harms all religions and not a particular religion when an actor plays the role of God.
Jordan:
Cut in 2003
Several Jordanian MPs urged the government to take to task those responsible for allowing movie theaters to screen the comedy, though some scenes, such as the parting of the Red Sea, were cut.
Malaysia: 18 rated
The film was passed by the country's film censors but caused a bit of stink, resulting in calls for it to be banned. The government stepped in and decided that it need not be banned (as it did not
mention Allah), but also upgraded the age certificate to an 18PL rating (18PL, The PL refers to the reason for the rating, PL means various which includes religion).
Summary Notes
Bruce Nolan, a
television reporter in Buffalo, N.Y., is discontented with almost everything in life despite his popularity and the love of his girlfriend Grace . At the end of the worst day of his life, Bruce angrily ridicules and rages against God and God responds.
God appears in human form and, endowing Bruce with divine powers, challenges Bruce to take on the big job to see if he can do it any better.
In 2008, the full uncut version of Caligula was resubmitted to the BBFC for DVD release. The passage of nearly 30 years had significantly diminished the film's impact and after careful consideration it
was decided that it could now be classified '18' uncut.
This decision accords with the BBFC Guidelines, which state that At '18', the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be
free to chose their own entertainment, within the law.
Although there are scenes in Caligula that some people will find shocking, offensive or disgusting, the film does not contain any material that is illegal in terms
of current UK law and nor does it contain any material that is likely to give rise to harm for adults audiences, most of whom will be well aware of its controversial reputation.
The DVD version was classified '18' uncut
with the consumer advice Contains strong violence, sexual violence and strong real sex.
uncut
Australia
Australia: The uncut version was banned in July 2010
Cat Sick Blues is a 2015 Australia horror by Dave Jackson.
Starring Matthew C Vaughan, Shian Denovan and Noah Moon.
New Zealand: Banned in March 2017
This Australian censorship board classified the film MA 15+ for strong horror violence and coarse
language. However the New Zealand film censors at the OFLC banned the film as objectionable , with the explanation:
The publication is a low-budget horror film from Australia about a demented serial killer who
chooses a rape victim as his next target.
Two excisions were required to remove part of a scene (and related content in a behind-the-scenes component) that causes the DVD to tend to promote and support the use of violence to
compel a person to submit to sexual conduct, and the infliction of extreme violence and extreme cruelty under s3(2)(b) and s3(2)(f) of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993.
If the excisions had been made,
the DVD would have been classified R18 due to the high extent and degree of gruesome horror, the infliction of serious physical harm and cruelty, and sexual violence.
The distributor declined to make the excisions, so the DVD is
classified as objectionable.
Summary Notes
When Ted's beloved cat dies, the trauma triggers a terrible mental breakdown. His broken brain prompts him to bring his feline friend back
- all he needs is nine human lives. Ted dons vicious deadly cat claw gloves and a creepy cat mask, and goes on a murderous rampage. As the butchery escalates, a twisted romance blossoms between Ted and Claire, a young woman who has also recently lost her
cat in a horrifying incident.
Direct-to-video sci fi sequel starring Tessie Santiago as Maya, a young psychic investigator who gained her extrasensory abilities after an attack by a serial killer named 'The
Cusp', which put Maya in a coma for one year. Now, The Cusp has returned and Maya must enter the psychopath's mind in order to save his latest victim.
v Child 44
- 2015 Czech Republic / UK / Romania / USA thriller by Daniel Espinosa.
Child 44 is a 2015 Czech Republic / UK / Romania / USA thriller by
Daniel Espinosa. Starring Tom Hardy, Joel Kinnaman and Noomi Rapace.
Russia: Banned in April 2015
Culture Ministry bosses, who claim the movie distorts historical facts, banned the release after a preview raised concerns about Hardy's character and the plot, set in
Stalin-era Russia. A statement suggests the film's release in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two is unacceptable .
Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky claims the movie depicts Russians as physically and morally
base sub-humans .
Central Asia: Withdrawn from cinemas
The film was also withdrawn from cinemas in Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Summary Notes
Based on the first of a trilogy by Tom Rob Smith and set in the Stalin era of the Soviet Union. The plot is about an idealistic pro-Stalin security officer who decides to investigate a series of child murders in a country where
supposedly this sort of crime doesn't exist. The state would not hear of the existence of a child murderer let alone a serial killer. He gets demoted and exiled but decides, with just the help of his wife, to continue pursuing the case.
Christopher Robin is a 2018
USA children's musical by Marc Forster. Starring Hayley Atwell, Ewan McGregor and Chris O'Dowd.
China: Banned in August 2018
The Children's
film Christopher Robin has been banned by Chinese film censors. No reason was given for the denial, but a source pinned the blame on China's crusade against images of the Winnie the Pooh character, which is widely used as a mocking representation
of the Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Last summer, authorities began blocking pictures of Winnie the Pooh on social media when bloggers drew comparisons between the pudgy bear and Xi, which has put the country's censors in overdrive.
Summary Notes
An adult Christopher Robin, who is now focused on his new life, work, and family, suddenly meets his old friend Winnie the Pooh, who returns to his unforgotten childhood past to help him return to the Hundred Acre Wood
and help find Pooh's lost friends.
Availability
UK: Passed PG uncut for mild threat, brief war violence for:
2018 cinema release
v Climax
- 2018 France musical horror mystery by Gaspar Noé.
Climax is a 2018 France musical horror mystery by Gaspar Noé. Starring Sofia Boutella, Romain Guillermic and Souheila Yacoub.
Lebanon: Banned in November 2018
The film was was banned by Lebanese film censors from showing at the Maskoon Film Festival.
Promotional Material
Birth and death are extraordinary life experiences. Life is a fleeting pleasure. Following a successful and visually dazzling rehearsal, a dance troupe celebrates with a party. But when it becomes apparent that someone has spiked the Sangria, the
dancers soon begin to turn on each other in an orgiastic frenzy.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong threat, violence, sex references, drug misuse, very strong language:
Clip is a 2012 Serbia drama by Maja Milos. With Isidora Simijonovic, Vukasin Jasnic and Dimitrije Arandjelovic. Russia: Banned from cinema screenings
The
film was banned over supposedly indecent language and scenes of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as pornographic depictions of sex between minors. The sex scenes are performed by adult body doubles.
Summary Review: Serbian Kids
Jasna is a teenage girl living in the poor suburbs in the south of Belgrade, Serbia. She likes to record everything around her using a mobile phone camera. She spends more and more time hanging out with her school
friends, partying and drinking. Jasna starts to experiment with drugs and to skip school.
The main premise of the movie is to give a brutal insight into the everyday life of the Serbian youth through the eyes of a coming-of-age
girl entering the adult (sex) life.
The Club is a 2015 Chile drama by Pablo Larraín. Starring Roberto Farías, Antonia Zegers and Alfredo Castro. Italy: Banned across much of Italy in cinemas owned by
the church.
The Catholic Church in Italy has effectively banned El Club across much of Italy by declaring it unfit to be shown in any of the theaters owned by the church.
Summary Notes
A crisis counselor is sent by the Catholic Church to a small Chilean beach town where disgraced priests and nuns, suspected of crimes ranging from child abuse to baby-snatching from unwed mothers, live secluded, after an incident
occurs.
Availability
UK: Passed uncut for very strong verbal references to child sexual abuse for:
Confidential Report: an Australian
Transgression is a 2010 Australia documentary by Robert Cettl. With Mel Kelly, Teri Louise Kelly and Desiree Laz.
Australia: Effectively banned as too violent for X18+
and too sexy for R18+ See article from thedrum.com
: Banned by the very censorship it sought to expose
A politically charged documentary film, deemed suitable for inclusion in Australia's national film archive, which examines the ethics of censorship has found
itself unable to be shown publicly after seemingly falling foul of the very laws it explores. Unable to obtain a rating or certification, the film is now effectively banned by the very censorship it sought to expose.
Since the
early 2000s limited scenes of actual sex are allowed in Australia under an R18+ rating. Films like Michael Winterbottom's 9 Songs , John Cameron Mitchell's Shortbus , Lars Von Trier's Anti-Christ , Gaspar Noe's Irreversible ,
Nagisa Oshima's In the Realm of the Senses can be shown.
However, while the X18+ rating prohibits any violence, sexual violence or assaultive language in a film with actual sex, the presence of limited actual sex within the R18+ rating allows for an aesthetic combination of hardcore sex, violence and sexual violence, subject to the
impact test. [meaningless bollox where by the censors claim to have some objective scale of censorability. Anything they want to ban or cut they describe it as a high impact, and then say it is banned because it is high impact, as if this was some
sort of justification].
The intent of Confidential Report: an Australian Transgression is an exploration of these aesthetics and the censorship agenda that supports them, in the context of the specific underground Adelaide,
South Australian community that deploys them as artistic tropes and is not in any way offended by them.
The film thus deliberately includes examples of all prohibited content -- actual sex, assaultive language, violence,
sexual violence, blasphemy -- but staged in such a matter as to be constantly self-referential and, in terms of the impact test, comparatively mild and as aesthetics, unpolished, raw, home movie and social media inspired.
In so
doing, the film depicts (interpretively) exactly the offensive aesthetics that straddle the R18+, X18+ and RC classifications.
As Confidential Report film includes sexually explicit scenes as well as both violence
and sexual violence (and sexually assaultive language in performance), it deliberately includes taboo aesthetics as delineated in the Australian Film Classification Board Guidelines as prohibited. It arguably falls between Australia's two adults-only
ratings R and X (for non-violent erotica).
Although The Da Vinci Code was passed by Chinese censors, it was abruptly removed by authorities from public view in mainland China, after a remarkable run in China, grossing over $13
million, due to protests by Chinese Catholic groups.
Egypt: Banned
Both the book and the film were banned in Egypt due to pressure from Coptic Christians. Censors claimed the movie contained "blasphemous
content".
India: Delayed
The release of the movie sparked so much controversy, that its initial release was delayed in India, due to the protest of devout Christians. They lobbied to have the movie banned, but
ultimately they were unsuccessful.
Pakistan: Banned
Pakistan banned The Da Vinci Code for showing what officials called blasphemous material about Jesus. Christian groups, along with the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal,
held protests against the film calling for a global ban
Samoa: Banned
The primary objections to the film's content came from leaders of the Samoa Council of Churches, who attended a pre-screening. Alapati Lui Mataeliga,
the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Apia, said that The Da Vinci Code would affect the belief of young people whose faith was not strong.
Sri Lanka: Banned
It was banned by presidential order of Mahinda Rajapakse to
the Public Performances Board to ban the screening of the movie The Da Vinci Code in local cinemas and on local television channels. Apparently, the Catholic Bishops Conference made the appeal through an epistle; The decision to ban the film was taken on
an appeal by the Catholic Bishops Conference in Sri Lanka
Thailand: Cut but released uncut on appeal
The Thai Censorship Committee issued a ruling that the film would be shown, but that the last 10 minutes would be
cut. Also, some Thai subtitles were to be edited to change their meaning and passages from the Bible would also be quoted at the beginning and end of the film.
However, the following day, Sony Pictures appealed the ruling, saying it would pull the
film if the decision to cut it was not reversed. The censorship panel then voted 62035 that the film could be shown uncut, but that a disclaimer would precede and follow the film, saying it was a work of fiction.
Summary Notes
A murder inside the Louvre and clues in Da Vinci paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years -- which could shake the foundations of Christianity.
Availability
UK: The Extended Version was passed 15 uncut for moderate bloody violence for:
The Danish Girl is a 2015 UK / Germany / USA
biography by Tom Hooper. Starring Amber Heard, Alicia Vikander and Eddie Redmayne.
United Arab Emirates: Banned in January 2016 Oman: Bahrain: Jordan: Kuwait: Malaysia:
A large proportion of the Gulf Region followed Qatar in Banning the Danish Girl. Also banned
in Malaysia
Qatar: Banned in January 2016
The Danish Girl has been pulled from cinemas in Qatar following online protests about the depravity of the film, which tells the story of an artist who underwent one of
the world's first gender reassignment operations. Representatives from the country's culture ministry wrote on Twitter:
We would like to inform you that we have contacted the concerned administration and the screening of
the Danish film is now banned from cinemas. We thank you for your unwavering vigilance.
The film had opened in cinemas in Doha on Thursday only to be banned four days later.
India: Temporarily banned on TV
The film was awarded an uncut adults-only 'A' rating for theatrical release in January 2017. Films have to be cut down for an 'A/O' rating before they can be shown in TV. The censors initially refused saying that cuts could not prevent it
from being an adults only film. However an appeals body overturned the original ban, and allowed the broadcast of a version with 14 cuts.
Vietnam: cut
Cut and 16 rated in Vietnam.
Promotional Material
Based on the book by David Ebershoff, The Danish Girl is the remarkable love story inspired by the lives of Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, portrayed by Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) and
Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina), and directed by Academy Award winner Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables). Lili and Gerda’s marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender
pioneer.
Deadpool is a 2016 Canada / USA action Sci-Fi adventure by Tim
Miller. Starring Morena Baccarin, Gina Carano and Ryan Reynolds.
China: Banned in January 2016:
An R rated film is not really suitable for the Chinese market where it was banned by film censors due to its violence, nudity and graphic language. The film was shown uncut
at the Beijing Film Festival in April 2018 but the film is still barred from general release.
India: Cut in February 2016:
Deadpool suffered 7 cuts at the hands of the CBFC for an adults only A rating:
Delete visuals of bullet hitting people and splitting their heads open.
Delete visuals in love-making scene of all nudity, jerking of
bodies and double entendre
Delete visuals of lady on a poster touching her private parts
Delete visuals of bare bodies is a strip tease club
Delete visuals of blood spurts in the climatic fight.
While India's Central Board Of Film Classification (CBFC) has removed strong language like arsehole , blowjob , motherfucker , dick , cock and bitch from Deadpool , the CBFC has allowed the word fuck
a free rein in the film. Censor chief Pahlaj Nihalan explained:
We were aware of the 'F' word recurring in the soundtrack. There was no way we could remove them without affecting the dialogues. The word is used like an
exclamation, how we use 'Arrey' or 'Oh Teri!' in Hindi and not as an abuse.
We can't be rigid about the use of cuss words. If the 'f..' word is used repeatedly as a term of exasperation or exclamation we can't remove it from the
entire film.
Uzbekistan: Cinemas refused to screen the film on 'ethical gorunds'.
Vietnam: Cuts were were required for a 16 rated version but it was also released uncut with an 18 rating.
Summary Notes
Based upon Marvel Comics most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him
with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong bloody violence, strong language, sex references for:
2016 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon released on 13th June 2016
2016 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon released on 13th June 2016
v Deadpool 2
- 2018 USA action comedy adventure by David Leitch.
Deadpool 2 is a 2018 USA action comedy adventure by David Leitch.
Starring Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin and Zazie Beetz.
China: Banned in May 2018
The film failed to get past the country's film censors.
India: Cut in May 2018
Strong language was bleeped for an adults only 'A' rating. Sexual humour and violence was allowed to remain.
Summary Notes
After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured
cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas,
the Yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor - finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover.
Availability
UK: The Super Duper $@%!#& Cut' was passed 15 uncut for strong bloody violence, sex references, very strong language for:
2018 20th Century Fox [Super Duper Cut + 4k Theatrical Version] RB 4k Blu-ray
at UK Amazon
2018 20th Century Fox [Super Duper Cut + Theatrical
Version] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
US: The Extended Cut/Director's Cut is MPAA Unrated for:
2018 20th Century Fox [Super Duper Cut + 4k Theatrical Version] RA 4k Blu-ray at US Amazon released on 21st August 2018
2018 20th Century Fox [Super Duper Cut + Theatrical Version] RA Blu-ray at US Amazon released on 21st August 2018
The Death of Stalin is a 2017 France / UK historical comedy
biography by Armando Iannucci. Starring Olga Kurylenko, Jason Isaacs and Steve Buscemi.
Russia: Banned in January 2018
The Russian
release of British comedy film The Death of Stalin has been shelved following a screening before senior figures. The Russian attendees complained that the satire contained ideological warfare and extremism. The film's distribution certificate was
withdrawn, effectively cancelling its planned release.
The screening was attended by members of parliament as well as representatives from Russian cinema. Yelena Drapeko, deputy head of the lower house of parliament's culture committee, told RBK news
she had never seen anything so disgusting in my life.
Following the lead of (or pressure from) Russia, the film was also banned in Kyrgyzstan,
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Promotional Material
The internal political landscape of 1950's Soviet Russia takes on darkly comic form in a new film by Emmy award-winning and Oscar-nominated
writer/director Armando Iannucci. In the days following Stalin's collapse, his core team of ministers tussle for control; some want positive change in the Soviet Union, others have more sinister motives. Their one common trait? They're all just
desperately trying to remain alive. A film that combines comedy, drama, pathos and political manoeuvring, The Death of Stalin is a Quad and Main Journey production, directed by Armando Iannucci, and produced by Yann Zenou, Kevin Loader, Nicolas Duval
Assakovsky, and Laurent Zeitoun. The script is written by Iannucci, David Schneider and Ian Martin, with additional material by Peter Fellows.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for very strong language,
brief strong violence for:
2018 Entertainment One RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon released on 26th February
2018
2018 Entertainment One R2 DVD at UK Amazon released on 26th
February 2018
Democrats is a 2014 Denmark / Zimbabwe documentary by Camilla Nielsson. Starring Paul Mangwana, Robert Mugabe and Douglas Mwonzora. Zimbabwe: Unbanned in 2018
The ban was
overturned by the Zimbabwe High Court in February 2018.
Zimbabwe: Banned in 2015
The reason for the ban was never published but it is believed though that supporters of Robert Mugabe felt it depicted him wrongly as a
dictator.
Summary Notes
Two political opponents are appointed to write Zimbabwe's new constitution. It is the ultimate test that can bring an end to President Mugabe's 30 years of autocratic rule. It
can go either way: towards the birth of a constitutional democracy - or renewed repression.
Detective Chinatown is a 2015 China action comedy mystery by Sicheng Chen. Starring Chengpeng Dong, Yedda Chen and Haoran Liu. Thailand: Banned in July 2016
This film was
banned from screening at the Thailand International Film Destination Festival by government film censors. The reasons were not explained
Summary Notes
After being rejected from the police college, a
mannerly man travels to Bangkok where he and an energetic distant relative must solve a murder case.
The Dictator is a 2012 US comedy by Larry Charles.
With Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris and Ben Kingsley.
Belarus : Banned
Tajikistan: Banned
A Tajik film distributor told the Kyrgyz blog Kloop.kg that the real reason that the film is being banned is because of its content, even though other
former Soviet republics in the region will be showing the film. It's wrong to compare us with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and with other countries, Daler Davlatov told the site: It's incorrect because we have a different mentality. We're not going
to give Dictator a premiere because of these considerations.
Turkmenistan : Banned
Uzbekistan : Cut by 12 minutes
Availability
UK: The Extended Cut/Banned & Unrated
Version is released for
UK 2012 Paramount R0 Blu-ray/R2 DVD Combo at UK Amazon
The Dinner Club is a 2010 Netherlands thriller by Robert Jan Westdijk. Starring Bracha van Doesburgh, Thom Hoffman and Halina Reijn. Uganda: Banned in May 2017
The Embassy of
The Netherlands in Kampala, Uganda announced that the Uganda's censorship board has banned a Dutch film, The Dinner Club, after accusing it of glorifying homosexuality .
The embassy published the full list of objections from the media
council which also include using lurid language and smoking, especially by women. The Uganda Media Council described the film as women forming a:
Dinner Club which is, in reality, a sort of brothel, and said the film
included scenes of gay men sauntering away drunk. While glorifying homosexuality two women say marriage (presumably to men) is hard work! This is against Ugandan values.
The council also objected to one man calling another a hot
chick .
The film was released in 2010 and was due to be shown at a European film festival in Uganda. But the Embassy of the Netherlands said it will no longer taking part in the festival.
Summary Notes
Karen and Michel move with their daughter to an exclusive residential area. She soon finds a new close circle of friends: the women of the Dinner Club, and their husbands. But when two of the Club members commit suicide under
suspicious circumstances, Karen starts to have second thoughts about her new friends. She has to choose: will she reveal the truth and dish the dirt, or will she protect the interests of the Dinner Club?
Dirty Grandpa is a 2016 USA comedy by Dan Mazer. Starring Robert De Niro, Julianne Hough and Zac Efron.
Exists as a Theatrical Version and an Unrated Version. Both were 15 rated by the BBFC. The film was banned in India
India: Banned in March 2016
Dirty Grandpa has been rejected by both the CBFC and the
appeals Tribunal for its bold content. A source from the CBFC added:
We've placed a ban on Dirty Grandpa because this grandpa is dirtier than any 70-year old man has the right to be. In fact de Niro in this film
makes Rishi Kapoorin Kapoor & Sons look like a saint. We wonder why an actor of De Niros caliber did such a foul-mouthed cheap film.
Summary Notes
Right before his wedding, an
uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a perverted former Army general, to Florida for spring break.
Availability
UK: The Unrated Extended Version was passed 15 uncut for strong sex references,
strong nudity, drug use, strong language for:
2016 Lions Gate [Extended + Theatrical Versions] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2018 LIONSGATE [4k Theatrical + Unrated Blu-ray] (RA) 4k Blu-ray/ (RA) Blu-ray Combo at US
Amazon
Dishoom is a 2016 India action crime comedy by Rohit Dhawan. Starring Nargis Fakhri, Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez.
Pakistan: Banned in July 2016
Rohit Dhawan's film Dishoom has been banned in Pakistan. According to reports, Pakistan's censor board contended that the film projected the country in a poor light.
Pakistan has a bit of history of banning films where Pakistanis/muslims are the villains of the piece.
Summary Notes
When India's top batsman Viraj goes missing in Middle East, two cops Kabir
Shergill and Junaid Ansari from either side of Arabian Sea team for a 36-hours man hunt before the final match between India and Pakistan.
v District 9
- 2009 South Africa / USA / New Zealand / Canada Sci-Fi thriller by Neill Blomkamp.
District 9 is a 2009 South Africa / USA / New Zealand / Canada
Sci-Fi thriller by Neill Blomkamp. Starring Sharlto Copley, David James and Jason Cope.
Nigeria: Banned
The Nigerians in the film
welcome the aliens, offering them prostitutes, food and weapons. The Nigerian information minister, Dora Akunyili, wasn't impressed saying:
Why do they want to denigrate Nigerians as criminals, cannibals and prostitutes
who sleep with extraterrestrial animals? We've had enough with the stereotypes they have branded us with.
And the film ended up being banned.
Summary Notes
In
1982, a massive star ship bearing a bedraggled alien population, nicknamed "The Prawns," appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-eight years later, the initial welcome by the human population has faded. The refugee camp where the
aliens were located has deteriorated into a militarized ghetto called District 9, where they are confined and exploited in squalor. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative
Wikus van der Merwe in charge. In this operation, Wikus is exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on the help of his only two new 'Prawn' friends.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut
for one use of very strong language and strong bloody violence:
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
is a 2022 USA action Sci-Fi horror by Sam Raimi Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams and Benedict Cumberbatch
Banned in Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in April 2022
Middle East film censors have banned the release of Doctor
Strange in the Multiverse of Madness over the inclusion of an openly gay character. Although the censors have not provided any reasons for banning the film's release, it's the latest Marvel movie to fall victim to state-sponsored censorship to constrain
certain civil liberties and human rights norms, including the expression of a LGBTQIA+ lifestyle. By including an openly LGBTQ+ character in its film , America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), the Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been
banned in Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar and Kuwait .
Sam Raimi's Doctor Strange 2 introduce's a gay character, America Chavez. America was the first lesbian Latina in Marvel Comics, debuting in 2011's Vengeance #1.
It is reported that the
America Chavez character plays a major role in the film and it seems unlikely that the Middle East release can be aved via cuts,
Summary Notes
After the events of
Avengers: Endgame, Dr. Stephen Strange continues his research on the Time Stone. But an old friend turned enemy seeks to destroy every sorcerer on Earth, messing with Strange's plan and also causing him to unleash an unspeakable evil.
v Durj
- 2019 Pakistan crime mystery thriller by Shamoon Abbasi.
Durj is a 2019 Pakistan crime mystery thriller by Shamoon Abbasi. Starring Shamoon Abbasi, Sherry Shah and Maira Khan. Pakistan: Unbanned October 2019
The film has been cleared after a second viewing by the Pakistan's Central Censor Board, sources informed The Express Tribune.
Some of the really graphic scenes have been removed for obvious reasons, other than that the film is good to go, said a
censor board official, requesting anonymity.
Pakistan: Banned October 2019
An anonymous source said that Pakistan's censor board (CBFC) has banned Durj because of it's subject. Given that a sensitive topic
such as cannibalism, should not be propagated so openly.
Durj was premiered on the international film festival circuits and seems to have been well received.
Summary Notes
The reality behind a hideous crime is yet to be unveiled as a reporter's wife dives deep within the depths of despair and darkness to seek the truth of her missing husband.
Availability
In the UK the film was passed BBFC 15 uncut for disturbing scenes, bloody images.
The Eight Hundred is a 2019 China war film by Hu Guan. Starring Yi Zhang, Chen Yao and Haoming Yu.
Temporarily banned in China for reason unknown.
China: Unbanned in 2020
Delayed by over a year for mysterious political reasons, epic Chinese war film The Eight Hundred has finally locked down a date for release in theaters. It will open in conventional and Imax cinemas in China from Aug. 21, The film reappeared
but had been shorn of 13m of running time for reasons unspecified.
The premiere of Chinese war epic The Eight Hundred has been cancelled
after an influential group deemed it inappropriate ahead of Communist China's 70th anniversary. The Chinese Red Culture Research Association held an academic seminar on filmmaking in which the storyline of The Eight Hundred was criticised because it
glorifies the heroic role of Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang). The Kuomintang eventually lost the civil war that led to the Communist Party's triumph and creation of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
After consultation between
the production team and other parties, the July 5 premiere was cancelled and will not be released this summer, according to a statement posted on Tuesday on the film's Weibo account, a Twitter like platform. The new release date will be announced at a
later time, the statement said, without explaining the reasons behind the decision.
The movie had already been abruptly yanked from the Shanghai International Film Festival earlier this month due to technical issues -- a term often used as a euphemism
for censorship.
Summary Notes
In 1937, eight hundred Chinese soldiers fight under siege from a warehouse in the middle of the Shanghai battlefield, completely surrounded by the
Japanese army.
Now, his violent and troubling story is making headlines again, in a politically charged scandal over a banned film about his life. The movie, El Inca, was a box office sensation when it premiered on Nov 25, rising to become the third-most
lucrative film of the year in Venezuela in less than three weeks.
But its run came to an abrupt halt on Dec 13, when a judge ordered it removed from theaters and impounded all copies. The court case was brought by Valero's family, which accused
director Ignacio Castillo Cottin of slander. But the director alleges politics had more to do with the ruling.
The film was banned by temporary injunction before the defamation trial even got under way. The judge then postponed the first hearing,
scheduled for last Monday, because neither he nor the prosecution had seen the movie.
Summary Notes
A tragic love story based in the life of the great Latin American boxer Edwin "El Inca"
Valero. The only fight he lost, was the one against himself.
The End
Will Be Spectacular is a 2019 Syria war film by Ersin Çelik. Starring Arjîn Baysal, Arif Demîr and Sahire Ozhan.
Banned in Iraq.
Iraqi Kurdistan: Banned in
December 2019
A film based on the real-life resistance of Kurdish youth in Turkey was banned by Sulaimani's security forces just a day before its Kurdistan premiere.
Ji Bo Azadiye (The End Will be Spectacular) , directed
by Kurdish filmmaker Ersin Celik was pulled by Sulamani Asayesh (security forces) from the premiere at Sulaimani's Salim Cinema.
The film team and cinema staff have criticised the cancellation of the screening, which has been shown abroad but now
cannot be seen by a Kurdistan Region audience.
Summary Review
Zilan, a young woman, returns to her hometown looking for the traces of his dead brother, killed by the Islamic State. But her town
is not what it used to be: social and political tensions have escalated into a state of war. The people have risen to demand their political autonomy and the police and army repress them with brutal force. But the city's resistance will go on for more
than 100 days and Zilan will not remain a passive witness. Based on the diaries of those who died fighting and the testimony of survivors, who enact the protagonists of the film, Çelik's first feature explores concepts such as hope, friendship, sacrifice
and loss in the struggle for freedom of a group of young people.
Exodus: Gods and
Kings is a 2014 UK / USA / Spain drama by Ridley Scott. Starring Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton and Ben Kingsley.
Banned in UAE, Egypt and Morocco.
Egypt: Banned
December 2014
Egypt has banned the Hollywood biblical epic movie Exodus: Gods and Kings for reasons of religious intolerance whilst citing 'historical inaccuracy'
Culture Minister Gaber Asfour told AFP Ridley Scott's blockbuster was
rife with mistakes, including an apparent claim that Moses and the Jews built the pyramids. Asfour claimed:
This totally contradicts proven historical facts. It is a Zionist film. It gives a Zionist view of history
and contains historical inaccuracies and that's why we have decided to ban it.
Mohammed Afifi, the head of the censorship committee, said he took issue with the scene showing the parting of the Red Sea in which Moses is seen holding a
sword like a warrior, instead of a stick. Furthermore, he claimed, the parting of the Red Sea is explained in the movie as a tidal phenomenon rather than a divine miracle.
Malaysia: Banned by the film censor
Banned by the Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LPF) as no Prophets are allowed to be depicted on film.
Morocco : Banned December 2014. Unbanned after cuts in January 2015.
Morocco has also banned the film,
despite it already having been approved by the state-run Moroccan Cinema Center. Hassan Belkady, who runs Cinema Rif in Casablanca, told media24 news website that he had been threatened with the closure of his business if he ignored the ban.
Film
censor Sarim Fassi Fihri said that the film approval Commission, the Ministry of Culture, the owners of cinemas and film distributors, and the Cinematographic Center, had all seen the film and had reservations about a scene which depicts God as a child
during the period of revelation to Moses.
Later in January 2015, Morocco's movie organization announced that the film will be shown in Morocco after Fox Studio agreed to cut sections deemed supposedly sacrilegious to Islam.
The center's statement
said that Scott and Fox Studios agreed to remove two lines of dialogue that referred to the personnification of the Divine.
UAE: Banned December 2014
The United Arab Emirates became the latest country to ban the
release of Exodus: Gods and Kings . A film censor from the National Media Council, Juma Obeid Al Leem, told Gulf News:
This movie is under our review and we found that there are many mistakes not only about Islam
but other religions too. So, we will not release it in the UAE,
Summary Review
Epic adventure Exodus: Gods and Kings is the story of one man's daring courage to take on the might of
an empire. Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and
its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.
Availability
UK: 2D & 3D versions passed 12 uncut for moderate violence, threat, bloody moments for:
2016 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment 4k RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2015 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment [2D + 3D] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2015 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment [2D] RB Blu-ray at UK
Amazon
2015 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
Fahrenheit 9/11 is a 2004 USA war documentary drama by
Michael Moore. Starring Michael Moore, George W Bush and Ben Affleck.
Kuwait: Banned
There is a law in Kuwait
that forbids criticism on friendly countries. Since the film criticized George W. Bush, the Kuwaiti censor board decided to ban it entirely.
Saudi Arabia: Banned
Banned for the film's criticisms of the Saudi Royal
Family.
Summary Notes
Following up on 'Bowling for Columbine', film-maker Michael Moore provides deep and though-provoking insights on the American security system, the level of paranoia, fear,
uncertainty, false values and patriotism, which all combined together to set a stage for George W. Bush to launch a war on Iraq instead of focusing on getting the real culprit(s) behind the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This documentary also
focuses on how some Saudis were safely and secretly flown out of America while planes were ostensibly grounded after the attacks. Archived film footage, candid interviews with politicians, and an overall waste of public funds for a war that was initiated
on false pretension to wit: a weapon of mass distraction - to take the focus away from the real enemy and get Americans glued to their TV sets to watch innocent Iraqis and Afghans getting killed. And a war that would eventually alienate the U.S.A. and
it's citizens from almost every country on Earth.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong language and real images of war horror for:
A Fantastic Woman is a 2017 Chile / Germany / Spain / USA drama by Sebastián Lelio. Starring Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes and Luis Gnecco.
Banned in Malaysia.
Malaysia: Banned in 2018
Malaysia's Film Censorship Board (LPF) placed the movie in its not approved list. Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz, chairman of the Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LPF), didn't give a specific reason but noted the the film was in a group that was
banned because they contained LGBT elements or had extreme sexual scenes.
Summary Notes
Somewhere in Santiago at a dimly-lit nightclub, Orlando, the kindly and well-off owner
of a textile company, locks eyes with Marina, a hopeful singer and the roughly half-his-age love of his life. But, unfortunately, after Marina's birthday celebration and a night of passion, Orlando falls gravely ill--and by the following morning--he dies
in hospital. In the wake of her companion's untimely death, Marina will soon realise that, from now on, everything is brought into question: her involvement in Orlando's death, their unconventional relationship; and above all, her right to mourn her
beloved deceased. In the end, what was Marina's crime; a deed so hideous that would rob a fantastic woman of her respect, her dignity, and ultimately, her identity?
v Father's Day
- USA/Canada action comedy horror by Adam Brooks, Jeremy Gillespie
Father's Day is a USA/Canada action comedy horror by Adam
Brooks, Jeremy Gillespie With Adam Brooks, Matthew Kennedy and Conor Sweeney.
Australia : Banned but later unbanned on its 3rd attempt after about 40s of cuts. 30s of cuts to the sight of penis and 10s of violence.
The Australian Film Censorship Board explained its original ban:
The film is classified RC in accordance with the National Classification Code: films that depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or
abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified.
Summary Review: Brilliant
Ahab, a man obsessed with exacting a brutal, violent revenge on the man who murdered his dad, joins John, an eager priest, and Twink, a hot-headed street hustler, on an epic quest to find and defeat this mythical monster
known as the Father's Day Killer.
I give it 10 stars from the shear amount of pleasure I got from watching (something I think gets lost in the mix at times). Is this for everybody? Most assuredly not. But if Hobo with a Shotgun
sits in a place of honor in your collection this is an absolute must see!
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong violence, gore & sex & scenes of sexual violence & torture for:
Fifty Shades Darker is a 2017 USA romance by James Foley. Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan and Bella Heathcote.
The Theatrical Version is 18 rated in the UK and R rated in the US, but was
banned in India. An Unrated Unmasked version will be released on home video.
India: Banned in March 2017
Banned by the CBFC. The film censors nominally noted that the film could be released with all the sex scenes removed
but this option was not accepted by the distributors Universal, so the film remains banned.
Malaysia: Banned in 2017
Banned for its overtly-sexual themes and graphic depictions of sex
.
Uzbekistan: Re-banned in October 2018
Presumably the film was banned at
the time of its release, but the ban has been re-iterated in a list of movies banned from Video on Demand on domestic internet services.
For comparison
UK: The Theatrical Version was passed 18 uncut for strong sex.
US:
The Theatrical Version was rated R for strong erotic sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language.
Summary Notes
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of
the women who came before her.
Availability
UK: BBFC Details not yet published for The Unmasked Edition for:
Fifty Shades of Grey
is a 2015 USA romance by Sam Taylor-Johnson. Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan and Jennifer Ehle.
Cambodia: Banned in February 2015
Banned
just a day before the movie's expected release on 12 February 2015
India: Banned in March 2015
The film distributor submitted a version with all the nudity pre-cut but it still wasn't enough for the Indian film censor.
The sexy dialogue was also too much to bear particularly as the loony new censor is trying to ban strong language in all films.
Indonesia: Banned in February 2015
The distributor in Indonesia said the film would not be
shown there as the film did not meet the country's censorship standards.
Kenya: Banned in February 2015
Banned by the state censors of the Kenya Film Classification Board with the announcement on
facebook :
The Board wishes to inform the public, film operators and stakeholders that the film, 50 Shades of Grey has been
RESTRICTED. It should not be screened or distributed to the public.
Malaysia: Banned in February 2015
The Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LPF) banned the movie with its chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul
Hamid saying that the board had found the film to be unfit for the Malaysian audience, calling the flick more like pornography than a movie . He said:
The board made a decision in view of the film containing scenes
that are not of natural sexual content. The content is more sadistic, featuring scenes of a woman being tied to a bed and whipped.
Nigeria: Banned in February 2015
Nigeria's National Film and Video
Censors Board (NFVCB) has banned Fifty Shades of Grey, but only after the board had let it be shown for about a week. The board cites public interest as the reason for the ban.
Papua New Guinea : Banned in February 2015
Fifty Shades of Grey has been refused classification by the Papua New Guinea Censorship Office, preventing it from being shown in cinemas.
Russia: Banned in Ossetia, Ingushetia and Chechnya, February 2015
Russian news agency TASS reported that the erotic drama, which opened elsewhere in Russia on Feb. 12 with an 18+ age restriction, has been pulled out by cinemas in the republics of Ossetia, Ingushetia and Chechnya .
The initiative to send an address to the region's authorities, requesting that the film be banned, came from young people who are concerned about noticeable interest in the movie from those who are in the early twenties, Ossetian mufti
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov was quoted as saying in the report.
TASS also quoted Madina Ayubova , a spokesperson for Kinostar, a theater in Chechnya's capital Grozny, as saying that film won't be exhibited in Chechnya because a lot of what is shown in
[the film] contradicts the mentality and religion of the majority of the republic's population.
According to Gatsalov, the film is not going to be exhibited in any of the four remaining North Caucasus republics either.
Singapore:
Banned on home video
Singapore's film censors passed the film R21 uncut for mature theme and sexual scenes. However the 21 rating bans the film from sale on home video
UAE: Banned in February 2015
UAE's
film censors of the National Media Council have required 35 minutes of cuts due to inappropriate scenes, forcing distributor Four Star Films to pull the film. The council's director of media content Juma Al Leem told the paper.
We reviewed the movie in the presence of the distributor and after he realized how many inappropriate scenes there were, he took the decision not to show the movie himself, before we were able to make a decision.
Uzbekistan: Re-banned in October 2018
Presumably the film was banned at the time of its release, but the ban has been re-iterated in a list of movies banned from Video on Demand on domestic internet services.
Vietnam: Cut by 20 minutes in March 2015
In the days leading up to the release in Vietnam, the movie was banned in Indonesia, neighbouring Cambodia and Malaysia -- whose censors declared it to be more pornography
than a movie . This stoked even more anticipation in Vietnam. Newspapers breathlessly speculated about how many minutes of screen time would be devoted to sex scenes, while cinemas created elaborate Red Room displays in their lobbies for
people to take risque selfies.
The film was promoted a lot, so it made us excited and curious, says Xuan Thao, who along with thousands of others queued patiently to get a ticket for the film when it opened on Valentine's Day. We wanted to
see what all the fuss was about. She left feeling angry and short changed. In this version of Fifty Shades of Grey there is no sex at all.
In total, around 20 minutes of screen time has been cut by the country's censorship committee, excising any
scene deemed potentially sensitive. Only a few kisses remain. The lack of passion has infuriated audiences, who hadn't gone for deft plotting or complex characterisation. It's totally ridiculous, Thao complains. This version is rated 16+, but
it doesn't need an age restriction; a five-year-old could watch it. Even the trailer was sexier. They'd have been better banning it altogether.
Zimbabwe: Heavily cut in February 2015
Zimbabwe's film censors have
demanded heavy editing of the film Fifty Shades of Grey, leading to some movie theatres not screening it.
Two cinema houses in the capital Harare are screening an edited version of the movie. Sam Levy's Village was not screening it with the
explanation:
It was felt that heavy censorship would compromise the integrity of the film and thus, a decision has been made by Ster-Kinekor Sam Levy's Village not to screen the film within its complex.
World censors' ratings:
Argentina 16
Australia: rated MA15+ (15A in UK ratings terminology) for strong sex scenes, sexual themes and nudity
Brazil 16
Cambodia Banned
Canada (Quebec) 16+
Canada
(Canada except Quebec) 18A
Chile 18
China Unavailable as distributors think Chinese film censors would ban it
Czech Republic: 15
Denmark 15
Finland 16
France
12
Germany 16
Iceland 16
India Banned
Indonesia Banned
Ireland 18
Italy 14
Japan R15+ after cuts
Japan R18+ uncut
Kenya Banned
Lebanon 21 uncut
Malaysia Banned
Netherlands 16
New Zealand R18 for sex scenes and offensive language
Nigeria Banned
Norway 15
Papua New Guinea Banned
Philippines R-18 after censorship cuts implemented by blurring
Portugal M16
Russia 18+ (banned in Ossetia, Ingushetia and Chechnya)
Singapore R21 uncut for mature
theme and sexual scenes. However the 21 rating bans the film from sale on home video
South Korea 18
Spain 16
Sweden 15
Switzerland 16
Thailand 20
UAE Banned
UK 18 uncut for strong sex
US: R rated (17A in UK ratings terminology) for strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity, and for language.
Vietnam 16+ after 20 minutes
of cuts which were required to make the film suitable for the masses
Zimbabwe Heavily cut. Some cinemas have decided that the cut version is not worth showing
Summary Notes
Literature student Anastasia Steele's life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey.
Availability
UK: Both the
Unseen Feature/Extended Version and Theatrical Version were passed 18 uncut for strong sex for:
2015 Universal [Theatrical + Extended] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2015 Universal [Theatrical + Extended] R2 DVD at UK Amazon
Found is a 2012 USA horror by Scott Schirmer. Starring Gavin Brown,
Ethan Philbeck and Phyllis Munro.
Australia : Banned but later passed R18+ after about 2 minutes of cuts
The full 103m version was banned in May 2014
The film censor summarised the reasons for the ban as follows:
The film contains prolonged and detailed depictions of sexualised violence, including sexualised torture, mutilation, sexual activity with body parts and cannibalism, which result in a very high degree of impact. As such, this film exceeds what can be accommodated within the R18+ classification.
The Board notes that the film also contains depictions of nonsexual violence. These depictions of violence, which also include viscera, generous blood detail and gore, are mitigated by context and relatively unsophisticated
production values to a level which can be accommodated at an R18+ classification. The scenes of sexualised violence, noted below, are more realistic and impactful, and result in a very high impact.
A cut version missing about
2m was re-banned in August 2014
A further cut version missing about 2m was passed R18+ in August 2014. It was originally noted that the censored version was 7 minutes shorter but it appears that 4minutes of this is attributed to
a PAL speedup). In fact the distributor, Monster Pictures, said that a total of about 2m was cut.
UK: Cut in September 2014
Passed 18 for strong bloody violence, sexualised violence, gory images after 4s of BBFC
compulsory cuts
The BBFC commented: A cut was required to remove sight of a murderer's erect penis, during a scene of sadistic sexualised violence and threat.
Promotional Material
FOUND
is a unique and supremely disturbing coming-of-age story of a boy whose big brother is a serial-killer.
Growing up is tough for Marty. His parents don't understand him and he is bullied at school. He has only his big brother to look up to...that
is until he discovers his brother's chilling secret and a severed head in a sports bag at home.
FOUND unravels a gripping and gruesome story that captures what it's like to grow up in the time of VHS tapes and video nasties, as the American dream
and everyday suburbia descends into a home-grown hell that will leave even the most hardened horror fan shocked by its disturbing finale.
Gandu is a 2010 India drama by . With Anubrata Basu, Joyraj
Bhattacharya and Rii.
India: Banned
Summary Review: Thrash-Metal Rap
Gandu (variously translated as Arsehole, Wanker and Loser ) is a thrash-metal rap musical about a young dopehead and
his lust for fame and sex that, despite being banned in India, has become one of the country's most talked about films, with its explicit opium smoking, foul language and masturbation.
The confusion of a society in thrall to its
own ancient morals while increasingly experiencing the wider world is acutely captured in Gandu, whose eponymous hero is an angst-ridden skinhead who yearns to rap with Asian Dub Foundation while loafing and getting high on the streets of Calcutta. Shot
in black and white, it features a kung-fu-kicking rickshaw-wallah sidekick and an explicit blowjob scene performed by the director's girlfriend, followed by her squatting brazenly on the young man's face. The movie is a surreal Bengali mix of Jim
Jarmusch kookiness and the raw sexuality of Nagisa Oshima, and is absolutely nothing like any Indian film I've ever seen. Gandu Gandu, a thrash-rap musical.
Get Hard is a 2015 USA comedy by Etan Cohen. Starring
Alison Brie, Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart.
Exists as a Theatrical Version and an Extended Version which contains a couple of extra lewd scenes.
India: Withdrawn by the film distributor
Days before its premiere, Warner Brothers decided to withdraw
the film's Indian release, fearful of the unpredictable cuts the CBFC would invariable inflict on their film.
Promotional Material
When millionaire hedge fund manager James (Will Ferrell) is
nailed for fraud and bound for San Quentin, the judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order. Desperate, he turns to Darnell (Kevin Hart) to prep him for a life behind bars.
Availability
UK: The
Extended Version was passed 15 uncut for strong language, sex references for:
2015 Warner [Extended Version + Theatrical Version] R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2015 Warner [Theatrical Version only] R2 DVD at UK Amazon
US: The Extended Version is MPAA Unrated for:
2015 Warner Home Video [Unrated + Theatrical Versions] RA Blu-ray at US Amazon
Ghostbusters is a 2016 USA action comedy by Paul Feig.
It was widely reported in the world's press that China banned the Ghostbusters remake, citing censorship rules prohibiting anything to do with religion or the supernatural. It seems that the distributors were well aware of the censor's rules
and opted to not submit it to the government film censors.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
is a 2013 USA action thriller by Jon M. Chu. With Dwayne Johnson, D.J. Cotrona, Channing Tatum.
Banned in Pakistan.
Pakistan: Banned
The
censors found that the film portrays Pakistan negatively, not just on the issue of the war on terror, but also in the context of the country's international standing. The following scenes were considered to be unfair representation of the country:
Initial scenes depicting Pakistan as a failed state
Fictionally portraying a foreign invasion of Pakistan's nuclear installations.
A scene showing the assassination of the Pakistani president and the imposition of martial law
Availability
UK: Passed 12 uncut for:
2013 Paramount Home Entertainment R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2013 Paramount Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
The Girl on the Train
is a 2016 USA mystery thriller by Tate Taylor. Starring Laura Prepon, Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson.
Kuwait: Banned in October 2016
Banned by
government film censors but the reason is not yet clear.
Qatar: Banned in October 2016
The authorities banned the film very near to the cinema release for reasons that are not yet clear.
For comparison:
UK BBFC: Passed 15 uncut for strong language, sex, violence.
US MPAA: Rated R for violence, sexual content, language and nudity
Promotional Material
Rachel, devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasising about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she
sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds. The Girl On The Train is a darkly addictive thriller based on the international publishing phenomenon.
Availability
UK:
The cinema release was passed 15 uncut for strong language, sex, violence
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2011 US/Sweden/UK/Germany crime drama by David Fincher. With Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara and Christopher Plummer.
India:
India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) decided that the movie contained too much nudity - five scenes to be exact. Now, according to Variety, distribution has been cancelled entirely
because David Fincher refuses to cut the film.
A spokesperson for Columbia Pictures in India said, The Censor Board has adjudged the film unsuitable for public viewing in its unaltered form and, while we are committed to maintaining and protecting
the vision of the director, we will, as always, respect the guidelines set by the board.
Vietnam:
The film was to be released on March 2, but its international distributor, Sony Pictures, decided not to release it
in Vietnam since the National Film Board requires the studio cut sensitive scenes from the movie, Tuoitre news reported.
UAE:
The new film The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has been very well received by the
critics, but will not be screened in the UAE because the film makers have refused to accept the eight cuts suggested by the censors.
Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to make the cuts that were necessary for it to be screened. The filmmakers
wouldn't allow it Piroska Szakacs from Empire International told The National.
Gone with the Wind is a
1939 USA war historical romance by Victor Fleming and George Cukor (uncredited) Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Thomas Mitchell.
Cut by the BBFC for an 'A' rated cinema release in 1940. Uncut and PG
rated on UK home video. Uncut and MPAA PG rated in the US.
News, June 2020: Banned by HBO
Banned by HBO in 2020 citing unacceptable historical attitudes to racial sensitivities.
Summary Notes
Scarlett is a woman who can deal with a nation at war, Atlanta burning, the Union Army carrying off everything from her beloved Tara, the carpetbaggers who arrive after the war.
Scarlett is beautiful. She has vitality. But Ashley, the man she has wanted for so long, is going to marry his placid cousin, Melanie. Mammy warns Scarlett to behave herself at the party at Twelve Oaks. There is a new man there that day, the day the
Civil War begins. Rhett Butler. Scarlett does not know he is in the room when she pleads with Ashley to choose her instead of Melanie.
v Grotesque
- 2009 Japan crime horror thriller by Kôji Shiraishi.
Grotesque is a 2009 Japan crime horror thriller by Kôji Shiraishi. With Tsugumi Nagasawa, Hiroaki Kawatsure and Shigeo Ôsako. Norway: Banned in 2009
This was probably
banned when the Censorship Authority in Norway saw that it was banned in Britain, and thought it was a good idea to ban it in Norway as well.
UK: Banned in 2009
The Unrated Version was banned by the BBFC for 2009
4Digital Media DVD
Summary Notes
An unnamed doctor has always had everything he's ever wanted, but that has only made him develop more extreme and depraved needs. He kidnaps a young couple in the
prime of their life together and forces them into a game of torment that slowly extinguishes their hopes for survival.
Very tame! Yes the film has pointless torture, but it has very little nudity and any
sexual humiliation is implied and is never in the view of the camera. Very hard to see why this was banned.
This movie is a prime example of pointless torture movies, While in context the aspect of torture in a horror
film i.e. Saw, Hellraiser, Texas chainsaw (the original) etc... works great because it's bad people getting their come uppance or just a cautionary of the cruelty of man but this film is just a fictionalized snuff film with no story what so ever.
Watching people getting brutally killed (particularly those who were just there) for the bulk of the movie then.... "the end" after some silly f/x does nothing for me except feeling a little dirty for watching this piece of trash.
Haider is a 2014 India crime romance by Vishal Bhardwaj. Starring
Shahid Kapoor, Tabu and Shraddha Kapoor.
Pakistan: Banned in October 2014
Citing the film's sensitive content , Pakistan's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
decided against the release of the film in Pakistan. A CBFC employee told The Express Tribune that Haider's controversial topic and propagandist nature are the reasons for this.
A senior official at the CBFC maintained that the film's ban:
Has nothing to do with the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India. Any film that is on a controversial topic, such as the Kashmir issue, will most likely not be released in the country.
The film
is against the ideology of Pakistan. We have a professional panel of reviewers that assesses films while keeping in mind factors that a layman can't understand. He stated that certain Hindi words used in a film may seem harmless to an average audience
member, but can have adverse effects on our culture.
Summary Notes
Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Haider - a young man returns home to Kashmir on
receiving news of his father's disappearance. Not only does he learn that security forces have detained his father for harboring militants, but that his mother is in a relationship with his very own uncle. Intense drama follows between mother and son as
both struggle to come to terms with news of his father's death. Soon Haider learns that his uncle is responsible for the gruesome murder, what follows is his journey to avenge his father's death.
Half of a Yellow Sun
is a 2013 Nigeria/UK drama by Biyi Bandele. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton and Anika Noni Rose.
Nigeria: Banned in April 2014. Cut and unbanned in July
2014.
The censorship board refused to grant a certificate in time for the premiere According to the director, Biyi Bandele, the movie was essentially banned as the country's film censorship board refused to issue the movie a certificate.
Bandele said officials seemed to be
Jittery about its content. That it deals with the Biafran War (from 1967 to 1970). That it might incite people to violence.
Bandele denounced what he characterized as
a blatant attempt to suppress discussion about a crucial if painful episode in Nigeria's coming-of-age:
It is seriously shocking that someone would presume to be this arbiter of what Nigerians want and don't want to see.
The film was unbanned in July 2014 with an 18 rating after censor cuts. The film will be released in August 2014.
Promotional Material
Based upon the acclaimed novel, Academy
Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in this beautiful sweeping story of two sisters caught up in the events of the Nigerian civil war, ending in chilling violence which shocked the entire world.
The film contains depictions of explicit sexual violence and sexualised violence that are very high in impact, as well as prolonged depictions of violence which are
offensive and/or have a very high degree of impact. Depictions of violence include detailed mutilation and disfigurement, viscera and shattered bone as well as blood gushes, splatter and spray.
A male character is tortured with a
blow torch while two others are choked to death - one with excrement and the other with a used tampon. Sexual themes underpin the depictions of violence with pornographic footage and still images featuring full frontal nudity with genital detail and
explicit sexual intercourse frequently viewed in the background.
Other scenes of violence are cut with depictions of sexual activity and/or sexualised nudity. The sexual content and sexualised context both serve to heighten the
overall impact of the violence viewed throughout the film.
This content exceeds what can be accommodated within the R18+ classification and, as such, is Refused Classification.
UK: Never submitted for
release
Germany: Hanger was released July 2009 in a severely cut and censored version for the German market. Unfortunately a torrent version of this was spread around the world and undermined the standing of the film.
Summary Review: New
Depths
Hardcore gore from Ryan Nicholson who previously directed Gutterballs, another extreme gore video that hasn't made it to the UK.
The director describes his film as:
A horrifying tale of revenge that begins with a back-alley abortion, and ends with a bloodbath so vicious that it brings a new meaning to an eye for eye. From pimps to dealers and hookers to junkies, this film
dives headfirst into the depths of human depravity.
Happy Hour in Paradise is a 2015 Sweden comedy by Kjell Sundvall. Starring Agnes Kittelsen, Eva Röse and Atle Antonsen. Thailand: Banned in July 2016
Banned from
screening at the Thailand International Film Destination Festival by government film censors. Presumably they felt that the sexy goings on are not a good advertisement for Thailand.
Summary Notes
Kjell Bergqvist is a priest for the Swedish church in Thailand, and he is happy with his easy life in an exotic paradise. Maybe he drinks a little too much and maybe he flirts a little too much with the married women.
The Happytime Murders
is a 2018 USA action crime comedy by Brian Henson. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks and Maya Rudolph.
Banned in Malaysa in 2018.
Malaysia: Banned in
2018
Malaysia's Film Censorship Board (LPF) placed the movie in its not approved list. Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz, chairman of the Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LPF), didn't give a specific reason but noted the the film was in a group
that was banned because they contained LGBT elements or had extreme sexual scenes.
Summary Notes
A murder mystery set in a world where humans and puppets co-exist, but puppets
are viewed as second-class citizens. When the puppet cast of an '80s children's TV show begins to get murdered one by one, a former cop, who has since become a private eye, takes on the case.
The Hidden Sword is a 2017 China action drama by Haofeng Xu.
Starring Qing Xu, Jue Huang and Aoyue Zhang.
Banned in China
China: Banned in July 2017
Another major film in China that was banned by the film censors just before
the premiere. The reasons for the ban are not clear but Variety comments on how the last minute censorship of
major films is leaving a bit of a slump at the box office.
Previously the film had won awards at the Montreal and Taiwan film festivals.
Summary Notes
Latest film of Xu
Haofeng, a new master of Chinese Wu Xia films, screenwriter of Wong Kar-wai's The Grandmaster. The new film tells a Chinese Wu Xia story happened in 1930s, but with a new presentation.
The DVD is classified objectionable. The publication is the first set of episodes of a Japanese anime series set in high school about a sex-obsessed schoolboy who becomes part of the supernatural world. The DVD tends to promote
and support the sexual exploitation of young persons. All of the young female characters are highly sexualised and fetishised. They are relentlessly depicted as nude or in limited sexualised clothing. Focus is made on their breasts and youthful bodies in
such a way as to titillate and arouse the viewer. Their youthfulness is emphasised by the high school setting, their school uniforms and their engagement in high school activities. Episodes are separated by photo stills of the female characters sexually
posing, reminiscent of adult pornographic material. The credits feature these characters performing strip tease. The scenes are constructed wholly for the sexual benefit of the viewer. The main purpose of this treatment is to reinforce the notion that
young persons are sexually desirable and available. It encourages and legitimises the pursuit of young persons as viable adult sexual partners.
Summary Notes
The story follows Issei Hyodo, a
dim-witted, lecherous second-year high school student who is killed by a girl on his first date ever. Issei is reincarnated as a devil, and from that day forward, he serves as an underling of Riasu, a high-level devil who is also the prettiest girl on
Issei's campus.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong sex references, nudity, strong language, violence, sexual threat for:
2014 Manga Entertainment [Dubbed] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2014 Manga Entertainment [Dubbed] R2 DVD at UK Amazon
This film is deemed objectionable because it tends to promote and support violence and coercion to compel women to
submit to sexual conduct.
The film is dominated by numerous scenes of sexual violence. It opens on a graphic scene of rape that is not supported by context. The narrative then follows two men as they terrorise a group of people,
particularly the female members of the group, who they repeatedly subject to sexual violence. Gratuitous lingering shots of nudity and other cinematic effects such as romantic music and lighting during the scenes of assault and rape support this purpose.
The sexual violence is not contextualized or explored beyond the superficial presentation of the conduct. The victims appear aroused by, unaffected by and thus collusive in the violence perpetrated against them; this feeds into the intrinsic rape myth
dialogue of the publication. Viewers are relentlessly exposed to titillating images that eroticise sexual humiliation and violence.
All of these factors invite viewers to become complicit in events and to take vicarious pleasure
in the men's misogyny and the victims' humiliation and dehumanisation. Further, due to the publication's proliferation of rape myths and relentless eroticized presentation of sexual violence, people who have been subjected to any form of sexual abuse
will be re-traumatized by the film's depictions of violence and sexual violence. The legitimization of these rape myths also irredeemably serves to validate viewers' misconceptions of sexual violence and thus their real world response to sexual violence.
The Classification Office is aware that cut versions of the feature have been released in the United Kingdom and has considered whether a different classification might be possible if excisions were made. However the distributor
has notified the Classification Office that any excisions will not be made, so in this instance they have not been recommended.
UK: Once banned, now cut
Banned by the BBFC for 1981 cinema release. Banned as a video
nasty in 1983. Unbanned after 12 minutes of cuts in 2002. Cuts reduced to 43s in 2011.
The BBFC commented in 2011:
Company was required to make cuts to one sequence of sexualised violence in which a razor is traced over
a woman's naked body, after which her body is cut with the razor.
How NOT To Summon A Demon Lord is a 2018 Japan animation comedy Starring Masaaki Mizunaka, Yû Serizawa and Azumi Waki
Australia: Banned in January 2023. Unbanned after cuts in June 2023
Season 2 was banned in January 2023 by the Australian Censorship Board. The problem was a still image at the end of Episode 3, CORRUPT
RITUAL Presumably this image was cut when Season 2 was resubmitted in June 2023 and it was then MA 15+ rated.
Summary Notes
An elite player is summoned by two maidens to save a
fantasy game.
The Human Centipede II is a 2011 Netherlands/UK horror by Tom Six. With Laurence R Harvey and Ashlynn Yennie.
Famously banned in the UK for 2011 DVD but later passed 18 after heavy
cuts. Also temporarily banned in Australia before later being passed R18+ with cuts. A cut version was released in the US Unrated by the MPAA. Later it was released uncut as the Director's Cut, still MPAA Unrated. Banned in New Zealand.
Unbanned by the BBFC in October 2011 after 2:37s of BBFC cuts
Australia: Temporarily banned
Originally passed R18+ uncut by the Classification Board
Banned on appeal by the Review Board in November 2011. The appeal was requested by NSW Attorney General, Greg Smith
Unbanned by the Classification Board after 30s of cuts in
December 2011.
The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) was banned by the Australian Classification Review Board (ACRB). The review was the result of an appeal against the previously uncut R18+ certificate awarded by the Classification Board. The appeal was
requested by Australia's Justice Minister Brendan O'Connor, reportedly on the advice of the New South Wales Attorney General Greg Smith.
From the ACRB's official press statement:
A three member panel of the Classification Review
Board has by unanimous decision determined that the film The Human Centipede II (full sequence) is classified RC (Refused Classification).
In the Review Board's opinion, The Human Centipede II (full sequence) could not be
accommodated within the R 18+ classification as the level of depictions of violence in the film has an impact which is very high.
In addition, the film must be refused classification because it contains gratuitous, exploitative or
offensive depictions of violence with a very high degree of impact and cruelty which has a high impact.
Films classified RC cannot be sold, hired, or advertised in Australia.
Summary Review: Sick Fantasy
Inspired by the fictional Dr. Heiter, disturbed loner Martin dreams of creating a 12-person centipede and sets out to realize his sick fantasy.
This is the type of movie you will either like or
hate, I doubt there will be much in between. The film is quite shocking, but not the most outrageous of the genre.
Actor Laurence R Harvey is masterful as Martin yet doesn't utter a single word of dialogue.
The Hunger Games is a 2012 US Sci-Fi action film by Gary Ross.
With Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.
Vietnam: Banned
Banned as being 'too violent' with a theme of kids killing kids. Perhaps more to do with Vietnam not being happy with a film that shows youngsters fighting back against a totalitarian state.
UK: Cut
Cut for a 12A Rating in the UK
Promotional Material: Survival vs humanity
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the
Hunger Games. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place and must rely upon her sharp instincts when she's pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared their entire lives. If she's ever to return home to
District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Availability
UK: The International Version was passed 15 uncut for strong violence and threat
for:
Hunter Killer is a 2017 China / USA action thriller by Donovan
Marsh. Starring Gary Oldman, Gerard Butler and Michael Nyqvist.
Russia: Unbanned in November 2018
The film
was granted a licence a week after it was pulled. Russia's culture minister Vladimir Medinsky confirmed the film would be granted a license, but criticized the movie: This is a banal, boring and ultimately stupid film
Russia:
Banned in November 2018
Critics say the Kremlin banned it because it shows a Russian president being deposed and kidnapped in a coup before being rescued by American soldiers.
Moscow claimed the film's license was revoked because
producers had not provided a good enough copy for its state archive.
Ukraine: Banned in October 2018
Though there is no official explanation of the ban in Ukraine, reports have cited a Ukrainian law which bans films
popularising a military of the aggressor state or creating a positive image of its employees.
Summary Notes
An untested American submarine captain teams with U.S. Navy Seals to rescue
the Russian president, who has been kidnapped by a rogue general.
v Hustlers
- 2019 USA crime comedy thriller by Lorene Scafaria.
Hustlers is a 2019 USA crime comedy thriller by Lorene Scafaria.
Starring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez and Julia Stiles.
No censorship issues in the UK or US but the film was banned in Malaysia
Malaysia: Maybe set to be released in a cut form:
There is some advance publicity for a Malaysian release in a censored version, with even the title being censored, and changed to Wall Street Girls.
Malaysia: Banned in September 2019:
Banned by
Malaysia's film censors of the LPF because of its excessive obscene content. The board said naked breasts, erotic dances and scenes featuring drugs made it not suitable for public screening.
Summary Notes
Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article, Hustlers follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for sexualised nudity, strong sex references, language, drug misuse:
I am Chut Wutty is a 2015 UK / Cambodia animation biography
by Fran Lambrick and Vanessa de Smet. Starring Helen Mirren, John Lynch and Donal McCann.
Cambodia: Banned in April 2016
Cambodia's
Ministry of Censorship Culture has banned a screening of a documentary film about murdered environmentalist Chut Wutty and threatened strong action against the venue if films continue to be shown without first being cleared by the government. A
letter sent from the Ministry to Meta House yesterday states:
The film has not been subject to a content check and was made without permission for shooting from the ministry and competent authorities.
Chhay Bora, president of the Motion Picture Association of Cambodia noted that often films have been shot and screened without permission and the blocking of I Am Chut Wutty
may be because this is a sensitive topic .
Summary Notes
In one of the last remaining wildernesses in South East Asia, Cambodian community activists are struggling to defend their forest home.
Their leader, Chut Wutty, defies threats and intimidation to investigate the corrupt logging syndicates. At an illegal, military controlled site in the Cardamom Mountains Wutty is stopped and shot dead. Featuring exclusive footage with Wutty in the
months leading up to his death, I am Chut Wutty asks why did he die, and can his network fight for the forest without him?
Availability
UK: Uncut and BBFC unrated for:
UK 2016 Journeyman Pictures VoD [UK only] at UK Amazon
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
US 2016 Journeyman Pictures VOD to rent/buy [US only] at US Amazon
I am Gay and Muslim is
a 2012 Netherlands/Morocco documentary biography by Chris Belloni. With Rayan Rayan.
Kyrgyzstan: Banned
Summary Review: Secretiveness
This intimate documentary follows a number of young Moroccan gay men in their
exploration of their religious and sexual identity. The men portrayed in the film openly share their personal experiences and talk about the ambiguity and secretiveness of the life they feel condemned to live.
v I Am Samuel
- 2020 Kenya / Canada / UK / USA documentary by Peter Murimi
I Am Samuel is a 2020 Kenya / Canada / UK / USA
documentary by Peter Murimi Starring Steve Zahn, Jillian Bell and Sasha Knight
Banned in Kenya.
Kenya: Banned in September
2021
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has banned the gay documentary I am Samuel claiming that it sought to propagate values that are in dissonance with our constitution, culture values and norms. KFCB boss Christopher Wambua
declared the film to be blasphemous and added:
Worse still, the production is demeaning of Christianity as two gay men in the film purport to conduct a religious marriage invoking the name of the Father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit.
Directed by a Kenyan filmmaker, I Am Samuel depicts a romantic relationship between two men living in Nairobi and promotes same-sex marriage as an acceptable way of life.
Summary Notes
Filmed verite style over five years, I Am Samuel is an intimate portrait of a Kenyan man torn between balancing duty to his family with his dreams for his future.
I Spit on Your Grave is a 1981 US revenge film by Meir Zarchi. With Camille Keaton, Eron Tabor and Richard Pace.
The film was banned as one of the most notable video nasties in 1983. It was
unbanned after massive BBFC cuts for 2001 and 2006 DVD. These cuts were reduced to about half in 2010. Cut in the US for an R rating but MPAA Unrated releases are uncut.
Prohibited in accordance with Section 7 of The Video Recordings Act 1989 on the grounds that in the opinion of the Acting Director of Film Classification it depicts acts of gross violence and cruelty
(including torture) towards Humans
UK: Banned as a video nasty for 1982 Wizard/Astra VHS
The video was one of the prime targets of the moral press and it was listed as a
Video Nasty in July 1983. It stayed on the list throughout so is therefore one the collectable DPP39s
Summary Review: Brutal
The film is evenly paced and unrelenting. One is forced to confront the brutality of rape and violence.
The actress is quite convincing and deserves recognition. The men are sickening and easily hated; they are just vicious
animals without any redeeming qualities, yet they are believable.
Without question, the rape scenes are some of the most disturbing moments in cinematic history. The castration scene is unparalleled.
I Spit on
Your Grave is a 2010 US revenge film by Steven R Monroe. With Sarah Butler, Jeff Branson and Andrew Howard.
Summary Notes
A writer
who is brutalized during her cabin retreat seeks revenge on her attackers, who left her for dead.
New Zealand: Banned by the New Zealand's OFLC with the following justification:
The [2010 remake]
contains long and realistic scenes showing the brutal terrorisation and rape of a woman by a group of men. Later scenes show her implausible but sadistic vengeance against her tormentors.
It encouraged attitudes that contribute to
sexual violence, torture by terror and other extremes of cruelty and violence, particularly against women.
The treatment of the woman before she is raped, is an all-too-plausible and realistic version of the kind of abuse meted
out to many women. There is minimal effort to explain the sadistic behaviour of the male characters.
The length of the scenes and their gratuitous focus on [her] suffering offer maximum opportunity for misogynistic pleasure.
Viewers are repeatedly invited to share the point of view of the rapists and are therefore placed in the position of prurient voyeurs.
Some viewers may well identify with male dominance and power, and echo the men's enjoyment of
the woman's terror and humiliation.
I Want Your Love is a 2012 USA gay drama by Travis Mathews.
With Jesse Metzger, Brontez Purnell, Ben Jasper.
Australia: Banned from film festival showings by the Australian Censorship Board in 2013
Promotional Material
The hotly anticipated debut feature film from director Travis
Mathews (INTERIOR. LEATHER BAR) is a bold and unflinching look at gay relationships among a group of San Francisco friends, which includes scenes of real sex, striking controversy amongst global film censors, including Australia where the film was banned
in 2013.
After a decade of living in San Francisco, Jesse is forced to move back to his Midwestern roots because he can no longer afford the city. On his final night in the city, friends and ex-lovers gather for a going away party
that promises to heighten Jesse's already bittersweet feelings about leaving into sharper focus. Torn between his creative dreams and the reality of earning a living, he's forced to take responsibility by redefining what it means to be an artist, a gay
man, and an adult.
Featuring music from The Chromatics, I WANT YOUR LOVE is a passionate and deeply intimate film, that dares to capture the uncensored zeitgeist of modern-day San Francisco unlike any film before it.
Ichi the Killer is a 2001 Japan action crime comedy by Takashi Miike. Starring Tadanobu Asano, Nao Ômori and Shin'ya Tsukamoto. Germany: Banned
The film has been banned and subsequently cut by 18 minutes
Malaysia: Banned
Norway: Banned in 2001:
Censorship Authority in Norway
believes that Ichi The Killer contrary to the Penal Code section 382, relating to improper use of severe violence for entertainment purposes.
UK: Cut for an 18 rating
The BBFC has required 11 cuts (approximately three and a quarter minutes of screen time) to the Japanese cinema film Ichi the Killer . The cuts have been made to remove extreme sexualised violence. These are the most substantial cuts
required by the BBFC to an 18 rated film since 1994.
New Zealand: The cut UK version was released in New Zealand
Hong King: Cut by 13 minutes
US: Cut for an MPAA R rating
Summary Review
As sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer Kakihara
searches for his missing boss he comes across Ichi, a repressed and psychotic killer who may be able to inflict levels of pain that Kakihara has only dreamed of.
I have come away with the impression that Miike is a brilliant
filmmaker capable of forcing extreme reactions from his viewers. Hollywood should take note of this guy and bring him over here for a project or two. Miike's warped visions would send American censors scrambling for a sedative, and most mainstream
viewers would recoil from the graphic nature of this director's films.
A word of warning for those thinking of indulging in "Ichi the Killer": the movie is loaded with sadism, gore, black comedy, and all around
unpleasantness. It's a tough watch, even for a gore fan.
In a Glass Cage is a 1987 Spain drama by Agustí Villaronga. With Günter Meisner, David Sust and Marisa Paredes. Australia: Banned
The Mardi Gras Film Festival 1995 showing was banned by the Australian film. The ban was confirmed on appeal. See article from
refused-classification.com
The 2005 DVD release was banned by the film censor and this was confirmed on appeal.
UK: Never made it to the UK, perhaps in [probably misplaced] fear of BBFC censorship.
Summary Review: A Black Heart
A former Nazi doctor-turned-pedophile, paralyzed from
the neck down after a suicide attempt, is forced to accept a boy as his nurse under threat of blackmail. The boy possesses the man's diary, which details his wartime experiments and his subsequent descent into pedophilia and murder. Before long, the boy
displays his ambition to follow in the older man's footsteps.
Although it is frequently mesmerizing and brilliantly filmed, its aesthetic beauty is unable to disguise its nihilism and black heart. The film nevertheless presents
one of the only truly effective psychological portraits of human evil on film. It's a schizophrenic film to say the least. But it's an unforgettable one, as well.
India's Most Wanted is a
2019 India action thriller by Raj Kumar Gupta (as Rajkumar Gupta) Starring Arjun Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma and Gaurav Mishra.
Dubai: Banned in May 2019
Film censors in
UAE banned the film when the producers declined to delete a line of dialogue saying that most terrorists are based either in Pakistan or Dubai,
The director, Raj Kumar Gupta, explained:
Yes the film will not release in
Dubai. There were some issues which could not be sorted and hence this decision. Yes the said dialogue is there in the film and it is a factual one based on the research that has been conducted. So we did not want to do away with the dialogue and decided
on retaining it in the film even if it entailed a non-release in Dubai.
Summary Notes
India's Most Wanted is an upcoming Bollywood action thriller film directed by
Raj Kumar Gupta starring Arjun Kapoor and Amrita Puri. The film is about tracking a terrorist in a secret mission and arresting him without firing bullets. It pays tribute to unsung heroes of our society.
Insects in the
Backyard is a 2010 Thailand drama by Tanwarin Sukkhapisit. Starring Nonpavit Dansriboon, Suchada Rojmanothum and Tanwarin Sukkhapisit.
Thailand: Unbanned in 2017
The film was
released in 2017 after a 3s censor cut.
Thailand: Banned in 2010
The film was banned in 2010 on the grounds that it infringed good public morals through its many scenes of sexual intercourse and prostitution.
The ban
was challenged in court n 2015, the court ruled that the film's content did not contradict good morals but that a three-second scene containing pornographic content should be banned.
If the scene in question was cut, the film could be screened with a
20+ audience rating.
Summary Notes
In the absence of their parents, Johnny (15) and Jennifer (17) are being brought up by their "big sister" Tanya, an overdressed transvestite who eats and
smokes too much and causes both kids endless embarrassment. It's a situation ripe for problems (actually, more complicated than I've made it sound), and Tanwarin's debut feature - as director, writer and star - explores those problems with unbridled
determination. Both kids mess up their pursuit of romance, in the ways that teenagers do, and both look for ways to break away from the family home and become independent. For Johnny, this entails going into male prostitution, which is as much an attempt
to erase his own self-esteem as a way of earning some fast bucks. Jenny makes other mistakes, but both of them wind up deeply dissatisfied. And Tanya? When Johnny catches her trying to seduce one of his buddies, things start to go downhill for her too.
The film had considerable difficulties in getting the necessary censor certificate from India's Central Board of Film
Certification. The main stumbling block appears to be that it deals with the sensitive and highly political subject of how the Indian armed forces have conducted themselves in Kashmir...presumably badly.
The series and timing of events by which
this film's review by the censor has proceeded is unusual, and suggestive of political considerations playing a part in the award of a censor's certificate:
On 28 October 2010, Pankaja Thakur (CEO of the New Delhi office of censor board ) reviewed the film and cleared it for a single private screening. An initial review by a senior censor official would normally indicate that the remainder of the
certification process is a formality.
A review committee in Mumbai , where the film's application for censor certification had been made, subsequently rejected the application altogether.
A second review committee confirmed the ban. As
reported in The Hindu newspaper, sources from India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting noted that "the problem with the CBFC's committees is that many of the nominated members are either related to government officials like police officers
or have a conservative outlook.". Normally, filmmakers are invited to present their case for gaining certification at such reviews, but Kumar and his colleagues were not invited.
However, Sharmila Tagore , the well-known Indian actress and
current chairperson of the Censor Board pressed for a third review. This review was handled in a way that clearly put Kumar at a disadvantage: Kumar received an email from the censor board on 28 December, while in Mumbai, informing him that the review
would take place the very next day in New Delhi -- 800 miles away. This unexpected shift in venue, and hurried timing of the notification, may have been designed to ensure that Kumar would not be able to present his case directly before the review
committee. Following this review, the Censor Board awarded the film an "Adult" ("A") certificate.
The award of an "Adult" certificate for a documentary is very unusual, since an Adult certificate is normally awarded to feature films that include graphic violence and nudity. Such films can be shown only to audiences over the age of 18,
and most movie theaters in India will not ordinarily agree to screen such films since it is very difficult to for them to make money in the circumstances.
The explanation for awarding Inshallah, Football was that the film has "characters talking about graphic details of physical and mental torture they had to undergo. The theme of the film is mature and some dialogues can be psychologically damaging for non-adult audience."
Kumar, however, asserts that the real purpose of this censorship is to avoid causing embarrassment to the Indian government, with regard to the conduct of the Indian armed forces in Kashmir.
Summary Notes
In Iraq, there is 1 soldier for every 166 civilians. In Kashmir, there is 1 for every 20. A Hizbul Mujaheddin ex-militant, his son- a footballer, an Argentinean football coach and his sparkling Brazilian wife grapple with
life on the streets of Kashmir. A Kashmiri kid dreams to play football in Brazil, but life in a silent war gets in the way.
Interspecies
Reviewers is a 2020 Japan anime comedy romance TV series Starring Junji Majima, Yûsuke Kobayashi and Miyu Tomita
A home video release was banned in Australia in August 2021.
Australia: The video was banned by the Australian Censorship Board on 17th August 2021. The censors explained:
The film is classified RC in accordance with the National Classification Code, Films
Table, 1. (b) as films that depict in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not).
Summary Notes
From elves to succubi to fairies and more, Our heroes: Stunk, a human, Zel, an elf and a hermaphrodite angel named Crimvael are here to rate the red-light delights of all manner of monster girls
v The Interview - 2014
USA action comedy by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen.
The Interview is a 2014 USA action comedy by Evan
Goldberg and Seth Rogen. Starring James Franco, Seth Rogen and Randall Park.
US: Initially banned by North Korea
Producers Sony were hacked by an organisation slightly unconvincingly attributed to North Korea. The hackers seemingly threatened violence against cinemas showing the film and unsurprisingly cinemas pulled out from showing the film. Sony responded by totally withdrawing the film from theatrical release.
Sony later allowed smaller independent cinemas to show the film but larger cinema chains chose not to screen the film
The 'ban' soon fizzled out.
Cambodia : Banned from cinema and TV
The Cambodian government
responded to a request from North Korea to ban the movie. The government promised that the film would be banned from TV and cinema but seemed to lack the ability to control distribution via DVD. Not a formal ban as distributors dodn't then bother submit
the film for approval for a thatrical release.
Malaysia: Banned or political content
North Korea: Banned
North Korean censors must have said something along the lines: Thou shalt not mock our much beloved
dictator Kim Jong-un.
Summary Notes
Dave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapoport run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean
dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong sex references, bloody violence,
very strong language for:
Inxeba is a 2017 South Africa / Germany / Netherlands / France gay romance by John Trengove. Starring Nakhane Touré, Bongile Mantsai and Niza Jay. South Africa: Censors censured
Award-winning movie Inxeba's reclassification as pornography has been overturned by the High Court in Pretoria' on the grounds that it was procedurally unfair and unlawful.
However, Judge Joseph Raulinga has stressed that Inxeba (The Wound)' which depicts a homosexual relationship between two men at an initiation school' violated the rights to dignity of Xhosa people. Furthermore' he said' if cultural beliefs and
practices are to be considered' the film is harmful and disturbing and exposes 16-year-olds to the sexual conduct depicted in the film.
South Africa: Provisionally unbanned by the High Court in March 2018
Unbanned by a
Pretoria High Court Order and will be back on mainstream cinema screens again from March 9.
This is the result of a High Court order granted in the urgent application brought by Webber Wentzel on behalf of the film's producers and distributor to
reverse the X18 rating and enables the film to return to the public domain and be relieved of its imprisonment in sex shops, branded as pornography.
While this outcome has provided momentary relief to the film as it can be screened in mainstream
cinema with the rating of 18, the lifting of the ban is, however, only temporary, pending the outcome of review proceedings before the court, which will be heard on March 28.
South Africa: Banned from cinemas in February 2018
Inxeba (The Wound) is a film centred around an African custom of adulthood initiation via a circumcision ritual. It contains two simulated sex scenes and has a gay storyline.
South African film censors at Film and Publication Board (FPB}
originally awarded a straightforward 16 LS rating for language and sex.
The gay theme wound up local conservatives of the Gauteng branch of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa) and cultural organisation the Man and Boy Foundation and
an appeal against the rating was lodged.
The result of the appeal was that the rating was upgraded to an X18 rating which is generally reserved for explicit hardcore pornography. Similarly to the UK, the movie can then only be screened at licensed
porn cinemas, and it is effectively banned from mainstream cinemas.
Summary Notes
Xolani, a lonely factory worker, travels to the rural mountains with the men of his community to initiate a group of
teenage boys into manhood. When a defiant initiate from the city discovers his best-kept secret, Xolani's entire existence begins to unravel.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong sex, language, drug
misuse for:
The Irrefutable Truth About Demons is a 2000 New Zealand horror thriller fantasy by Glenn Standring. With Karl Urban, Katie Wolfe, Jonathon Hendry. India:
Banned by the CBFC in 2001
Summary Review: Horror Gem
Anthropologist Harry Ballard researches obscure demon cults and sects since his brother died, victim of one of those same demon-worshiping cults. One day he receives a threat from a so-called Black
Convent, whose leader seeks to prey on Ballard. With the help of a strange, sexy woman he makes his way through the night in search of his salvation and the redemption of his lost brother.
Karl Urban has a hand in making this a
horror gem. There are plenty of fast and violent action scenes with a lot of occult symbolism. Highly recommended
Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of A Serial
Killer is a 2022 Pakistan crime thriller by Abu Aleeha Starring Kaleem Ghori, Yasir Hussain and Rabya Kulsoom
Banned in Pakistan in March 2022.
Summary Notes
The story of serial killer Javed Iqbal, who sexually abused and killed more than 100 children in Lahore between 1998 and 1999.
Pakistan: Banned in March 2022
The movie Javed Iqbal:
The Untold Story of A Serial Killer was eagerly awaited in its native Pakistan but after a preview screening in Karachi it was abruptly pulled by the government's Central Bureau of Film Censors, despite it initially receiving censor approval. The
decision was met with widespread condemnation by the film community and those who had been involved in the Javed Iqbal investigation.
A high court case is currently ongoing in a bid to retract the decision.
v Jigsaw
- 2017 USA / Canada horror thriller by Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig.
Jigsaw is a 2017 USA / Canada horror thriller by Michael Spierig and
Peter Spierig. Starring Laura Vandervoort, Tobin Bell and Callum Keith Rennie.
Malaysia: Banned in 2017
The film was
banned by the country's film censor for strong horror themes and gruesome violence
Summary Notes
Bodies are turning up around the city, each having met a uniquely gruesome demise. As the
investigation proceeds, evidence points to one man: John Kramer. But how can this be? The man known as Jigsaw has been dead for over a decade.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for trong bloody violence,
injury detail for:
2018 Lionsgate Home Entertainment 4kRB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2018 Lionsgate Home Entertainment RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2018 Lionsgate Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
Jolly LLB 2 is a 2017 India comedy drama by Subhash Kapoor. Starring Sudhanva Deshpande, Avijit Dutt and Nikhil Dwivedi.
Pakistan: Banned in February 2017
The reason is put down to the Pakistan film censors policy rule to ban all Indian films referencing
Kashmir, a region with a long history of dispute between India and Pakistan.
UK: Cut in 2017
Passed 12A for moderate violence, occasional bloody images, suicide scene after 23s of BBFC category cuts for:
2017 cinema release
Summary Notes
Jolly is a clumsy lawyer who is faced with representing the most critical court case of his career.
Joyland is a 2022 Pakistan drama by Saim Sadiq Starring Rasti
Farooq, Sarwat Gilani and Ali Junejo
Banned by Pakistan's government in November 2022. Unbanned after cuts a few days later but the film is still banned locally in Punjab.
Summary
Notes
As the happily patriarchal Rana family craves for the birth of a baby boy, the youngest of the Rana men secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and finds himself falling for a fiercely ambitious trans starlet.
Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's...
Pakistan: Banned in Punjab November 2022.
Less than 24 hours after the national government's decision to unban Joyland, the Punjab
government blocked the film's release in the province.
The Punjab Information and Culture Department explained that the Punjab government decided to re-call Joyland in the wake of persistent complaints received from different quarters.
Pakistan: Unbanned November 2022.
Pakistani film Joyland has been unbanned by the censor board of Pakistan after making several scenes were cut.
The full censor board has allowed the local screening of Joyland.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a cabinet committee to look into the matter after some schools of thought had objected to the movie.
Pakistan: Banned November 2022.
Joyland, which is Pakistan's contender
at the Oscars, was set to go on national release, but was banned following pressure from hardline Islamic groups who called the film repugnant.
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a senator in the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party, called Joyland cultural terrorism and
criticised the government for the shameless act of allowing its release:
I condemn it and will use every legal step to stop Joyland's release. Glamourising transgenders in Pakistan, as well as their love affairs, is a
direct attack on our beliefs.
Cancelling the film's licence, which puts its Oscars' contention in doubt, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said:
Written complaints were received that the
film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of 'decency and morality' as laid down in Section 9 of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979.
Justice League is a 2017 USA action Sci-Fi fantasy by Zack
Snyder. Starring Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa.
Lebanon : Banned in December 2017
The movie has been banned by state censors as star Gal Gadot had served in the Israeli forces under
the country's national service. Gadot's two years of service coincided with the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, one of many wars and conflicts the bitter rivals have been involved in over the decades.
Palestine: Withdrawn by
distributors in December 2017
Palestine Cinema Tower, Palestinians' largest film distributor, banned the film Justice League in Ramallah for violating censorship rules.
The decisions was made after local protest was sparked by a viral
campaign built all in Arabic focusing on Israeli actress Gal Gadot's nationality and role as Wonder Woman.
Promotional Material
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's
selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of met humans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But
despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes; Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash, it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Ka Bodyscapes is a 2016 India / USA gay drama by Jayan
Cherian. Starring Adhithi, Tinto Arayani and Arundhathi.
India October 2018: Released
The film was released on 5th October in Thiruvananthapuram. The opening didn't lease everyone and posters
of the film were found vandalised in various parts of Ernakulam.
India: September 2017, Unbanned
After pressure from the Kerala high court, the CBFC granted Ka Bodyscapes an adults only 'A' rating after demanding the
following cuts:
Removal of all references to the right wing nationalist political party, RSS, and the saffron flag wherever they appear in the movie.
Additionally, the makers of the film have also been directed to delete all the visuals containing photos of
the RSS founder KB Hedgewar and ideologue MS Golwalkar from the movie,
removal of a scene with a female character that is shown masturbating.
The supposedly objectionable and disrespectful visual of a painting depicting Lord Hanuman
carrying books in his hand.
India: August 2017, Contemptible delays
Kerala high court moves closer to holding the CBFC in contempt as the film censor pussyfoots around reviewing its decision. The latest claim by the CBFC is that the film remains
banned because there was no unanimous decision among the members of the Board. The court noted that a vote would be sufficient and that unanimity was not required.
India: July 2017, CBFC dragging its heals
Despite an order from the Kerala high court demanding that the CBFC unban the film (although cuts are allowed), the censors are dragging their heels. They ludicrously claim that they cannot afford a board wide meeting to decide on cuts required.
India: Ban upheld by 2nd revising committee in March 2017
A 2nd Revising Committee from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify the Malayalam film Ka Bodyscapes, saying it glorified the
subject of gay and homosexual relationship and portrayed the Hindu religion in a derogatory manner by showing Hanuman in poor light as gay . It also objected to the portrayal of a Muslim woman masturbating.
Meanwhile the CBFC has appealed
against a court decision requiring the film censors to consider cuts and explain why a ban is necessary.
India: Ban challenged in court in September 2016
The CBFC ban is being challenged in court and it seems that the
court is calling the CBFC's bluff.
The court has asked the CBFC to explain more precisely which censorship rules are being broken and how these transgressions require a ban rather than cuts. The court added that if the objection concerned only the
depiction of the Hindu God Hanuman and the reference to masturbation of women and homosexuality, there was no need to ban the exhibition of the film, as the scenes could be deleted or modified.
The CBFC failed to heed the court requests and further
legal action will now commence. In the meantime the censors continue to ban the film from festival showings.
India : Banned by the CBFC in July 2016
In a rejection letter sent to the maker of the film, A. Prathibha,
regional officer of the CBFC in Thiruvananthapuram, wrote:
The revising committee felt that the entire content of the Malayalam feature film Ka Bodyscapes is ridiculing, insulting and humiliating Hindu religion, in
particular portraying Hindu Gods in poor light. Derogatory words are used against women. The Hindu God 'Hanuman' is shown as coming in the books titled 'I am Gay' and other homosexual books. The film has also references to lady masturbating, highlighting
'gay' by many 'gay' posters. The film offends human sensibilities by vulgarity, obscenity and depravity.
Summary Notes
Three young people, Haris, a gay painter; Vishnu, a rural
kabaddi player and their friend Sia, an activist who refuse to conform to dominant norms of femininity, struggle to find space and happiness in a conservative Indian City.
The Kashmir Files is a 2022 India historical thriller by Vivek Agnihotri Starring Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and Darshan Kumaar
Singapore: Banned in May 2022
The Indian hit film The Kashmir Files has been banned in Singapore by the country's InfoComm Media Development Authority, on the grounds that it could supposedly disturb
religious harmony.
The IMDA said that it had consulted with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Home Affairs, and that they together found the film to have exceeded the Film Classification Guidelines for its provocative
and one-sided portrayal of Muslims and the depictions of Hindus being persecuted in the on-going conflict in Kashmir saying:
These representations have the potential to cause enmity between different communities and
disrupt social cohesion and religious harmony in Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious society.
UAE: Briefly banned in March 2022
Briefly banned by the UAE film censors but the decision
was reversed and the film was released uncut.
New Zealand: Uprated
The New Zealand film censor initially passed the film R16 but this was uprated to R18 in response to muslim 'concerns'.
Summary Notes
The Kashmir Files is a story, based on video interviews of the first generation victims of the Genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Community In 1990.
It tells the story of Ms Gandhi's Sikh bodyguards who shot her dead apparently to avenge her decision to send troops in a deadly raid on the Golden
Temple. Sikhs say thousands were murdered when the army entered Sikhism's holiest shrine in Amritsar to flush out militants. Mrs Gandhi's assassination triggered an outburst of communal violence targeted at Sikhs and more than 3,000 Sikhs were killed in
attacks across India.
Chief film censor Leela Samson said after a review of the movie:
We saw the film and decided that it must not be released.
The home ministry earlier voiced serious concern at
the content of the Punjabi film, and asked the I&B ministry to take a relook at its clearance. It said the Punjabi-language film Kaum De Heere may affect communal harmony in Punjab and other northern states.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong bloody violence for:
2014 cinema release
v Ken Park
- 2002 USA/Netherlands/France drama by Larry Clark and Edward Lachman.
Ken Park is a 2002 USA/Netherlands/France drama by Larry Clark and
Edward Lachman. With Adam Chubbuck, James Bullard, Seth Gray.
Australia: Banned in 2003
Ken Park was originally scheduled as part of the 2003 Sydney Film Festival, but the Office of Film and Literature Classification (now known as the Australian Classification
Board) handed down a ban, citing the work's prolonged scenes of unsimulated sex.
A screening at the Balmain Town Hall was stopped by police as the opening credits rolled, prompting critic David Stratton to observe: "It is an explicit film, and it
is a confronting film, but it's a film that certainly deserves to be seen by an adult audience. It's sad that we in this country today have got to a stage where adults can't choose whether or not to see a film like this."
Summary
Review: Not About Much
It's about several Californian skateboarder's life and relationships with and without their parents.
Ken Park has not received widespread distribution due to
the depiction of young teenagers in acts of urination, cunnilingus, auto erotic asphyxiation and group sex. It is all simulated bar for one act -- a young man was genuinely masturbating.
The reason I dislike this film, as
I did both Kids and Bully (two movies that appear tame by comparison), is simply because once you take away the shocking aspects of it - the violence, the no-holds-barred sex scenes - it really isn't about anything much.
Availability
UK: Hasn't had a UK release yet. It is reported that Larry Clark punched the only potential distributor to date, putting an end to the release.
Marathi film Khairlanjichya Mathyawar has now been officially banned by the courts and cannot be screened in any theatre or
film festivals. The certification, U/A, which had previously been issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has been withdrawn and the makers of the film have to apply and re-issue another certificate to screen it.
The movie based on
the real life tragedy in which four members of Bhotmange family were lynched by a frenzied mob in Khairlanji village in Bhandara on September 29, 2006.
Director Raju Meshram said:
The court has banned the film and CBFC
has asked us to have a meeting with Bhaiyalal Bhotmange, the lone survivor of the incident, before we proceed with the case. We are planning to have a discussion with him in Mumbai soon.
When contacted, Bhotmange said:
We had appealed to the court and I am glad that the film has been stopped from being screened. I am also not interested in having any discussion with the makers in Mumbai, as I feel that my deceased family's sentiments have been hurt.
If they want, they can come to Nagpur, but I am not going to change my mind.
Summary Notes
This film is based on Khairlanji massacre took place in an interior village
of Maharashtra in 2006. The wife and daughter of a poor farmer were raped and paraded naked before they were killed. This was allegedly done because the farmer opposed registration of their field to built a road through it.
v The Killing Of America
- 1981 USA / Japan crime documentary by Sheldon Renan and Leonard Schrader (uncredited).
The Killing Of
America is a 1981 USA / Japan crime documentary by Sheldon Renan and Leonard Schrader (uncredited). Starring Chuck Riley, Ed Dorris and Thomas Noguchi.
Not formally banned in the US, but the film was never released,
distributed, televised nor made available for sale in the USA, from when the documentary was produced in 1981, until released on home video by Severin in 2016.
The film was however released in Japan and the UK where it was passed 18 uncut by the BBFC
in 2000.
US: Informally banned from 1981 to 2016
Promotional Material
In 1982, filmmakers Seldon Renan and Academy Award® nominee Leonard Schrader (KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN,
MISHIMA, BLUE COLLAR) created a graphic and provocative examination of America's history with and penchant for senseless violence, mass shootings and cold-blooded murder. It was condemned as exploitive and obscene (The New York Times), acclaimed as
among the most controversial documentaries in the history of cinema (Fantasia Festival), and never distributed, televised or made available for sale in the United States.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut
for:
2016 Blue Undergorund/Severin Films [US + Japanese Versions] R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2016 Blue Undergorund/Severin Films [US Version only] R2 DVD at UK Amazon
2000 Cine-Verite video
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2016 Severin Films [US + Japanese Version] R0 Blu-ray at US Amazon
2016 Severin
Films [US version only] R0 DVD at US Amazon
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a 2017 UK / USA action comedy adventure by Matthew Vaughn.
Starring Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Mark Strong.
Banned in Cambodia in 2017.
Cambodia: Banned in October 2017
Cambodia has banned the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle over its alleged
negative portrayal of the country. Bok Borak, from the Ministry of Censorship Culture told The Phnom Penh Post that the film's clear reference to Cambodia as a place where villains are based and make trouble for the world as a major point of concern.
Availability
UK: The UK Version was passed 15 uncut for strong violence, language, sex references, drugs misuse for:
2018 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment RB Blu-ray/RB 4k Blu-ray at UK
Amazon
2018 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment RB Blu-ray at UK
Amazon
2018 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
2017 Twentieth Century Fox cinema release
Summary Notes
When the Kingsman headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman,
dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents' strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that's
becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy...
The Kite Runner is a 2007 USA / China / UK /
Afghanistan drama by Marc Forster. Starring Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada and Atossa Leoni.
Uncut around the world but banned in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan:
Banned in 2008
Afghanistan has banned the import and exhibition of The Kite Runner on the grounds that it could incite violence. Latif Ahmadi, the head of state-run Afghan Film told Reuters:
On
the basis of the instruction of the Information and Culture Ministry, The Kite Runner film's depiction and import has been banned. Because some of its scenes are questionable and unacceptable for some people and would cause sensitiveness and would cause
trouble for the government and people.
In one controversial scene, Hassan is raped in an alley by a Pashtun bully. The rape scene is considered inflammatory and anti-Islamic in Afghan society.
Summary Notes
In the 70's in Afghanistan, the Pushtun boy Amir and the Hazara boy Hassan, who is his loyal friend and son of their Hazara servant Ali, are raised together in Amir's father house, playing and kiting on the streets of
a peaceful Kabul. Amir feels that his wise and good father Baba blames him for the death of his mother in the delivery, and also that his father loves and prefers Hassan to him. In return, Amir feels a great respect for his father's best friend Rahim
Khan, who supports his intention to become a writer. After Amir winning a competition of kiting, Hassan runs to bring a kite to Amir, but he is beaten and raped by the brutal Assef in an empty street to protect Amir's kite; the coward Amir witness the
assault but does not help the loyal Hassam. On the day after his birthday party, Amir hides his new watch in Hassam's bed to frame the boy as a thief and force his father to fire Ali, releasing his conscience from recalling his cowardice and betrayal. In
1979, the Russians ...
Availability
UK: Passed 12 uncut for:
2008 Paramount Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
The Lady Of Heaven is a 2021 UK action drama by Eli King Starring Ray Fearon, Denise Black and Christopher Sciueref
There are no BBFC issues with this release but the film was withdrawn from all
Cineworld cinemas and some Vue cinemas after muslim protests. The film was banned in Morocco.
Summary Notes
The heart-wrenching journey of Lady Fatima, the daughter of the religious
character Muhammad. Separated by 1400 years, an Iraqi child, in the midst of a war-torn country, learns the importance and power of patience. After losing his mother, the child finds himself in a new home, where a loving grandmother narrates the
historical story of The Lady and how her suffering as the first victim of terror spun out of control into the 21st century.
The film was withdrawn from all Cineworld cinemas and some Vue cinemas after muslim protests.
One issue is reported as being a CGI depiction of the religious character Mohammed, something forbidden
in islam. The BBC's Religion Editor, Aleem Maqbool, said that the criticism also centres on the the way the Shia Muslim film-maker and cleric, Yasser Al-Habib, has portrayed prominent revered figures in early Sunni Islam, implying that there are
comparisons between their actions with those of the Islamic State group in Iraq.
Moroccan film censors have banned the British film Lady of Heaven, after it was condemned by the country's religious council.
The Supreme Ulema Council said the movie was a
flagrant falsification of the established facts of Islam. The council accused the film of loathsome partiality and accused the filmmakers of seeking fame and sensationalism and hurting the feelings of Muslims and stirring up religious sensitivities.
There have been protests against the film in the UK. Egypt, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq have also denounced it.
Land of the Dead is a 2005 Canada / France / USA horror thriller by George A Romero. Starring John Leguizamo, Asia Argento and Simon Baker.
Cut in the US for an MPAA R rating. This cut version was passed 15 for 2004
cinema release. Home video releases are the uncut MPAA Unrated version which was also passed 15 uncut for UK home video. The film was banned in Ukraine
Ukraine: Banned
The film was banned in Ukraine reportedly over
sensitivities to marauding cannibal masses in search of food. It recalls the historical Holodomor genocide in 1932-33. The Soviet Government starved the Ukranian people causing thousands to resort to cannibalism to survive.
Summary
Notes
Now that zombies have taken over the world, the living have built a walled-in city to keep the dead out. But all's not well where it's most safe, as a revolution plans to overthrow the city leadership, and the
zombies are turning into more advanced creatures.
I have seen a film that was rated MA15+ in Australia (so yes, a 12 year old could watch it with a parent) but was actually banned here in NZ. If one of us is right, then the other must be wrong, and given the level of sexual violence
in this particular film I wouldn't say it is us that are wrong!
For comparison the BBFC passed the film 18 uncut for very strong language, sexual violence
Summary Notes
Three American tourist are crossing a desolated landscape of European Georgia. One of them steps on an armed landmine. But that seems to be a minor threat compared to the nightmarish happenings that the afternoon will bring on. A psychopath takes advantage of tourist's immobility and brutally abuses and assaults the woman he loves.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life is a 2003 USA / Germany / Japan / UK / Hong Kong action fantasy adventure by Jan de Bont. Starring Angelina Jolie, Gerard Butler and Chris Barrie.
The BBFC reports that the 2019 submission was a Domestic Cut but there are no further details abut this variant. The film was banned in China.
China: Banned
From IMDb. The film was banned in
China because it damaged China's reputation, giving the impression of a country in chaos, with no government, and overrun by secret societies.
Summary Notes
Off the coast of the
volcanic island of Santorini, the intrepid archaeologist, Lara Croft, makes the unexpected discovery of a throbbing golden orb able to guide its holder to the mythical Pandora's Box. As the legendary artefact contains ancient mysteries of unfathomable
power, Lara needs to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, especially the unscrupulous former Nobel Prize winner and now a bio-weapons dealer, Jonathan Reiss. With the aid of the former agent, Terry Sheridan, the fearless adventurer travels the
world in pursuit of the precious item; however, can she retrieve it in time to save the day?
Availability
UK: Passed 12 uncut for moderate action violence and fantasy horror:
2018 Paramount Home Entertainment R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon released on
11th June 2018
Director Amir Muhammad s lyrical documentary, The Last Communist , premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2006. But it was banned by Malaysia's Home Ministry for cinema and DVD.
A travel documentary
essay, interspersed with specially composed songs, about the early life and legacy of Chin Peng, exiled leader of the banned Communist Party of Malaya.
Amir's film was approved for screening by the censorship board, but weeks
before it was due for local release, conservative daily, Berita Harian published a series of editorials deriding the film as an anti-Malaysian celebration of Communism, it was subsequently re-examined and banned.
At the time, home
minister Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said his biggest issue with the film was that it didn't portray any violence, which could lead the viewer to think that Chin Peng was a peaceful figure, director Amir was quick to point out, in several interviews, that The
Last Communist may be the only movie ever to have been banned for not being violent enough.
Leatherface is a USA horror thriller by Alexandre Bustillo and
Julien Maury. Starring Lili Taylor, Stephen Dorff and Nicole Andrews.
Malaysia: Banned in 2017
Banned for strong
horror themes and gruesome violence
Summary Notes
Prequel about teenage Leatherface who escapes from a mental hospital with three other inmates, kidnaps a young nurse and takes her on a road trip
from hell. Along the way, they are pursued by an equally deranged lawman out for revenge.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong bloody violence, gore, strong sex for:
2018 Lionsgate Home Entertainment RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
2018 Lionsgate Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
2018
Lionsgate Home Entertainment VoD [UK only] at UK Amazon
v Lightyear
- 2022 US children's cartoon drama by Angus MacLane
Lightyear is a 2022 US children's cartoon drama by Angus MacLane
Starring Chris Evans, (voice), Keke Palmer, (voice), Dale Soules and (voice)
There are no censorship issues with this release in the west but the film has been
banned in many muslim countries.
In particular the film won't be in theaters in Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Malaysia. The issue is the presence of openly LGBTQ characters in the film.
The film was also removed from the Disney+ streaming service. Disney were reluctant to make cuts to remove the gay material and decided that it was best to remove the film entirely from countries or regions where the material is controversial.
Summary Notes
The story of Buzz Lightyear and his adventures to infinity and beyond.
Lipstick
Under my Burkha is a 2016 India drama by Alankrita Shrivastava. Starring Shashank Arora, Plabita Borthakur and Sonal Jha.
India: Unbanned, May 2017
After the
successful appeal, the film was duly awarded an adults only 'A' rating after the cuts agreed at the appeal. The film was finally released on 21st July 2017.
It was reported that controversy did well for the film's takings making it a 'super-hit' that
recovered its production costs in just 4 days.
India: Successful appeal, April 2017
Upholding the appeal filed by the film's director Alankrita Srivastava and producer Prakash Jha, the Tribunal noted that there was no violation
of guidelines. Neither the visuals nor the dialogues in the film were contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups, as claimed by the CBFC. the tribunal also refuted other CBFC claims by noting: There was no targeting of women of
certain community or religion.
The Tribunal explained that the examining committee and revising committee of the CBFC misdirected themselves in denying certification on the ground that the story of the film was women oriented. Tribunal head
Justice Manmohan Sarin said:
There cannot be any embargo on a film being women oriented or containing sexual fantasies and expression of the inner desires of women.
The entire matter has to be
considered in the perspective of the theme of the film, the story, the characters and the overall impact of the film. As a matter of general approach if the aspect of sexual desires and their expression is sensitively handled without bringing coarseness,
vulgarity or obscenity, pandering prurient tendencies, then it is not to be disallowed.
India: Banned by the CBFC in March 2017
Lipstick Under My Burkha has been deemed too lady oriented in
content by the Indian film censors from the CBFC. The board banned the film complaining about continuous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a sensitive touch about one particular section of society.
Amnesty International India have
now criticised the censors asking them not to indulge in moral policing . Commenting on the bans of Lipstick Under My Burkha and the gay film Ka Bodyscapes, Amnesty said:
The recent denial of theatrical
release to two films because they deal with women's sexuality and same-sex relations amounts to open censorship of artistic expression.
Summary Notes
Set in the crowded by-lanes of
small town India, Lipstick Under My Burkha chronicles the secret lives of four women in search of a little freedom. Though stifled and trapped in their worlds, these four women claim their desires through small acts of courage and stealthy rebellion.
Availability
The film has been wide screened on the film festival circuit and achieved a limited US theatrical release in September 2017.
v #LookAtMe
- 2022 Singapore gay themed drama by Ken Kwek
#LookAtMe is a 2022 Singapore gay themed drama by Ken Kwek Starring Yao, Yao and Pam Oei
Banned in Singapore.
Summary Notes
A Youtuber posts an irreverent video trolling a megachurch pastor, in defence of his gay twin brother. He is vilified by society, tried
in court, and pitted against a culture that threatens to destroy his family.
Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has retained
banned film #LookAtMe in its official selection, despite the fact it cannot be screened in the country.
Directed by Singapore filmmaker Ken Kwek, the film was handed a local exhibition ban last week on the grounds that it supposedly
denigrates a religious community and has the potential to cause enmity and social division in Singapore's multi-racial and multi-cultural society, according to a joint statement by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).
Produced by Eko Pictures, the feature received its world premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) in July where it proved one of the buzz titles of the event and received a
special mention for the performance of Malaysian-born, US-based actor Yao (aka Thomas Pang) who plays the dual role of twin brothers.
The film's production team had previously planned to submit an appeal in a bid to overturn the ban. But after
learning more about the IMDA appeals process, which includes a $355 (S$500) fee, they chose not to challenge the decision.
The film's festival run continues and it is scheduled to screen at upcoming festivals in the US, Australia and Thailand.
Lost in Beijing is a 2007 China drama by Yu Li. Starring Bingbing Fan, Dawei Tong and Tony Ka Fai Leung. China: Banned in 2008
Authorities
in China have banned a film already on release set in a Beijing massage parlour that had been heavily cut for its sexual content.
Lost In Beijing (Ping Guo) was released in Chinese cinemas on 30 November after scenes showing dirty streets, prostitutes
and gambling were removed from the movie. According to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, however, the film still violated regulations.
Its producers and the director have been banned from making films in China for two years.
According to the Chinese authorities, the film broke regulations by using unhealthy and inappropriate promotional materials in its marketing.
Summary Notes
Lin Dong and Wang Mei are a childless couple in Beijing, wealthy, approaching middle age. Lin owns a foot-massage parlor. One afternoon he rapes one of his workers,
Liu Pingguo, who has nearly passed out from drinking alcohol with a friend. Part of the assault is witnessed by Liu's husband, An Kun, a window washer. He's angry with the boss and with his wife, and he seeks compensation. Lin's wife counsels him and
joins in revenge. Then, Liu realizes she's pregnant and a set of emotional calculations ensues: Lin wants to buy the child, Wang agrees but has conditions, An Kun goes back and forth and barely contains his anger; Liu withdraws. The baby comes. Can
anything be sorted out?
Love is a 2015 France / Belgium drama by Gaspar Noé. Starring Gaspar Noé,
Aomi Muyock and Klara Kristin.
Russia: Banned in September 2015
Love has now been banned in Russia by state censors from Russia's culture ministry. A statement from the department chiefs reads:
The
decision is based on the fact that the film contains numerous pornographic scenes.
Reports suggest the censors asked for a thorough edit, but were not satisfied with the softer version of the movie, even though it had less
sexual content than the one screened at Cannes.
France: Controversy
Originally 16 rated in France but moralist campaigners objected and a court raised the rating to 18, a classification previously reserved for
pornography.
Japan: Censored
Not banned but all the explicit sex has been blurred by Japanese censors.
Promotional Material
From the controversial diretor of
Irreversible and Enter the Void comes a sexual melodrama about a boy and his two girls. It's a love story, which celebrates sex in a joyous way.
Availability
UK: 2D and 3D versions passed 18 uncut for
strong real sex, very strong language for:
2015 cinema release
2015 Curzon / Artificial Eye (RB) Blu-ray
at UK Amazon
Love, Simon is a 2018 USA gay drama by Greg Berlanti. Starring Katherine Langford, Nick Robinson and Jennifer Garner.
India : Banned in June 2018
The film was pulled at the last minute before cinema release.
CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi has
completely denied that the CBFC has banned on Love, Simon. He said that an adults-only CBFC 'A' certificate has been given to Love, Simon four months ago, on February 6, 2018 after 2 cuts described as minor.
Another source from the CBFC says, This is
one more attempt to use the censor board to gain publicity for a film.
However it is has not been made clear an alternative reason for the film being pulled from cinema s at the last moment.
The film contains no explicit content although there is a
kiss between the two lads.
Malaysia: Banned in 2018
Malaysia's Film Censorship Board (LPF) placed the movie in its not approved list. Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz, chairman of the Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LPF), said
the film was bannd because it contained LGBT elements.
Promotional Material
From the producers of The Fault in Our Stars comes the relatable and heartfelt coming-of-age film LOVE, SIMON. Everyone
deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon, it's a bit complicated. The gay teenager hasn't come out yet, and doesn't know the identity of the anonymous classmate he's fallen for online. Resolving both issues will be a hilarious, scary,
life-changing adventure.
Availability
UK: Passed 12 uncut for moderate sex references, infrequent strong language for:
2018 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment R2 DVD at UK Amazon
2018 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment VoD [UK only]
at UK Amazon
v Maalik
- 2016 Pakistan action thriller by Ashir Azeem.
Maalik is a 2016 Pakistan action thriller by Ashir Azeem. Starring Ashir Azeem, Farhan Ally Agha and Sajid Hassan.
Pakistan: Unbanned in September 2016
The Sindh High Court has declared the federal government's controversial ban on film Maalik illegal and cleared it to be screened again.
Ashir Azeem, the film's
director, had challenged the ban in court saying the ban on Maalik had been imposed by the government without having the authority to do. The authority to establish censor boards was a prerogative of provincial governments following the 18th amendment,
he had argued.
And Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah duly cleared the film for screening across the country while ruling the ban illegal.
And in higher court, J ustice Qazi of the Supreme Court had particularly strong words for chief censor
Mubashir Hassan. Qazi said:
You approved the screening of the film and the other day you banned it as your mood changed on a single phone call. Isn't this effectively corruption? What do you people want? Do you want to
devastate the Pakistani film industry?
Pakistan: Banned in April 2016
The film was removed from cinema screens by government authorities a few weeks after its initial premiere on April 8, 2016. This is
in spite of it being cleared by all three censor boards.
The film was flagged by the Sindh government after they accused one of the characters portraying a corrupt former Chief Minister as being too similar to the present Chief Minister of Sindh
province. A ministry official told local newspapers:
The information ministry reserves the right to ban any film at any time. Maalik has been banned because it shows a former chief minister as a man of corruption and
opulence.
Following numerous appeals from Sindh, the film was eventually banned by the Federal Government across the rest of Pakistan.
The Pakistani government later attempted to ban the export of the film on August 9, 2016,
barring it from being shown overseas. However, despite these attempts, the film was set for release in the UK and internationally on August 26, 2016.
Director Ashir Azeem commented on the failed attempt to ban the export of the film:
Authorities in Pakistan are very concerned with how they are perceived, especially abroad. Whereas this might be considered an overreaction in some countries, it has become the go-to method for the authorities to ban content they deem
offensive or controversial.
Summary Notes
An Afghan family that escapes from the ravages of the Soviet war in Afghanistan and settles in Karachi. A SSG officer who undergoes a
personal tragedy and starts a private security company (Black Ops Pvt. Ltd) in Karachi. His SSG colleagues keep joining the company on their retirements. An idealist school master who suffers greatly under a cruel Feudal lord and settles in Karachi and
finally the Feudal Lord who becomes the Chief Minister of Sindh and unleashes a reign of terror on all that cross his path. Maalik is a story of love, loyalty, honor, family value, idealism, courage and dignity against all odds, and across all sections
of society from the poor and the struggling to the highest levels of wealth and power.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong violence, sexual threat for:
2016 cinema release
v Macabre
- 2009 Indonesia horror by Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto (The Mo Brothers).
Macabre is a 2009 Indonesia horror by Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto (The Mo Brothers). With Ario Bayu, Shareefa Daanish and Julie Estelle. Malaysia: Banned
Said to be the first Indonesian film banned in Malaysia on grounds of violence
Indonesia: Cut by 30s
Singapore: Cut by 30s
Summary Review: Grim and Messy
Two newly weds Adjie and Astrid, along with 3 of their best friends decided to have an interstate road trip as a
last attempt to reconcile Adjie with his estranged little sister Ladya.
The night turns into a bloody-hell for the 6 friends, who find themselves trapped and hunted down by Dara and her cult-like family of her three deadly
proteges, born and raised to systematically eliminate unsuspecting passers-by for one nefarious reason...
One of the highlights of the Cannes 2010 festival, Macabre dishes up the deaths in very assured and bloodily violent form.
The film delivers the goods in messy style. Breaking with tradition, those whom you think would or deserve to survive, do not. There is also no humour to alleviate the situation. Just grim well crafted nastiness.
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for very strong bloody violence and gore for:
Made in China is a 2009 India / USA action comedy by Nikkhil Advani (as Nikhil Advani). Starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone and Chia-Hui Liu.
From IMDb. The shot of Hojo urinating on the face of Sidhu has been removed from the
international version. The film was banned in Nepal.
BBFC category cuts were required for a 12A rated cinema release in 2019.
Nepal: Banned in February 2009
Nepal's Ministry of Information and
Communication banned the film as mentioned that Lord Buddha was born in India. Buddha was born at the time in the independent republic of Lumbini. This is now part of Nepal.
Summary Notes
Based in Delhi's Chandni Chowk, orphaned Sidhu is adopted by the owner of Bajrang Bali Parathas, known simply as Dada. Years later Sidhu has grown up and is an expert at slicing vegetables. When his Chinese friend and Philosopher,
Chopstick, cons him into believing that he is the reincarnation of Liu Sheung, a slain Chinese revolutionary, Sidhu takes it upon himself to travel to the Zhange district where he will be forced to confront a deadly female assassin by the name of Suzy;
be befriended by a semi-crazed beggar; and must face humiliation and possible death at the hands of the virtually indestructible Hojo.
Madras Cafe is a 2013 Indian action drama by Shoojit Sircar. With John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri and Rashi Khanna.
India: Banned by cinemas in Tamil Nadu
The movie is proving controversial in India as it is based on the Sri Lankan civil war and speculates about the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. Tamil activist groups
are calling for the film to be banned. The film was passed by the Indian censors and escaped court bans but was banned by cinema exhibitors in the state of Tamil nadu.
UK: Banned by cinemas
Now the film has been banned
by British cinemas in August 2013. UK cinema chains, Cineworld, Odeon and Vue, have banned the film saying in a statement:
Our policy is to show a wide range of films for different audiences ...HOWEVER... following customer feedback and working with the film distributors, we have decided to not show Madras Cafe. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Press reports suggested that some Tamils had complained that the film was anti-Tamil. The Facebook page of the Tamil Youth Organisation UK has been full of agitation against the film.
Magic Mike XXL is a 2015 USA comedy music drama by Gregory
Jacobs. Starring Amber Heard, Channing Tatum and Elizabeth Banks.
India: Banned in 2015
The Indian film censors of the CBFC banned the film saying that male-stripping was against Indian culture. After the Examining Committee rejected it, the studio took it to
the Revising Committee, who okayed the film after six cuts. However, a later vote against went against the film and the ban stayed in place.
Summary Notes
The continuing story of male stripper, Magic
Mike.
Maken-Ki! Two is a Japan anime TV series Starring Morgan Garrett, Jamie Marchi and Tia Lynn Ballard. New Zealand: Banned in May 2016
New Zealand
has previously taken a hard line on the mix youth and sexuality in this genre so presumably the same for this title.
Summary Notes
Takeru Ohyama is a typical perverted teenage boy. His new school
doesn't require entrance exams, and it just turned co-ed! Unfortunately, his dreams of a happy high school life are dashed when he finds out the school is much more than it seems. All of the students wield a special item - a Maken - to unleash their
magical abilities in duels! Can Takeru find a Maken that works for him? Even while trying to fit in at a new school and dealing with all kinds of girl problems?
Availability
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2016 Funimation RA Blu-ray/R1 DVD Combo at US Amazon
v Man of Steel
- 2013 USA/Canada/UK action Sci-Fi fantasy by Zack Snyder.
Man of Steel is a 2013 USA/Canada/UK action Sci-Fi fantasy by
Zack Snyder. With Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon.
Pakistan: Banned
Banned by the film censor with no explanation offered beyond that the film violated the Motion Pictures Ordinance of 1979.
Summary Notes
A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from
annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.
v Maniac
- France/USA horror thriller by Franck Khalfoun.
Graphic violence, sex scenes and content that may disturb.
The censor added a note of
explanation for the ban:
While the feature does not actively promote or support this material, the tacit invitation to enjoy cruel and violent behavior through its first-person portrayal and packaging as entertainment is
likely to lead to an erosion of empathy for some viewers,
Promotional Material
Elijah Wood stars in this remake of director William Lustig's 1980 horror classic of the same name. To
say that Frank (Wood) is a troubled young man would be an understatement - as the ever-growing number of young women he has murdered since the death of his mother (America Olivo), with whom he enjoyed an unhealthily close relationship, demonstrates only
too well. Frank runs a mannequin store and likes to apply the scalps of his victims to the models in his spare time. However, when beautiful young artist Anna (Nora Arnezeder) wanders into the store and talks about making use of its resources for an
exhibition she is planning, she presents Frank with a troubling quandary. Anna appears to offer the possibility of a human relationship that will fill the void created by his mother's death, but she also excites his desire to kill and possess. Will Frank
be able to overcome his homicidal urges?
Availability
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong bloody violence for:
Manmarziyaan is a 2018 India romance by Anurag Kashyap.
Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal and Tapsee Pannu.
Pakistan: Banned in September 2018
Manmarziyan, has not been cleared by the Central Board of Film Censors for release in Pakistan.
According to CBFC Chairman Danyal Gilani, all board members found the content inappropriate and agreed that the film violated its censorship code. However, the film was given an adults only 'A' Certificate by the Censor Boards of Sindh and Punjab.
India: Cut in September 2018
A court in the city of Jammu ordered 4 cuts in the film on grounds of 'hurting religious sentiment'. However the producers had already decided to cut 3 scenes on the same grounds for
national release.
The producers submitted the version to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The three deleted scenes are:
a 29-second smoking sequence of Abhishek,
a minute long scene featuring Taapsee Pannu and Abhishek entering a gurudwara with the brode having mind flashes about a boyfriend, and
an 11-second scene where Taapsee is shown smoking.
Presumably this is related to a Sikh prohibition of smoking. Film makers can't possibly depict a religious person not quite living up to the religion's rules.
India: Hurt religious sentiments in September 2018
The
Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DGMC) is staging a protest on Sunday against this week's movie release, Manmarziyaan (Husband Material) , demanding a nationwide ban on the film. The committee claims that the filml has a few anti-Sikh
scenes which have the potential to hurt the sentiments of the community. DSGMC president Manjeet Singh GK said:
I believe that this movie should not be screened till makers remove the objectionable scenes from the movie.
Since ages we have been demanding that the censor board should recruit a representative of the Sikh community in their team but they haven't. We will not tolerate this at any cost and will strongly protest against this movie.
Summary Notes
The film is a love story set in Punjab where Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, and Vicky Kaushal will be seen in prominent roles.
Mastizaade is a 2015 India film by Milap Zaveri. Starring
Sunny Leone, Zachary Coffin and Tusshar Kapoor.
India: Banned June 2015:
After being banned by the Examining Committee and the Revising Committee, the new Sunny Leone starrer Mastizaade directed by Milap Zaveri has now been refused
certification by the appeals Tribunal. The Appeals Tribunal wrote:
There is no redeeming feature of any sort in the film. The film is only concerned with the exploration of the different parts of the human anatomy, both
male and female, and is such as to deprave the minds of the audience. We are thus constrained to hold that. Freedom of expression cannot and should not be interpreted as a license for the cine-magnates to make huge sums of money by pandering to shoddy
and vulgar tastes.
India: Unbanned January 2016
After the initial ban, the producer had volunteered 349 cuts and the CBFC suggested 32 more and it was then cleared with A certificate after a
total of 381 cuts.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for frequent crude sex references, innuendo for:
2016 cinema release
v Mathilde
- 2017 Russia historical biography by Aleksey Uchitel.
Mathilde is a 2017 Russia historical biography by Aleksey Uchitel. Starring Michalina Olszanska, Lars Eidinger and Luise Wolfram. Ukraine: Banned in January 2018
Ukrainian
authorities have banned the release of the Russian film Matilda featuring the story of romance between Crown Prince Nicholas [would-be Czar Nicholas II] and the young etoile of the Imperial Ballet, Mathilde Kschessinska.
Dmitry Kapranov, a censor from
the State Agency for Cinematography [Goskino], said on Wednesday the decision was taken because of participation in the film of a musician whom the Ukrainian authorities had put on the blacklist of unwanted foreigners. He said:
Now we've denied permission for a release of the film 'Matilda' on the basis of formal criteria. Our spectators may say, of course, well he is just a musician and you ban the film but I can ask them in response, would you go to the
marketplace and buy the watermelons with nitrates there?
Such watermelons do contain some vitamins but they also contain the nitrates, Kapranov said. And these people on the blacklist are the very same nitrates and their produce
is therefore poisoned.
Russia: Calls for a ban denied
Religious campaigners were offended that the almost god like reputation of Nicholas II was being sullied by the film. They initiated a sometimes
violent campaign to get the film banned, but to no avail.
Summary Notes
In the twilight of Imperial Russia, prima ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya becomes the mistress of three Grand Dukes.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for brief strong sex for:
2018 cinema release
v The
Matrix Reloaded - 2003 USA / Australia action Sci-Fi film by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers).
The Matrix Reloaded is a 2003 USA / Australia action Sci-Fi
film by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers). Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss.
Egypt: Banned in 2003
The film was banned
in Egypt for threatening to offend traditional religious views on the creation of humankind.
Summary Notes
Six months after the events depicted in The Matrix, Neo has proved to be a good omen for the
free humans, as more and more humans are being freed from the matrix and brought to Zion, the one and only stronghold of the Resistance. Neo himself has discovered his superpowers including super speed, ability to see the codes of the things inside the
matrix, and a certain degree of precognition. But...
Mawlana is a 2016 Egypt mystery drama by Magdy Ahmed Aly. Starring Amr Saad, Dorra Zarrouk and Ahmed Magdy. Kuwait: Banned n March 2017
Banned for
censorship reasons
UAE: Banned n March 2017
Banned for censorship reasons
Lebanon: Banned n March 2017
Upon its release in Egypt, the film sparked controversy but was given a release
permit and went on to become a box office hit. In Lebanon, however, the general security censorship board banned the film after it caused a stir among religious authorities in the country. They refused to permit its screening at Ayam Beirut Al
Cinema'iya.
For general release Beirut's censorship authority required that 12 minutes be removed from the film before it can be screened, arguing that the scenes in question could incite sectarian strife and provoke conflict between different
religions. The distributors decided that the cuts made the film unviable and shelved the release.
Summary Notes
A seemingly traditional journey of a young sheikh in a governmental mosque who moves
from leading prayers to becoming a TV celebrity issuing "fatwas" that are accepted by millions who have become fans of his as a result of his courage and his attempts to deviate from the usual religious rhetoric in a society heavily influenced
by fundamentalism. The TV spotlight only shows his eloquent yet sarcastic answers he gives to the callers in a preset scenario, while in the dark and cloudy space around him, bloody struggles for power are raging, struggles he had always tried to avoid.
Heidi, the star of the "Meet The Feebles Variety Hour" discovers her lover Bletch, The
Walrus, is cheating on her, and with all the world waiting for the show the assorted co-stars must contend with their own problems. These include drug addiction, extortion, robbery, disease, Drug dealing, and even murder. While this is happening the love
between two of the stars is threatened by the devious Trevor the Rat, who wishes to exploit the young starlet for use in his porno movie business.
Megan is Missing is a 2011 USA horror thriller by Michael
Goi. Starring Amber Perkins, Rachel Quinn and Dean Waite.
Banned in New Zealand.
New Zealand: Banned
New Zealand's Office of Film & Literature Classification said:
The DVD is classified as objectionable. The
feature depicts sexual violence and sexual conduct involving young people to such an extent and degree, and in such a manner, that the availability of the publication is likely to be injurious to the public good.
Although an
attempt has been made to present the material in the context of a cautionary tale, and there is additional interview footage that puts forward the notion that the feature could raise awareness of the vulnerability of teenage girls to sexual predators,
the feature's material is strongly prurient and exploitative. The film relishes the spectacle of one girl's ordeal including a 3-minute real-time rape scene.
Perhaps a few clues about the reason for the ban in the
promotional material:
On January 14th, 2007, 14-year-old Megan Stewart disappeared. Three weeks later, her 13-year-old best friend Amy Herman also vanished. Assembled from video chats, webcam footage, home videos and news
reports, this is what happened in the days immediately before -- and after -- Megan went missing.
From writer/director Michael Goi comes this unblinking depiction of internet predators and child abduction as seen through the eyes
of two North Hollywood teens. Their language is blunt. Their behavior is shocking. And their fate is absolutely horrific. Amber Perkins, Rachel Quinn and Dean Waite star in this disturbing and often explicit drama about a real-life world of risks and
danger that every teen must know...and no parent can afford to miss.
Summary Notes
Megan Stewart, 14, and her best friend Amy Herman, 13, though opposites in personality, are best
friends. Megan carries the front of being the most popular girl in school, but this masks a lifestyle of hard partying, drugs, alcohol and indiscriminate sex. Amy, unpopular and socially awkward, clings to her relationship with Megan as a lifeline to
social acceptance. Together, these two young girls forge a deep friendship based on their mutual needs. The two girls regularly communicate by web chat cameras or cell phone, and even meet boys online. As Megan seeks friends who are different from her
usual posse of hanger-ons, she is introduced by a friend online to a 17 year-old boy named Josh in a chat room. Megan and Josh bond quickly, leaving Amy feeling a bit left out. One day, Megan goes to meet Josh in person, and she is never seen again. Amy
launches into a concentrated effort to find her friend. As the media swirls around the story of Megan's disappearance, Amy discovers the ...
Memories of My Body is a 2018 Indonesia drama by Garin Nugroho. Starring Muhammad Khan, Raditya Evandra and Rianto. Indonesia: Regionally banned
The film
encountered problems in Indonesia following its release on April 18. It had been given a 17+ rating by the country's censorship board (LSF). But in less than a week, the film was banned by local officials in regions including Depok and Palembang. Others
called on the powerful assembly of Muslim elders known as the Indonesian Ulema Council to move against the film. Arovah Windiani, a spokeswoman for the council said that, from a moral perspective, the film should not be out there.
A backlash against
the film was further fanned on social media. An online petition calling for Memories of My Body to be banned gained 160,000 signatures.
Summary Notes
In Center Java Juno, a pre-teen
abandoned by his father, joins a Lengger dance centre where men assume feminine appearances but the political and social upheaval in Indonesia forces him on the road, meeting remarkable people on his journey.
v The Mexican - 2001 USA crime
adventure comedy romance by Gore Verbinski.
The Mexican is a 2001 USA crime adventure comedy romance by Gore
Verbinski. With Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini.
India:
Banned by the CBFC in 2001
Summary Review: Cursed Gun
A man tries to transport an ancient gun called The Mexican, believed to carry a curse, back across the border, while his girlfriend pressures him to give up his criminal ways.
A crazy, fun, off-the-wall, slightly indulgent spaghetti western styled would be Tarantino farce. It's great and it's lame compared to what it could have been.
Milk is a 2008 USA biography by Gus Van Sant. Starring Sean Penn, Josh
Brolin and Emile Hirsch.
Samoa: Banned in March 2009
The Samoan film censors took umbrage at the gay rights activism as well as the sex scenes, saying that some
of the scenes are very inappropriate in regard to some of the sex in the film itself, it's very contrary to the way of life here in Samoa. One censor called it:
Inappropriate and contradictory to Christian beliefs and
Samoan culture. This view on gender norms feels strange for Samoa.
Summary Notes
Using flashbacks from a statement recorded late in life and archival footage for
atmosphere, this film traces Harvey Milk's career from his 40th birthday to his death. He leaves the closet and New York, opens a camera shop that becomes the salon for San Francisco's growing gay community, and organizes gays' purchasing power to build
political alliances. He runs for office with lover Scott Smith as his campaign manager. Victory finally comes on the same day Dan White wins in the city's conservative district. The rest of the film sketches Milk's relationship with White and the 1978
fight against a statewide initiative to bar gays and their supporters from public school jobs.
Availability
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong language and sex references:
Monster Hunter is a 2020 China / Germany / Japan / USA action
fantasy adventure by Paul WS Anderson. Starring Milla Jovovich and Tony Jaa and TI.
The film didn't trouble international film censors but a joke didn't
go down well in China where the film was withdrawn from cinemas a week after release.
China: Withdrawn from cinemas in December 2020
Not long after its theatrical release in China, the film was pulled from cinemas
and subsequently banned. A jokey banter between two soldiers was deemed insulting:
Soldier 1: What? Soldier 2: Look at my knees! Soldier 1: What kind of knees are they? Soldier 2: Chi knees!
Summary Notes
When Lt. Artemis and her loyal soldiers are transported to a new world, they engage in a desperate battle for survival against enormous enemies with
incredible powers. Feature film based on the video game by Capcom.
v Morgue Street
- 2012 Italy short horror thriller by Alberto Viavattene.
Morgue Street is a 2012 Italy short horror thriller by Alberto
Viavattene. With Mario Cellini, Désirée Giorgetti, Roberto Nali.
Australia: Banned
Banned from a film festival showing in April 2013
Morgue Street was slated for screening at the A Night Of Horror Film Festival in Sidney, but the Australian Classification Board banned it with a 'Refused Classification' rating, two days before the screening, claiming
its material that is considered to offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults.
Morgue Street takes the cake when it comes to being one of the most violent and disturbing movies I have seen in years. Morgue Street is an edgy, polished and extremely disturbing horror short that crosses just about
every line you can imagine in its 11 minute running time.
Morgue Street is based upon the story The Murders in The Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe. It tells the story of two prostitutes, mother and daughter, struggling
against a mysterious creature that breaks into their home.
Brian Yuzna called it An original artistic horror while cult author Jack Ketchum blessed it as impressive and perverse .
Morituris is a 2011 Italy horror by Raffaele Picchio. With
Valentina D'Andrea, Andrea De Bruyn and Désirée Giorgetti.
Italy: Banned
The film makers said in a press release that the Italian Culture Ministery (il Ministero dei Beni Culturali), had decided to ban Morituris from Italian cinemas. The film censorship commission claimed that the film was a gratuitous essay of
perversion and sadism. The commission unanimously reached the decision to ban the film on grounds of:
offence to good morals, intending acts of violence and perversion against women, motivated by enjoying of overcoming and
thrill of self strength, empowered by consume of alcohol and drugs. The avengers find revenge against both boys, guilty of violence, and girls, victims of violence.
Promotional Material
Two lovely Romanian girls take a trip with three Italian men to a rumored midnight rave in the middle of a dark forest. As the gang proceeds on foot to their final destination, a mysterious
graveyard is discovered, a shockingly vile plot twist is revealed and bloodthirsty undead Roman gladiators rise from the dead to torture and mutilate their victims! For the two women, an already terrifying night is about to get much, much worse, as the
zombified warriors hunt down the group to tear their heads off! Will anyone survive the night?
An interesting mix of old school 1980s Italian horror, with a touch of the brutality of Wes Craven's THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, MORITURIS is an
unflinching, strong, cruel and extremely violent film featuring gruesome effects from Italian SPFX maestro, Sergio Stivaletti (DEMONS, DEMONS 2, DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE, Dario Argento's OPERA).
Availability
US:
Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2015 Synapse Films (RA) Blu-ray
2015 Synapse Films R1 DVD
v Movie 43
- 2013 USA comedy by Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill...
Movie 43 is a 2013 USA comedy by Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill...
With Emma Stone, Stephen Merchant and Richard Gere.
Kenya : Banned
Banned by the film censor citing 'extreme elements of sex and nudity
The Kenya Film Classification Board corporate communication officer Eva Mbuni explained:
We are applying the law to protect children and youth. They have young, gullible minds that need to make informed choices. Content
which promotes sex, nudity, use of alcohol and drugs needs to be discouraged.
Summary Notes: The most banned movie in the world
A series of interconnected short films follows three kids as they
search the depths of the Internet to find the most banned movie in the world.
Availability
UK: The UK Version is 15 rated without BBFC cuts for frequent strong sex references and very strong language for:
2013 Technicolor/Momentum [UK + US Version] RB Blu-ray at UK
Amazon
2013 Technicolor/Momentum [UK Version] R2 DVD at
UK Amazon
Much Loved is a 2015 Morocco drama by Nabil Ayouch.
Starring Loubna Abidar, Danny Boushebel and Abdellah Didane.
Banned in Morocco in 2o15.
Morocco: Banned in May 2015
The government announced that it would not be screened, claiming it to be a
grave outrage against moral values and Moroccan womanhood , and a flagrant attack on the kingdom's image .
The director and the lead actress have now been summonsed to court on charges of supposed pornography, indecency and inciting
minors to debauchery.
Availability
France: Released in cinemas in summer 2015
Summary Notes
A group of women in Morocco make a living as prostitutes
in a culture that is very unforgiving toward women in that profession.
My Mother's Daughter
is a 2022 UK documentary short film by Mariam Khan, Ahmen Khawaja
Banned by the Pakistan film censor in 2023.
Summary Notes
Mehak was 13 when she was abducted
by a man known to her family. He repeatedly raped her and forced her to convert to Islam. She managed to escape but not before making a shocking discovery that changed her life forever.
Pakistan: Banned in March 2023
Pakistan's Central Board of Film Censors has banned the short documentary My Mother's Daughter which was due to screen at the Women International Film Festival. Director Mariam Khan shared the letter sent by the censor board which had based
its reasons for censoring the film by calling it propaganda as well as for highlighting wrong values which are against the Pakistani culture and society.
