Here Are Movies That Are Banned in Other Countries
Since the inception of cinema, controversy has been a constant companion, with movies often finding themselves at the centre of heated debates for reasons ranging from their narrative and genre to thematic elements.
The repercussions of such controversies can be severe, leading to films being deemed unsuitable for audiences and in extreme cases, outright banned from cinemas. Globally, each country maintains its catalogue of banned movies, a list that has evolved as stringent censorship practices have loosened and artistic expression has gained greater acceptance in visual media. Let’s explore the movies that are banned in other countries and why.
Back to the Future
Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the 1985 film ‘Back to the Future’ follows Marty McFly, who accidentally travels back in time and disrupts his parents’ love story. To save his future, Marty must set things right. The movie, praised as one of the greatest science fiction films, spawned successful sequels.
Surprisingly, despite its global acclaim, ‘Back to the Future’ is no longer considered suitable for audiences in China. Chinese regulators took issue with the portrayal of time travel, citing its inappropriate use and disregard for the importance of past events. Despite the ban, the film retains its status as a classic in time-travel cinema.
The Passion of Joan of Arc
Created by Carl Theodor Dyer, ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ is a pinnacle in silent film history. Renée Jeanne Falconetti’s portrayal of the French heroine enduring a trial for heresy and facing execution at the stake has earned widespread acclaim.
Dyer’s direction and Falconetti’s performance have been lauded for decades since the film’s release. Although it faced initial positive reviews, the movie drew criticism from the Catholic Church for its depiction of Joan’s trial. Additionally, the portrayal of British soldiers led to a ban in the United Kingdom. Despite these challenges, many still hail ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ as one of the greatest films ever made.
Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ delivered a delightful blend of humour and emotion, offering a unique perspective into the iconic doll’s world. When Barbie faces an emotional crisis, she teams up with Ken to navigate the real world, embarking on a journey of self-discovery with the support of a teenage girl and her mother.
The film received praise for its wit and heart, resonating well with both critics and audiences. Surprisingly, it faced a ban in Vietnam due to a scene depicting a world map with a controversial nine-dash line symbolizing China’s claims to the Red Sea. The film’s distributor, Warner Bros, clarified that the map intended no harm and made no political statement.
Meet the Feebles
In the 1989 black comedy, ‘Meet the Feebles,’ director Peter Jackson takes puppetry to a whole new level, portraying a puppet variety show that’s the polar opposite of Jim Henson’s Muppets. This film dives into the darker side of showbiz with a blend of dr*g addiction, pornography and murder, offering a grittier perspective through puppet characters.
The controversial release faced censorship and bans, particularly in Ireland, where its depiction of puppet violence clashed with the beliefs of the Irish Catholic Church. Even in 2023, ‘Meet the Feebles’ stands among the few films still banned in Ireland, showcasing the enduring impact of its provocative content.
Halloween
In 2007, director Rob Zombie took a stab at the iconic ‘Halloween’ franchise, offering a remake that delves into the chilling story of Michael Myers. This version portrays Myers, a childhood family murderer, breaking out of a mental asylum to haunt the Halloween night of young Laurie Strode and her friends with true horror.
The remake garnered a mixed reception, drawing criticism for its disturbing murder scenes and falling short of the original. Notably, it faced a ban in Thailand due to graphic violence, eventually earning an 18+ rating when the 2018 remake was released in the country.
The Hunger Games
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, ‘The Hunger Games’ unfolds in a dystopian future, where Panem is divided into 12 districts and hosts an annual televised competition known as The Hunger Games. Skilled archer Katniss Everdeen steps up in place of her sister, entering the 74th Hunger Games alongside fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.
Battling for survival, Katniss inadvertently sparks a rebellion that reshapes everything. Despite its successful book-to-film transition and acclaim for acting and loyalty to the source material, the movie faced an unexpected ban in Vietnam in 2012. The National Censorship Board cited concerns about the cruelty of young people fighting, though all three sequels were later released without issues.
The Exorcist
‘The Exorcist’ stands as a chilling classic in the horror genre, portraying the terrifying tale of a young girl possessed by a demon. Accidentally summoned through a Ouija board, her struggle for salvation unfolds with the assistance of two Catholic priests engaging in an exorcism.
The film’s disturbing content and dark exploration of religion sparked concerns from parents, leading to its removal and a ban on VHS release in the United Kingdom due to fears it was too frightening for younger audiences. Despite this, the movie eventually saw the light on video in 1984, ending an 11-year ban.
All Quiet on the Western Front
Adapted from Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 novel, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ stands as one of the earliest anti-war films in history. Depicting young German schoolboys lured into war by their teacher, the movie vividly exposes the harsh realities of the battlefield. Lauded with a Best Picture Academy Award in 1930, it garnered positive acclaim.
A 2022 remake, also nominated for ‘Best Picture,’ continued the legacy. Yet, both the film and its source material faced criticism for their portrayal of World War I, leading to a ban in France for their anti-war stance. The ban was lifted in 1963, allowing the 2022 remake to reach audiences without hindrance.
The Da Vinci Code
Adapted from Dan Brown’s 2003 novel, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ features Tom Hanks as Professor Robert Langdon, accused in the murder of a Louvre Museum curator. Teaming up with Sophie Neveu, they embark on a quest for the Holy Grail to clear his name, uncovering clues in Da Vinci’s paintings.
While the movie received mixed reviews for its fictional take on historical events, it stirred controversy and was banned in the Solomon Islands in 2006. The minister cited concerns that the film’s message posed a threat to the country’s prevalent Christian faith.
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
‘South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut,’ the 1999 movie adaptation of the wildly successful adult animated show ‘South Park,’ follows the misadventures of Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny as they sneak into an R-rated movie, unleashing a series of events that lead to the United States declaring war on Canada.
Lauded for its story, clever parodies and catchy soundtrack, the film faced controversy, particularly in Iraq, where it was banned due to its satirical portrayal of then-President Saddam Hussein in a relationship with the Devil. Although rumours circulated that Hussein was subjected to the movie during his capture and trial, these remain unconfirmed. In an unexpected turn, the show’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, received a signed photo of Saddam Hussein from the U.S. Marines.
