Buzz
As the world’s second-largest film market after the United States, securing a release in China is crucial for any studio aiming for international box office success. However, China limits the number of foreign films to just 34 each year (with plans for an increase in 2017), and it has strict criteria on which films can be shown. Movies that fail to meet these standards are effectively banned across Mainland China. Below are 10 films that never made it to Chinese theaters.
1. GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)
Though Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters remake premiered in U.S. theaters, it was banned in China due to its depiction of ghosts and supernatural entities. The Chinese government’s censorship policy disallows films that could be seen as endorsing "cults or superstition." Sony attempted to sidestep the issue by renaming the movie to something akin to "Super Power Dare Die Team" for Chinese audiences, but the strategy failed to make a difference.
2. BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)
The Chinese government prohibited Back to the Future due to its time-travel theme and what was perceived as a "disrespectful portrayal of history." In 2011, China’s censorship board placed a ban on any media involving time travel, as the concept was gaining popularity in TV shows and films across the country.
Deadpool
The movie Deadpool was not granted a theatrical release in China due to its intense violence, nudity, and coarse language. 20th Century Fox even tried to collaborate with Chinese authorities to edit the film, but cutting out its graphic content while preserving the plot proved to be nearly impossible.
4. STAR WARS
(1977)
Although The Force Awakens, the newest installment of the Star Wars saga, was a major success at the Chinese box office, the original 1977 film had less fortune—largely due to poor timing. Released just months after Chairman Mao Zedong’s death, who had strictly banned Western culture in China, including a galaxy far, far away.
5. AVATAR (2009)
Avatar
became a massive hit in China—but only in its 3D format. The 2D version of James Cameron’s film was banned by the Chinese censors due to its political undertones and themes of rebellion. Hong Kong's Apple Daily reported two main reasons for the ban: first, the film’s success had taken away market share from domestic films, and second, its depiction of forced eviction might stir thoughts of rebellion, possibly inciting violence. Interestingly, the 3D version received a very limited release, which, curiously, didn’t affect the box office for other 2D films in circulation at the time.
6.
THE DARK KNIGHT
(2008)
Instead of receiving an official rejection from Chinese authorities, Warner Bros. chose to cancel the screening of The Dark Knight in China, citing "cultural sensitivities" in some parts of the film. While the studio didn’t elaborate further, The New York Times speculated that the studio may have feared censors would be upset by scenes filmed in Hong Kong, particularly those where Batman apprehends a gangster.
7. THE DEPARTED (2006)
In 2006, Chinese censors banned the release of Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, which involves Boston gangsters attempting to sell computer and weapon technology to Chinese criminals. Authorities also took issue with the film's suggestion that the Chinese government might consider using nuclear weapons against Taiwan.
8. THE DA VINCI CODE (2006)
Even though The Da Vinci Code initially passed through Chinese censorship and was released in theaters, it was soon pulled and ultimately banned due to its controversial and blasphemous themes, particularly the portrayal of Jesus Christ having a daughter. Chinese Catholic groups led protests against the release of Ron Howard’s film, which resulted in its nationwide ban.
9.
NOAH
(2014)
Government censors banned Darren Aronofsky’s Noah from theaters across Mainland China due to concerns over the film's religious content, which conflicted with the country’s strict secular stance.
10. TO LIVE (1994)
Don’t assume China only targets Hollywood productions: To Live, a Chinese film made for local audiences, was also banned for its critical depiction of the Chinese Communist government and its policies during the mid-1990s. The film’s director, Zhang Yimou, was even banned from directing in China for two years. Despite the ban, To Live became an international critical success and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
All images courtesy of YouTube.
