Like any form of media, when produced movies have a set of guidelines or rules that will dictate the rating they end up with. In some cases, movies will push those boundaries, in others they will ignore them, and in many cases, especially outdated rules and guidelines, movies will be banned altogether. Here are five controversial movies that were banned, and why…
A Serbian Film (2010)
An obvious movie on this list of controversial movies that have been banned, this one has been banned in forty-six countries and definitely deserves to be on this list. We follow a now-retired porn star who is pulled out of retirement with the promise of desperately needed money. However, this is where the story turns, as he is drugged and forced to commit truly despicable and monstrous acts against individuals, some of which include children, and his own family. The graphic nature of the film quickly drew criticism from many corners of the world, and although the film has a story, a lesson and an underlying message, the way it is portrayed on screen means that around twelve later, most won’t see this by normal means.
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A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The infamous Stanley Kubrick-directed film doesn’t shy away from the violence and abuse present in the novel of the same name, written by Anthony Burgess. Following Alex played by Malcolm McDowell, it takes place in a dystopian future where the protagonist commits a number of heinous crimes, from assault to rape and more. Eventually caught and imprisoned, we see his supposed rehabilitation in the future British government’s ‘therapies’, which are little more than full-fledged torture. Banned in several countries at the time, only a few remain, including Ireland and Singapore.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
A film renowned for its quality of direction, its story and its performances, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two people in love. That’s it. Unfortunately, in the eyes of some people, the fact that these two men are both men seems like a problem. Banned in many Middle Eastern countries due to its portrayal of homosexuality, to this day it is still unwatchable there. With new releases including a greater representation of the spectrum of sexuality, this is still a reason why many countries ban films on these topics. Hopefully that will change.
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Battle Royal (2000)
A film with a premise similar to that of the hunger games franchise, battle royale is a far superior version of the idea of ”group of people forced to fight with one winner”. Organized around an annual competition between young Japanese students, the film follows an incredible graphic representation of what would happen if this was really a real event. Armed with knives, crossbows, guns, and more, it’s packed with graphic student battles, literally gallons of blood, and well-placed dark humor. Banned in countries like Germany, the film has a huge cult following and spawned several admittedly lesser quality sequels.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
As any horror fan knows, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is largely to thank for the rise of slasher/serial killer movies. A big hit at the time of release, its graphic nature of dismemberment, murder and torture meant it was banned in several countries originally. Spawning sequels, reboots, spinoffs, and knockoffs, the film is seen in a less shocking light than when it was first released, but at the time it wasn’t as fondly regarded by censors.
There are many more choices of controversial films that have been banned over the years, but these are the five most controversial films that have been banned, and why. What would you have added?
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