With different cultures come different values and different tastes. It’s therefore unsurprising that some countries condemned and even banned some Hollywood films. Here are some movies that caused trouble outside America.
- Independence Day – Lebanon
“Independence Day” sees military personnel from across the global joining forces in a battle against an extra-terrestrial threat. However, pressure from certain groups in Lebanon led to the film being banned in their country. Due to hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, some groups disliked the brief sequence that shows Israelis working together with troops from other countries including Iraq.
- The Simpsons Movie – Myanmar
It’s hard to imagine how a film such as “The Simpsons Movie” could possibly offend the people of Myanmar. However, the nation’s ban on the movie had nothing to do with the subject matter of the film. The authorities disliked the prominence of yellow and red colours due to their association with rebel groups in the country.
- 300 – Iran
Although one could argue that modern Iran is almost unrecognisable when you compare it to ancient Persia, the Iranian government were quick to condemn “300”. The film saw Spartan Greeks battling Persia’s empire. This depiction was seen as American propaganda against Iran by authorities in the country.
- Wonder Woman – Lebanon
With tensions between Israel and Lebanon continuing, Lebanon decided to ban “Wonder Woman”. This was because the film’s star, Gal Gadot (“Keeping Up With The Joneses”), is an Israeli citizen and outspoke advocate of her home country. The Lebanese authorities were unhappy with the idea of having a major film with an Israeli playing the protagonist getting a proper release in the country.
- Borat – Kazakhstan
While most people in the world just saw “Borat” as a comedy with lots of gross gags and some political satire, the authorities in Kazakhstan saw it as a disaster for their country’s image around the world. They strongly disliked the way their country was portrayed as backwards. Borat doesn’t even speak their language; he actually speaks Hebrew. While never intended as a serious depiction of Kazakhstan, the film quickly became the thing most people in Europe and America associated with the country. The Kazakh government decided to embrace the publicity for the sequel.