Reel ticked
‘Interview’ is latest film to rile governments
DON’T expect a bootleg DVD of “The Interview” to be on North Koreans’ gift lists. The Seth Rogen/ James Franco comedy about the assassination of Kim Jong Un was pulled from the release schedule Wednesday by Sony due to threats from an anonymous hacker group tied to the North Korean government.
Hollywood running afoul of foreign governments is nothing new. Here are five more examples.
“Argo” (2012)
In the thriller, the US embassy in Tehran is overrun by radicals, and US employees are left seeking a place to stay. New Zealanders were angry because the film says they turned the Americans away, but Kiwis did help — sheltering them and driving them to the airport.
“The Cove” (2009)
Many Japanese citizens were angry about the dolphinhunting doc. Theaters canceled screenings under the threat of protests. Some felt the hunts were part of their national tradition.
“Borat” (2006)
Kazakhstan didn’t take kindly to the satire, in which the country’s residents were said to enjoy horse urine. The government criticized the film, and one of its cinema chains banned it.
“Hostel” (2005)
In the horror flick, a group of US backpackers is tortured in Slovakia. “I am offended by this film. All Slovaks should feel offended,” a parliament member said.
“Schindler’s List” (1993)
The Holocaust drama was banned in Malaysia. The censorship board claimed the film reflected “the privilege and virtues of a certain race only.”