The steamy novel Fifty Shades of Grey is a global phenomenon, but fans in China and other countries will not be able to see the movie version in theatres even though the sex scenes have has been toned down for the big screen.
The film adaptation opened last week in 57 international markets, including France, where it was declared suitable for anyone 12 or older.
The movie tells the story of a sexual relationship between a wealthy businessman and a college student and includes scenes that depict whipping and bondage.
The distributor, Comcast Corp unit Universal Pictures, is not pursuing a theatrical release in China – the world’s second-largest film market – according to a source with knowledge of the studio’s plans who spoke on condition of anonymity. Sexually explicit films generally do not make it past Chinese government censors.
More pornography than a movie- Variety
Three countries that often object to sexual content – Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya – have banned Fifty Shades from theatres.
In Malaysia, the head of the film censorship board called it “more pornography than a movie”, according to Hollywood trade publication Variety. The distributor in Indonesia said the film did not meet the country’s censorship standards.
Kenyan authorities gave no reason for their ban but have a history of censoring sexually explicit content. They prohibited the 2013 blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street, a film that contains graphic depictions of sex and drugs.
At the film’s London premiere, Fifty Shades author E. L. James said: “Oh, the book was banned in a few countries.
“It's great publicity, and you know the DVD will come out and hopefully they'll get to see it then.” It is unclear whether Fifty Shades will be shown in India or throughout the Middle East. Only Lebanon is scheduled to show it.
Film critics have found the sex scenes tamer than the book. “Those looking for hot, kinky sex will be disappointed,” Claudia Puig of the newspaper USA Today wrote in her review.
Most countries are welcoming the movie, and box-office analysts project strong international ticket sales. Markets where the film is playing include Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Singapore and Japan.