discuss Post release censoring

[Lord Severus]

There is a growing trend in the film industry for censoring to happen after the official release of the movies. After release, there would always be mixed reactions, but some movies show such political or religiously sensitive content that base don the reactions of the audience and the society, post release, these movies will be censored and re-released.

What do you think of such actions? I am strictly against this policy of censoring after release. If we can censor after release, then why shoudl the film be certified by a censor board before release? Its ridiculous.

 

[Yama]

I am strictly against censoring of movies not just after the release but even before the release. However, I believe the movie should be rated based on the content. If you don't like the movie content based on the rating, just don't watch it, why should you be appalled after watching the movie?

 

[Harsh World]

I am strictly against censoring of movies not just after the release but even before the release. However, I believe the movie should be rated based on the content.

Completely agree.

However, movies are essentially investments from studios; studios pour millions to billions of dollars into movies, and the studios and their shareholders expect a return on that.

That said, some movies need to be censored from the original script pre-production to even post-production or they won't get that return as they won't be shown in certain markets like China and the Middle East.

Japan isn't completely innocent here, either. I remember watching The First Omen (2024) and witnessing the birth scene from the side pixilated, and am aware that the hand reaching out of the birth canal was completely cut, most likely due to obscenity laws here.

 

[Yama]

That said, some movies need to be censored from the original script pre-production to even post-production or they won't get that return as they won't be shown in certain markets like China and the Middle East.

This is also a case in my home country, a lot of Hollywood movies are censored because they are "culturally inappropriate." Even though movies can promote culture, teach history, etc. they are primarily for entertainment and they shouldn't be censored, but rated properly.

Sometime back I took my kid to watch Minecraft movie. He was pretty excited because he plays the game. But some scenes were too violent for 7 years old boy. The local censor board passed the movie thinking there was nothing "inappropriate" in the movie, but they missed the main point, they should have warned about the violence.

Having said that sometimes censoring can also be justifiable. For instance, if the movie is about history or historical person, and if the movie tries to misinterpret or hurt some community's sentiments, it should be censored so that "peace" is maintained in the country.

 

[Maina]

Post-release censoring can limit creative freedom and audience choice. I believe movie makers should express ideas openly, while viewers decide what suits them. Excessive censoring after release risks stifling discussion and artistic diversity, though some moderation to protect sensitive topics is understandable.