Banned Movies For Gay Content |Under Lens

We live in a homophobic world where at numerous places homosexuality is no better than sin. But, it is a reality that deserves honor and honest portrayal on screen. In this series, we will find some movies banned for homosexual content.

“But I’m A Cheerleader” was a movie about confused identities, social issues and homosexuality, smartly drifted under the cover of comedy. Romania, Malaysia and few other countries banned the movie. Similarly, “491”, a movie about crime and criminal psychology was banned in native country Sweden, Norway and Malaysia for objectionable h-scenes.

But these two movies were not legends of land- “Fire” and “Brokeback Mountain” are. Fire was an Indian movie made by Deepa Mehta. The movie grabbed instant attraction of Hindu fundamentalists due to two reasons. First it portrayed homosexuality and secondly, the names of the lesbian duo were named after two legendary women of Hindu mythology revered as goddesses. Protest followed by vandalism lead to ban in certain parts of country.

Brokeback Mountain gained cult status as a romantic saga. Based on a novelette, the movie was about two gay friends living normal lives. It was banned in conservative countries like Burma, China, Iran and Malaysia. It achieved great success and went on to become one of the most loved romantic movies. Heath Ledger immortalized himself in the role.

Another brilliant movie banned and appreciated was “Boys Don’t Cry”. It was a story about a girl living like a boy and falling for a girl. Revelation and acceptance were two pinnacles of the story and Hillary Swank received more adulation for this movie than any other movie. Something well deserved.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Under Lens: Banned Movies- 01

Across the globe, numerous movies have been banned for one or other reason. In this series we will know why certain movies were banned and where:

1: Cannibal Holocaust: This classic movie was banned in many countries like Australia, Burma, Japan, South Africa etc for extreme violence and animal cruelty. The movie was considered as a gory movie and the ban was never lifted at some places. However, few countries allowed after desired censorship and proper rating. Cannibal Holocaust also raised eyebrows and many litigations followed.


2: Da Vinci Code: Many countries like Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Vatican City banned the movie for alleged blasphemy. Based on a novel by Dan Brown, the movie was an attempt to find the Holy Grail. However, the ban hardly influenced the business. The movie went on to become a global blockbuster.

3: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and sequel: For extreme violence not suitable for public viewing, the series was banned in some countries including Australia, Singapore and Ukraine. However, ban was removed after restricting viewership to a particular class of public. The series acquired cult status in the Gory movies genre. The bloodshed in movie led to protest in parts of US and blamed the movie for growing violence in society.


4: Kissa Kursi Ka: In 70’s the movie was banned in India after accusations of portrayal of Indira Gandhi. The ban was lifted when Janta Party came to power overthrowing Congress democratically. As a political satire, the movie gained cult status. But on box office, the movie failed to make any mark. It was declared a flop.

Iran have banned many movies that contain sexual or anti Islamic views. Censorship prevails in cinema in Iran. Cannibal Holocaust, Scarface, Hostel series, Borat, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Brokeback Mountain, Harold and Kumar series etc. have been banned for violence or sexual content. Exorcist, The Passion of the Christ, Bruce Almighty, Da Vinci Code, Alexander, 300 has been banned for being anti-Islamic in nature. Schindler’s List was banned for glorifying Jewish cause.

For The Reel; Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Hammers High: Brokeback Does A Titanic; Almost A Controversy

Two movies, different stories, same genre but still opposite categories.
Brokeback Mountain and Titanic, both are considered to be great love stories. While the former highlights unconventional homosexual love, the latter depicts love beyond social classes. But something was common in both...

Brokeback Mountain received mixed responses from different sectors of Hollywood. It was a love story that suffered due to the fear of brickbats from society. The lovers had a painful thorn in their chest and were forced to live a complex life. Gay Rights’ forums consider it to be a groundbreaking movie and some rate it as one of the most adorable romantic movies of all time.

Titanic on the other hand, received applauds for everything in the movie. It was clearly the greatest movie of its decade. The love between the rich girl and the poor boy was never so nerve wrecking. Literally, on the edge of life and death. The scene in which the boy dies in his efforts to save the girl in chilling water is convincing enough to make you cry.

But what’s the controversy.... In Hammer High we discuss known and unknown controversies? Don’t we?
Looking at the poster of Brokeback Mountain, the intention is clear. It’s a love story to match the ecstasy of Titanic. May be when the poster-maker drafted the poster he/she had no idea that it resembles the famous Titanic poster, but some where it was definitely there that comes out so lively in the image.

Makers of Titanic never pursued the case, but some where deep; every viewer noticed the resemblance that was so co-incidental. Fortunately, the makers of Brokeback Mountain did justice to the co-incidence.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh