The film directed by Greta Gerwig, and starring Margot Robbie in the lead role, was released in Vietnam on July 21, but local authorities banned it over a scene that sparked local fury, due to a old maritime dispute involving several countries in the region. And it doesn’t stop there because in the Philippines, it is under study to follow the same steps, while the distributor tries to prevent the matter from degenerating further.
The government of Vietnam ban the distribution of the film Barbie , the film directed by Greta Gerwig starring Margot Robbie. The film, which will be released there on July 21, has sparked controversy as a map showing Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea is shown in one scene, according to state media.
The Vietnam Express newspaper and other media reported the removal of Barbie ads from dealer websites following Monday’s decision. The comedy about the iconic Barbie doll’s “perfect” world, starring Robbie and Ryan Gosling, will premiere in the United States a day earlier on July 20, as well as in Chile.
The decision was made by the National Film Evaluation Council , the reports said, citing Vi Kien Thanh, director general of Vietnam’s Film Department. in a scene from Barbie A map appears showing China’s “nine-point line”, which extends Beijing’s territorial claims to waters in areas claimed by Vietnam and other countries.
The “nine-point line” is a sensitive subject for China and its neighbors representing Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines deny.
An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that the “nine-dotted line” had no legal basis and that the Philippines was entitled to an exclusive economic zone in part of the area claimed by Beijing. China rejected the decision.
Additionally, the Philippines clarified that it may make a similar decision in the coming days. The film has already been reviewed by the Motion Picture and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which can make a decision. Meanwhile, distributor Warner Bros. has expressly requested an exhibition permit in the country.
“We confirm that the Council has reviewed the film ‘Barbie’ today, July 4, 2023. Currently, the first designated review panel is deliberating on Warner Brothers FE Inc.’s application for an exhibit permit. Once available, a copy of the exhibit permit or committee decision will be uploaded to the Agency’s official website,” the MTRBC said, in statements reported by international media.
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Source: Latercera
I am Robert Harris and I specialize in news media. My experience has been focused on sports journalism, particularly within the Rugby sector. I have written for various news websites in the past and currently work as an author for Athletistic, covering all things related to Rugby news.
