Update - Film Censorship Board Snips and Bans

Just when you were looking forward to the year's most talked-about film, allegedly the best war film ever made, in comes the news that you may never get to see the movie in its true form.

Steven Spielberg's critically-acclaimed box-office smash Saving Private Ryan's release date has been postponed. A spokesman from film company United International Pictures says it is waiting for a release date from their US head office. As some scenes from the film have been cut out by the Film Censorship Board, approval is necessary from the director.

In 1994, Steven Spielberg refused to allow Schindler's List to be screened here in Malaysia after the censorship board removed certain scenes from the movie.

Meanwhile, if that news hasn't got your goat, maybe this will. The authorities revealed recently that they have banned Hollywood's latest animated musical, The Prince of Egypt, but would not say why.

Manager of UIP Nicholas Yong confirmed on Thursday that the movie, based on the biblical journey of Moses, has not been approved by the censorship board for commercial screening here. He also would not reveal the reason for the ban saying it's a matter between the censorship board and his company. But he said that UIP had sent an appeal to reverse the decision and is still awaiting a reply from the board.

The film, which opened in the United States last month, has raked in more than US$80mil (RM304mil) and was scheduled to be released here next month.

Copyright Star Publications (M) Bhd.
Source: Pg. 34, Weekender, The Star, 30th January 1999

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