This is the controversial movie that flooded Netflix starring Christian Bale: why did some countries ban it?

The two-and-a-half-hour film starring Christian Bale, banned in some countries due to its interpretation of the biblical story of the Exodus, has been given new life on the streaming platform Netflix.

‘Still’ from Netflix: A romantic Korean series to make you laugh, cry and fill your heart with love during the weekend

It is about “Exodus: Gods and Kings”, a blockbuster directed by Ridley Scott, which premiered in 2014 and caused numerous controversies due to the script and cast.

The film is about Moses, the Hebrew leader who freed his people from Egyptian slavery and who opposed Pharaoh Ramses II.

Christian Bale plays Moses, while Joel Edgerton plays Ramses. The cast is completed by actors such as Sigourney Weaver, Aaron Paul, Ben Kingsley, John Turturro, María Valverde and Tara Fitzgerald, among others.

Why did some countries ban “Exodus: Gods and Kings”?

The film received harsh criticism from sectors in some countries, who described it as unfaithful to the sacred text of the Bible and for “minimizing the influence of divine power on events”, La Nación mentions.

The true story of Griselda Blanco and her relationship with Pablo Escobar: at what age did she start dealing in drugs “The Godmother of Cocaine” played by Sofía Vergara in the Netflix series

The same media points out that some countries, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, banned it because they considered it distorted religious and cultural facts.

The film was not shown in Egypt due to some differences with the biblical interpretation of events. For example, instead of attributing the parting of the Red Sea to a divine miracle performed by Moses, the film suggests that it is the result of a natural phenomenon such as an earthquake, the aforementioned media reported.

Likewise, the film shows that the pyramids were built by Jews, which is rejected.

It was not broadcast in the United Arab Emirates because it contained numerous inaccuracies and insults, not only against Islam, but also against other religions.

Morocco also expressed displeasure with Scott’s interpretation of one scene.

These are the actors who played Batman; Robert Pattinson is the latest

Cinematographic Center of Morocco, quoted by LTo the nation, explained that the controversy arose over dialogue that suggested a visual manifestation of God, something Islam forbids. However, an agreement was reached to eliminate these parts so that it could be exhibited.

The film also failed to live up to the criticism it received, particularly due to the casting of white actors to play the Egyptians and Hebrews.

However, almost 10 years after its release, the film reappeared on Netflix and positioned itself as one of the most watched in several countries.

Some viewers appreciated its visual spectacularity. Others recognized that it was a free and artistic version of a biblical story, not intended to be a documentary or a theology lesson.

Michael Corleone, Griselda Blanco’s youngest son, says: “If my mother was alive, I don’t think Sofía Vergara would have given herself the freedom to play the role without her advice.”

Thus, “Exodus: Gods and Kings” showed that time can change the perception of a cinematic work and that the audience can enjoy the film regardless of the controversies that surrounded it at the time. It is an interesting option to see an impressive biblical story from another cinematic perspective. (AND)