When creating a film, creators have different goals. Some people want to tell a story and move viewers with an engaging plot, while others only want to shock. In the latter case, the line between what is in good taste is very thin and it doesn’t take much to cross it. A perfect example of this are productions that, due to their form, are on the banned list in many countries. What titles are we talking about?
These films have a bad reputation. They have been banned in many countries around the world. What was the reason?
In this category, “A Serbian Film”, which is the first feature production directed by Srdjan Spasojević, is definitely in the lead. Its main character is a former adult film actor who decides to take part in a mysterious artistic project. This, as it quickly turns out, completely exceeds his moral boundaries, because it is related to necrophilia, torture and… child abuse. The title aroused huge controversy already at the stage of pre-premiere screenings and was ultimately not approved for distribution in many places. Depending on the sources, it is estimated that from 7 to even 46 countries have banned its use, including: Norway, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.
It was similar in the case of the cannibalistic Rugger Deodato from 1980, “Cannibal Holocaust”, known in Poland as “Nadzy i ramina”. Its plot was inspired by news about the terrorist activities of the Red Brigades and was full of shocking scenes. Supporters of this film thought it was an absolute classic of the genre, while others theorized that crimes actually took place on the set. Ultimately, the director proved that it was only slander and no one was harmed in its making. However, he could not say the same about animals, because several of them were killed in the “name of realism”, including: for this reason, the title was banned in 19 countries, including its native Italy.
The most shocking movies of all time. You can’t see them everywhere
It’s impossible not to mention an absolute classic. We’re talking about “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” by Tobe Hopper from 1974. Although it brought enormous popularity to the director and became his ticket to a career in Hollywood, numerous scenes of violence and cannibalism gave it a bad reputation. Ultimately, the title was banned in 14 countries around the world.
The list of the most controversial productions also includes the American “I Spit on Your Grave” directed by Meir Zarchi, which initiated the rape and revenge genre. Its plot focuses on the fate of a woman who decides to take revenge after being the victim of a brutal gang rape. Shocking scenes full of violence and brutalism caused a huge stir among viewers and critics, causing its distribution to be suspended in 11 countries.
From the same genre comes the equally shocking “Last House on the Left”, Wes Craven’s debut from 1972, which was banned in a total of 7 countries. Similarly to “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom”, the last film by Pier Paolo Pasolini, released three years later, which divided both viewers and critics. Some of them believed that the history presented in it clearly illustrated totalitarianism, while others claimed that it had no value. The fact is, however, that most of his scenes are blood-curdling and disgusting. If you feel like it, vote in our poll below.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
