The movie Hereafter has been pulled from Japanese theaters, as an official at Warner Entertainment Japan Inc. deemed it inappropriate. Starring Matt Damon and directed by Clint Eastwood, the film features a tsunami sequence in itsbeginning scenes. The movie is available on DVD in the U.S. as of March 15th, but only began its theatrical run in Japan in February at approximately 200 theatres.
Warner Bros. will also be donating $1 million of Hereafter's home video sales to the Japanese Red Cross Society. While I think this move is in good taste (a donation is a donation, after all), Mike Bracken over at Moviefone's Cinematical disagrees. Read why Warner Bros. decision to donate seems wrong to him here.
Although it’s unfortunate for any country to censor cinema, which tends to happen a lot in Asia, particularly China, I think Japan’s decision is warranted. We have to be sensitive to the tragic circumstances that have befallen the country, especially when it is brought on by forces beyond our control. I think given the timing of the film's release and the current state of Japan it makes sense. I think if a foreign film released in the US depicting a similar situation to the 9/11 attacks a month prior to 9/11 I’m sure there would have been tremendous outcry, and legal action brought and probably taken up to the US Supreme Court given that censorship of freedom of expression goes against our fundamental rights. But we have to remember that not every country is like the US and they DO censor what they deem is necessary, especially when it comes to disasters where there are human casualties. We have to understand it’s not intentional or anything against Hollywood, it’s because the country is grieving and looking to move forward.
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