In a sequence of the knight of the night (2008), Batman flies over Hong Kong, with the purpose of capturing a corrupt accountant with criminal ties in Gotham City. However, the most difficult mission for the Bat Man is not to catch a white-collar criminal, but to land in certain cinemas in the Asian city. Apparently, the hooded vigilante is not suitable for all Hong Kong viewers.
This week, Bloomberg reported that the Hong Kong government urged the cancellation of a screening of Batman: The Dark Knight. According to the report, the function was going to take place on October 27 at an open-air cinema of The Grounds chain. However, the authorities argued that precisely because it was an open-air projection, “the level of violence was not appropriate”according to an email sent to Greater Bay Media Entertainment Ltd., organizer of the event.
Last Thursday, the responsible company informed all those who purchased tickets that the performance had been canceled “based on the instructions of the Hong Kong Government Office for the Administration of Cinema, Newspapers and Articles.” It was said that instead of the knight of the nightwould be exhibited Hombre de Hierro (2008), the inaugural film of the MCU. On the other hand, reimbursement was guaranteed for members of the public who request it.
“Please trust our system,” said Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports and tourism in Hong Kong, speaking to reporters about the failed screening (via). “We have a very strong system. When we watch a movie, whether it’s in terms of categorization or whether it’s suitable for showing at certain times, we have a system to deal with that.”
You might also be interested in: Christian Bale felt insecure comparing himself to Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
According to Bloombergcancellation of Batman: The Dark Knight It happens in a delicate context for freedom of expression in Hong Kong. In 2021, authorities allowed fines of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($130,000 US dollars) and three years in prison for anyone showing films without government approval.
As a curiosity, the knight of the night was partially filmed on location in Hong Kong fifteen years ago, under the direction of Christopher Nolan. In the United States and Mexico, the film is considered suitable for ages 12 and up. It is currently part of the HBO Max catalog in Latin America.
Antonio G. Spindola I have very bad memory. Out of solidarity with my memories, I choose to lose myself too. Preferably in a movie theater.
