‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ has become more of an event than a movie: it has shattered global records for the biggest international debut for an R-rated movie ever, topping cinema charts in 55 countries and raking in $158 million since it opened on Valentine’s Day. The movie, adapted from the E.L. James novel of the same name, is proof that sex does indeed sell.
But Indonesia is not coming to the party in the “Red Room of Pain”.
For those wishing to watch a little bit of BDSM on the big screen, prepare to be disappointed. The movie has been officially banned from Indonesian cinemas.
Reuters reported that Indonesia is one of several countries, including Malaysia, Kenya, and several in the Middle East, that have banned the movie for not meeting regional censorship standards.
But the novel’s author is still hoping that everyone can watch the movie eventually.
“You know the DVD will come out and hopefully they’ll get to see it then,” E.L James said at the movie’s London premiere on February 14.
Sure, Indonesians would flock to buy the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ DVD, but probably at the nearest bootleg DVD stall for Rp 6,000.
So how steamy is the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ movie exactly?
Emily Yahr from the Washington Post timed all “actual sex and sexual-related activity” in the movie at 14 minutes and 17 seconds. That’s much longer than other sexually charged Hollywood movies like ‘Nymphomaniac’ and ‘Basic Instinct.
On the plus side, the ban could be good news for the fellas, as many would have undoubtedly been ‘roped in’ (ha!) to watch the movie by their female partners.
