Rocketman banned in two countries, censored in Russia

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Samoa and Egypt aren’t showing the Elton John biopic Rocketman at all.

Elton John musical biopic Rocketman has been earning plaudits and good box office around the world. Well, apart from a small handful of states where it’s not been going down too well.

As was widely reported, the film’s Russian distributor censored the movie, much to the disgust of Elton John, who issued a statement condemning the move.

Now we learn that two countries have gone further, and banned it altogether. The Samoa Censorship Board has denied permission for local cinema to show the movie, and it’s assumed that this is over its addressing of sexuality in the movie. Previously, the Samoan board had banned the Harvey Milk biopic Milk, on similar grounds.

The movie has also been blocked in Egypt, where Elton John himself was banned from visiting back in 2010. The reason given was his “anti-religious sentiments”, although it seemed pretty clear it was more to do with his sexuality.

Around the world, the excellent Rocketman has thus far taken $101m at the box office.

 

 

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