China's cinematic censors say 'No' to 'Noah'

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The studio even spent about $10 million to convert "Noah" into 3-D, making it more appealing to potentially lucrative territories such as China, Russia, Brazil and Germany.

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But "Noah" and his ark won't be landing in China any time soon. The country's cinematic censors have refused to give the Russell Crowe movie one of the nation's limited non-Chinese release slots, two people with knowledge of the studio's efforts to bring the movie to the mainland said Thursday.

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A Paramount spokeswoman did not reply to a request for comment.

Getting the Bible-based story past China's censors was always seen as a bit of a challenge, given the government's sensitivities on religious issues. ("Noah" has been banned in several Muslim countries.)

But people working on marketing "Noah" to mainland audiences, who requested anonymity to maintain their business relationship with Paramount, indicated that the plan was to emphasize the film's special effects and "environmental message."

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Another person with knowledge of China's censorship system said "Noah" may have been shunned partially out of commercial concerns.

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China's state-run Xinhua News Agency seemed to anticipate the film's release in China. On April 21, the agency said in a Chinese-language article:

"Although there are other versions of the story of Noah, such as comedy, animation, even Broadway shows, 'Noah' is definitely the first big blockbuster that recreates the Bible story on the big screen truthfully. Although Noah's story happened a long time ago, it still contains profound meanings that can be reflected by people now. The film includes environmental protection, peace, human nature, kindness and evil, and redemption messages, which make the film more vivid. It is learned that 'Noah' will be screened in China in the form of 3-D and Imax 3-D. It is believed the historical epic ... will bring lots of surprise to Chinese audiences."

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Although freedom of religion has expanded in China since the late 1970s, there are still significant limits on practice and organization. The state officially recognizes five religions: Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Protestantism and Catholicism. But religious activities are supposed to be held under the auspices of "patriotic religious associations," which are government regulatory bodies.

Good! I've already seen it.

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As the Wall Street Journal’s China Real Time blog reports, “earlier this month, a company formerly associated with Chinese state-run broadcaster China Radio International said on its website it had been hired by CCTV to create a cleaned up translation of 'The Big Bang Theory.' That could mean that the reason for 'The Big Bang Theory' coming down is more commercial than political, as CCTV may simply be using its political connections to ensure it gets the benefits of being the only one to broadcast the massively popular show.” The Good Wife, NCIS, and The Practice (?) have apparently disappeared off the portal as well.

Big Bang Theory was indeed a huge hit in China, drawing about 7 million views per episode during its last season, though 2 Broke Girls, which airs on rival platform YouKu, was even more popular. China’s political elites apparently prefer the nefarious wheelings and dealings of House of Cards, which the country’s ambassador to the United States has described as a pretty accurate representation of goings-on in Washington.

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The government of China has decided that "The Big Bang Theory" is not appropriate for viewing. I have to assume there was some sort of formal process involved in this decision. In all likelihood, a gaggle of communists sat in a darkened room and watched a few episodes. I like to think they took notes that were later used to formulate an official document that detailed the corrosive cultural effects caused by the shenanigans of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Wolowitz, Koothrappali, Amy and Bernadette. I like to think that during these screenings one of them laughed out loud and was promptly sent to a re-education camp on the outskirts of Urumqi. I like to think one of them was reassured by how often the characters on the show eat Chinese takeout. I like to think there's a Chinese word for shenanigans. Regardless, the whole affair makes me very happy. The overlords of 1.3 billion people are afraid of our sitcom. Exactly what we were going for!

In Hong Kong?

Yep, along with Non-Stop back in April or March.

Regarding the other story, my wife has started watching 2 Broke Girls. It's not bad, but it's basically the same as all the other canned laughter US shows.