Does China Control Hollywood Movie Content?
In recent weeks, audiences have witnessed numerous scenes of violence and gore, such as the brutal fight scenes in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, hidden creatures in The Watched, and a character gruesomely disemboweled in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. However, there is a noticeable absence of any explicit romantic scenes that occur frequently on screen or even just a drunken kiss.
According to The Economist, nearly half of the top 250 highest-grossing films of 2023 lack any content that could be considered provocative, whereas, in the year 2000, this percentage was only about one-fifth. Compared to over two decades ago, the rate has decreased by almost 40%. Almost half of the films released in 2023 do not have any provocative content. It seems that the era of hot and steamy scenes is no longer a priority for attracting viewers to the big screen.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is one of the films that does not feature explicit romantic scenes. Image: PA.
A primary reason for this trend is that today’s youth no longer feel a thrill from the romantic moments that were once significant, such as the iconic hand-drawn scene in Titanic.
In 2023, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conducted a survey titled “Youth and Cinema,” involving 1,500 participants aged 10-24 (questions related to romantic content on screen were only directed to the 13-24 age group). The results revealed that over half of the respondents preferred films that focused on friendship more than romance. Nearly 40% expressed a strong desire to see less objectification of characters or gratuitous nudity on screen. Many felt that the portrayal of relationships in mainstream media is excessively unrealistic. 47.5% believe that romance is unnecessary in films and television shows.
However, The Sun points out a deeper underlying reason. The British newspaper notes that Hollywood is determined to ensure that romance remains present, or more importantly, that China does not want to dictate that aspect.
Box office revenue in China has now surpassed that in the U.S., officially becoming the world’s largest movie market. This is why studios are becoming more cautious to avoid losing the “big guy’s” favor.
In recent years, strict censorship regulations in China have been likened to a set of rules that even the most seasoned filmmakers are reluctant to break. They include bans on sensitive content, political issues, explicit sexual behavior, nudity, and even certain dialogues, songs, background music, and suggestive sounds.
The hot scenes in Titanic are among the most memorable moments in film history. Image: Alamy.
Four years ago, Richard Gere appeared before the U.S. Senate to warn about the dangers of Hollywood allowing China to control film content.
“The collaboration between China’s censorship system and the desire to engage with the Chinese market could lead to filmmakers self-censoring and bypassing social issues that great American films once addressed,” said the star of Pretty Woman.
Redefining Hot Scenes
Hollywood has been cautious since the 1930s when the Hays Code, which set strict rules for U.S. films, was established. During that time, even suggestive scenes were heavily scrutinized, and any display of intimacy was often prohibited.
Since this law was abolished in 1968, filmmakers have gradually embraced the inclusion of more provocative scenes in mainstream films. However, today, many still tread carefully, avoiding excessive intimacy or overly graphic content.
While drinking, drug use, violence, and physical confrontations in films have not changed significantly over many decades, the representation of sexual content has been more contentious.
Many actors are often cast in steamy roles but are keen to take on more substance or character-driven roles. In 2023, actor Penn Badgley expressed a desire for less explicit content in films due to his respect for his marriage. However, he acknowledged his role as a morally ambiguous character in Netflix’s You, which involves elements of violence and murder.
Penn Badgley is affected emotionally due to playing steamy roles but does not shy away from playing morally ambiguous characters. Image: Netflix.
In the eyes of many, sexually explicit scenes serve as mere entertainment. However, as generations evolve, romance has become as fundamental as basic needs. Many do not recognize the significance of romantic scenes that could enhance storytelling, even if they are not essential for the plot. In many cases, they serve as crucial elements to illustrate character dynamics or enrich storytelling.
You People is one of the films that garnered mixed reviews in 2023. The movie falls under the romantic comedy genre but lacks a genuine love story, making it difficult for critics to understand its relevance, especially when the chemistry between Jonah Hill and Lauren London relies heavily on CGI (computer-generated imagery).
In The Bikeriders (2023), the main character, played by Austin Butler, is described as the charming leader of a motorcycle gang, with both men and women being drawn to him. However, audiences find it hard to connect with the depiction of his relationship with girlfriend Kathy (Jodie Comer), which is depicted as superficial.
Poor Things stands out as the most distinct representation of hot scenes when done correctly, even when the setting is bizarre. In the film, the character Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, continuously engages in explicit acts as she seeks pleasure. Although these scenes are quite bold in the current context, they are essential in defining the character as a scientific anomaly and a cerebral being.
Poor Things could win an Oscar despite the explicit content. Image: Alamy.
