BATMAN blockbuster
The Dark Knight won't be screened in Chinese cinemas, Warner Bros says.
The studio said in a statement overnight that the acclaimed film - the second highest-grossing movie in US box-office history - would be canned in China, with "cultural sensitivities" cited as one of the reasons for the no-show.
"Based on a number of pre-release conditions that are being attached to
The Dark Knight as well as cultural sensitivities to some elements of the film, we have opted to forego a theatrical release of the film in China," the statement said.
It was not clear what "cultural sensitivities" were at issue but the movie includes an action sequence shot in Hong Kong where Batman, played by Christian Bale, apprehends a Chinese money-launderer.
In 2006, Chinese authorities barred the release of Hollywood movie
Memoirs of a Geisha amid speculation its portrayal of Japanese courtesans played by Chinese actresses could spark public controversy.
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Brokeback Mountain was also denied a release in China.
The late Australian actor Heath Ledger played the Joker in the
The Dark Knight.
Ledger died in January 2008 only months after completing the film, investigating authorities finding he had taken an accidental overdose of prescription medicines.
