When the critically-acclaimed film “Atonement” opens in theaters in China on February 22, it will be amongst the first foreign films to screen in the country after a pretty lengthy blackout on foreign films. China Film Group spokesman Weng Li confirmed that censors had passed the British film.
China’s film blackout was introduced in December, following a background of trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. However, Chinese authorities denied the existence of a ban on Hollywood films, and tactically allowed the one-year-old film “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith to open.
One noticable benefit of the blackout was a boost in Chinese product during the lucrative Christmas and Chinese New Year holiday period.
When “Atonement” screens in China next month, however, it will likely not be the same version that audiences in the western world have seen. It is believed to have been cut to suit Chinese audiences. Because the country does not have a film rating system, movies must be suitable for all ages.
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