As per sources, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.’s LGF latest Hollywood thriller “Child 44” has reportedly been banned in Russia. The movie – based on Tom Rob Smith's namesake novel – has allegedly misrepresented historical facts and has portrayed Soviet citizens as “physically and morally subhumans.”
The film, set in the Stalin-era with Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman and Noomi Rapace as cast, is about a Soviet policeman, who probes a string of ruthless child murders despite facing resistance from his seniors. It was supposed to hit screens on Thursday but was pulled from theaters after government intervention.
The Russian Ministry of Culture complained that the movie has distorted historical events before, during and after the Great Patriotic War, and depicts Russia “not a country but a Mordor.” The Ministry went on to add that the release of the film will be inappropriate before the 70th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. Central Partnership, which is responsible for film’s distribution, informed that it had earlier suggested necessary changes to the film.
Media critics believe that one of the options that Lions Gate may exercise to lift the ban is agreeing to resolve the issues related to Child 44. However, nothing concrete has been heard from the company over the fate of Child 44 in Russia. Moreover, the embargo over the release comes, when Russia’s relation with the West has embittered yet again the Cold War due to the Ukrainian crisis. The movie will release today in the U.S.
Lions Gate, which competes with DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. DWA and IMAX Corp. IMAX, currently holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). A better-ranked stock in the industry is The Walt Disnesy Company DIS carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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