As in Kuwait and Lebanon, “Barbie” will not be released in Algerian cinemas, because it is accused of promoting homosexuality. And this while he is enjoying great success in Saudi Arabia
With nearly $1.2 billion in revenue worldwide since its release, Barbie is already the 25th biggest hit of all time. And it should logically gain a few additional places by the end of its run in theaters. Who will not go through Kuwait and Lebanon. And more by Algeria.
Released locally on July 20, Greta Gerwig’s film was withdrawn from Algerian theaters according to Reuters. And the reason given is the same as that of its ban in Kuwait and Lebanon: the film “promotes homosexuality and other Western deviance” And “does not respect the religious and cultural beliefs of Algeria”can we read in a press release.
And this while the question of homosexuality is never explicitly addressed, even if each spectator is free to see the relationship between the Kens as he wishes. In Saudi Arabia in particular where, while many thought it condemned to ignore local cinemas, the feature film was released on Thursday August 10. With success.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Some rooms go so far as to schedule around fifteen sessions a day, and the public, often dressed in pink, is made up of both women and men, as can be seen The New York Times : “That this could have happened in Saudi Arabia, one of the most male-dominated countries in the world, was mind-boggling to many people in the Middle East.”
Enough to encourage neighboring countries to reconsider their position on it? In the meantime, the film worn by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling has just exceeded the 4 million admissions mark in France as well as the Alibi.com score 2, which makes it the third biggest success of the year. in France. Until it surpasses Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom, in the days to come.