‘Cloud Atlas’ Cuts 38 Minutes Of Footage For Chinese Moviegoers

The directors of Cloud Atlas have reportedly cut around 38 minutes worth of footage out of the flick to satisfy Chinese censors.

Filmmakers Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, and Lana Wachowski were asked to remove nearly 40 minutes worth of footage before the film could screen in China. According to The Jarkata Post, several of the scenes cut from the movie were of a sexual nature.

When Cloud Atlas hits theaters in the country on January 31, a number of straight and gay sex scenes will be removed from the film. Instead of clocking in at roughly 172 minutes, the Chinese version of the sci-fi epic will run for a total of 134 minutes.

ABC News reports that Chinese moviegoers are growing increasingly frustrated with the cuts made by censors. Although several moviegoers remarked that Cloud Atlas can be downloaded from a number online websites, censors have insisted that these cuts be made before the film can be released into cinemas.

Chinese distributor Dreams of Dragon Pictures explained:

“We have very strong belief in our partner Dreams of the Dragon Pictures. They have been extremely helpful and collaborative and I am sure they will protect the integrity of the film makers, our creativity and vision.”

A representative from a media consulting firm explained that most Hollywood studios will refuse to show a movie in other countries if the censors require a high number of alterations prior to its release. Cloud Atlas is one of the rare exceptions.

The latest effort from the Matrix filmmakers isn’t the only film in recent days to be censored in China. The Inquisitr previously reported that several cuts were made to the James Bond flick Skyfall before its theatrical bow in the country.

Stateside film fanatics who missed the sci-fi flick starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Hugo Weaving in theaters will hopefully be able to pick up the film on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

What do you think about Chinese censors cutting scenes from Cloud Atlas?