'Django Unchained' returns to Chinese cinemas

May 13, 2013



's 2012 film ' returned yesterday to cinemas in China, after being withdrawn by Chinese film importer a month earlier, for which ' cited "technical reasons".

The film faced a suspension order by the importer on April 11. China has a strict policy on censoring films, for sex, violence, and political content. Besides nudity and violence, the film has themes of slavery and rebellion.

The 165 minute long film was reportedly cut to 162 minutes, removing scenes containing nudity.

The film's debut was reportedly estimated in April to produce ticket sales of 60 million (US$9.8 million); however an official at Shanghai United Cinema Lines reported sales of roughly 100,000 yuan (US$15,800) over the weekend.

Low sales have been ascribed to various factors such as lack of publicity, few and poorly timed showings, and illegal internet downloads of the film during the near month-long hiatus.

Django Unchained was released December 25, 2012 in the United States, and stars, Leonardo DiCaprio, and.