Get ready to storm the theaters on July 21!
The Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has granted permission to screen “Barbie.”
The board found “no clear nor outright depiction of 9-dash line” in the film. This is to address the concerns raised by Sen. Francis Tolentino, who had called for a ban on the movie.
In a letter to Sen. Tolentino, the MTRCB stated, “The Board believes that all things considered, it has no basis to ban the film ‘Barbie’ as there is no clear nor outright depiction of the nine-dash line in the subject film.”
The board conducted two thorough screenings. The representatives from the DFA and the OSG were present during the second screening to assess the alleged depiction of the nine-dash line.
MTRCB further explained that they sought the opinion of a legal expert on the West Philippine Sea to ensure an informed decision on the matter.
Sen. Tolentino expressed his disappointment with the MTRCB’s decision. He noted the anniversary of the 2016 arbitration case victory invalidating the nine-dash line.
The movie “Barbie” had recently faced a ban in Vietnam due to scenes featuring a map with the nine-dash line representing China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
A Warner Bros. Film Group representative clarified that including the map in the movie was not intended to convey any specific message. He stated, “It was not intended to make any type of statement.”
This incident follows previous instances where films like “Uncharted” and “Abominable” faced requests for removal due to scenes or elements conflicting with national interest.
With the MTRCB’s decision, the movie “Barbie” will be allowed to be screened in the Philippines. Fans of the franchise can catch the film in theaters on July 21, 2023.
Banner Image Paulo Correa
