6.11.2003

Matrix Banned
Apparently, Egypt has banned Matrix: Reloaded because it tackles "religious themes". Well, you knew it was inevitable, especially since it comes from the country's "censorship board". However, I see that a lot of the original meaning has been lost in the translation to English. Luckily, I have the correct text handy for translation. Here's an excerpt, followed by the true meaning:

    "Such religious issues, raised in previous times, caused crises."
    =
    "Anyone in the past who has dared to disagree with the church has been put to death, resurrected (thank Allah) and then put to death a second time. This was very distressing to our daily prayers."

Well, who wouldn't have a problem? The statement goes on to say:
    Violent scenes also had the potential to "harm social peace"
    =
    Our country is populated with terrorist zealots, who love to kill. Especially those who choose the door on Neo's right.

Well, I can certainly understand that. You don't want your killers killing the star, do you? But the most telling part is:
    "Screening the movie may cause troubles and harm social peace," according to the statement.
    =
    "Screening this movie loosens our mind control and causes people to think. You just can't have that in a religious zealotry-type state. You just can't.

Indeed. I can understand why this would be a problem. Well, what can you do?

The statement also went on to say later that you could "so tell" some of the Agent Smiths were stuntmen and there should have a lot more of "those wicked cool" twins.

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