Post its ban in Vietnam over the controversial map scene in Barbie, the film will have the scene blurred during its release in Philippines.
Philippines’ Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTPCB) conveyed through a letter made public on Wednesday said that they had “exhausted all possible resources to arrive at this decision,” having consulted foreign affairs officials and legal experts. But after “meticulous” examination, the censors decided there was “no basis to ban the film.” However, in another letter to the local Senator, MTPCB has requested to blur out part of the map scene so that the scene is not “misinterpreted” by the viewers.
The said scene involves a world map which depicts nine-dash line, a U-shaped marking which suggests supporting China’s territorial claims.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Emma Mackey, Dua Lipa, among others. Taking inspiration from the iconic Mattel doll, the film is set to hit the theatres on July 21.