'It Ends With Us' Movie Banned in Qatar Over Kissing Scenes

Publish date: Tuesday، 13 August 2024

Sony Pictures’ adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, “It Ends With Us,” will not be shown in Qatar. The country’s censorship committee has prohibited the PG-13 film from screening due to its kissing scenes, according to sources.

Censorship and Bans

This film joins a list of other movies banned in Qatar, including “Eternals,” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Lightyear,” and “West Side Story.” The common factor among these films is their inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes or characters, which have faced scrutiny under Qatar’s strict censorship rules.

'It Ends With Us' Movie Banned in Qatar Over Kissing Scenes

Film’s Success Outside Qatar

“It Ends With Us” earned $80 million globally over the weekend, with $50 million coming from the U.S. and Canadian markets alone. The movie stars Blake Lively as a flower shop owner navigating a complex love triangle and is directed by Justin Baldoni, who also appears in the film alongside Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate.

'It Ends With Us' Movie Banned in Qatar Over Kissing Scenes

Context for Readers

The film’s ban highlights ongoing debates about media censorship and cultural differences in film content. As global audiences increasingly engage with diverse cinematic experiences, such censorship decisions spark discussions about freedom of expression and cultural sensitivities.

'It Ends With Us' Movie Banned in Qatar Over Kissing Scenes

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