The last Wolverine movie “Logan” just made history in China for being the first film to be given by the country’s censors a “parental advisory” reminder. China does not have a film rating system, so the censor enforced The Film Industry Promotion Law of the People’s Republic of China.
Posters in Cinema Lobbies
The law took effect on March 1, Wednesday, when the movie premiered, although regular showing began on March 3, Friday. The law said that movies with physically and mentally uncomfortable contents for minors must have clear reminders for parents, China.org reported. In the U.S., “Logan” was given an “R” rating.
As a result there was a poster in cinema lobbies that said, “Pupils and preschool children should watch it in the company of parents.” The censors also reduced the movie’s running time by 14 minutes to take away the violent scenes and a brief nudity scene, despite “Logan” being given high ratings by movie critics.
Last Time as Wolverine
“Logan” star Hugh Jackman is in Beijing to promote the movie. He and fellow actor Patrick Stuart, who appears as Professor X in the film, showed up on stage to meet their fans on Wednesday at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing. “It is an emotional time for Patrick and I. This is our last film playing characters of Logan the Wolverine and Professor Xavier, and I'm very proud of the film,” Jackman said.
Jackman recalled that when he saw the movie at the Berlin International Film Festival, he grabbed Stuart’s hands and they cried together. Stuart and Jackman later signed autographs and took selfies with fans.
In the U.S., where “Logan” had a same-day opening as China, the movie earned $28 million on Friday, it’s first day of exhibition in 4,071 cinemas. The amount includes $9.5 million earned during Thursday night previews. Variety reported that “Logan” would likely earn up to $74 million during opening weekend in the U.S.