Falling victim to improper media promotion, the film Dahong Rice Shop has been officially banned in China.
China Film Bureau says posters promoting the film have exaggerated the sex and violence in the movie, which has been misguiding for viewers. The film is also criticized for having made its debut without official permission.
However, those who have watched the movie say the erotic and violent scenes in it serve a purely artistic purpose.
The film was scheduled to be released to the public this Friday. It focuses on the twisted psychology of certain characters and explores connections between the hunger, sexuality and brutality of human nature.
(Cri.com.cn March 26, 2003)