A "clean version" of Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to 2015's Fifty Shades of Grey, was released in UAE cinemas on March 30.
The first film – like the sequel, based on the best-selling book by E L James – did not get a release in the Emirates because of its graphic content. However an edited version of the sequel is listed as screening at several local cinema chains – including Vox, Cineroyal, Reel, Oscar and Roxy – in a cut format with an 18+ rating.
The release of the sequel comes as a surprise as most people assumed the film would, like its predecessor, skip a UAE release.
Its surprise inclusion on this week’s listings sent out by the cinema chains raised a few eyebrows, therefore, with many assuming its was a mistake.
Even a spokesperson for Vox Cinemas initially said the film had probably been listed in error, but later confirmed that a cut, “clean version” would be screened.
It seems likely that this version of the film will be heavily censored. The distributor, Four Star Films in Lebanon, declined to comment, while the National Media Council was unavailable.
None of the cinema chains we spoke to were willing or able to comment on the extent of the cuts, either.
However, a listing on The Roxy Cinema website states that the running time is 100 minutes, 18 minutes shorter than the internationally advertised 118-minute running time. Reel Cinemas lists the running time as 105 minutes, and Oscar Cinemas as 98 minutes.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
