After a meticulous review process, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) in the Philippines has decided to allow the screening of the summer blockbuster Barbie. In a letter addressed to the public, the MTRCB explained that it found no basis to ban the film, despite concerns over a specific scene that required some minor adjustments.
The recent controversy surrounding Barbie stems from the appearance of a map that some allege depicts the disputed “nine-dash line” in the South China Sea region. Although the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague has rejected this maritime border, China continues to promote it as a means to claim a vast portion of the South China Sea.
In line with their commitment to thorough evaluation, the MTRCB emphasized that the decision to allow Barbie’s release took into account various perspectives and contributions from different government departments. Furthermore, it reassured the public that exhaustive efforts were made to arrive at this outcome.
The MTRCB did, however, request that Warner Bros., the distributor of Barbie, blur a specific part of the scene in question to avoid potential misinterpretation. While this adjustment was made, it is important to note that the board found no explicit depiction of the disputed nine-dash line. In fact, the map marking presented in the film was not U-shaped and featured only eight dashes.
This approval comes just one day before the seventh anniversary of The Hague ruling. It also follows Vietnam’s decision to ban the release of Barbie due to the controversial map, which prompted criticism from U.S. lawmakers who accused the filmmakers of supporting Chinese propaganda.
Warner Bros. responded to the controversy by describing the map as a “child-like crayon drawing” that was not intended to convey any political statement. Despite this explanation, concerns over the map’s perceived implications persisted.
Francis Tolentino, a Philippine senator and vocal proponent of a Barbie ban, stated that while he disagreed with the MTRCB’s decision, he ultimately respected it. Tolentino emphasized that regardless of the number of dashes on the map, the film perpetuated China’s claims over Philippine waters.
Barbie is scheduled for release in the Philippines on July 19 and in the United States on July 21. As the film hits theaters, it will undoubtedly spark further dialogue surrounding geopolitical disputes in the South China Sea region.
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