Fifty Shades of Censorship

Mr. Grey will see you now

The Announcement

 Last year, the teaser trailer to Fifty Shades of Grey announced movie's worldwide release on Valentine's Day. Worldwide release? I snickered a bit knowing that the announcement naturally excluded Japan, a country where movies were released months after their original release date.

 

Don't believe me? Let's take a look at the release dates for Mockingjay Pt. 1, where you'll notice Japan's ridiculously delayed release date in comparison to the original release date in the United States and its neighboring countries. 

 

U.S. release date was November 20th, 2014.  Japan's release date is May 15th, 2015!

 

I can't tell you why this is but multiple sources have suggested that certain movies are released during holidays for the convenience of families and, in particular, students. In short, no matter the reason, Japanese bureaucracy plays a heavy hand. Nevertheless, these delayed release dates, in conjunction with expensive ticket prices ($17), are the reason why I have mostly abstained from movie theaters and relied heavily on online streaming. Therefore, I was skeptical about this "world-wide release" until I saw the Japanese trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey.

 

 

 

Wait, what? February 13th! What! Whose first child did they sacrifice for this? I couldn't believe it, but I rallied the OkiJETs ladies for a Galentine's Day appointment with Mr. Grey either way. 

 

Censorship

There were a couple ladies who attempted to ruin my excitement with their distain over the movie's possible censorship. Censorship? Yes, as I discussed in this post, pornography, whether bought or streamed, is censored in Japan. However, I was unsure how this censorship law would transfer to a non-pornographic movie. To be honest, I didn't care much either way, but I found it interesting that the movie was given an R15+ rating.

 

The Result

I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone living in Japan, but just know that the movie is censored. It's difficult to explain, but it seemed like negotiations took place in order to see how far they could go with the mature content. For example, the audience got a good, close up view of Ana's pubic forest, but all other possible sightings were blurred. There was one strong sex scene, in particular, that would switch from a giant black blob to no censorship. I couldn't see the reason for censoring one scene but not another and thus, it seemed like a give-and-take situation; as though someone said, "We'll give you this nude scene, but censor the next." Despite the censored scenes, I saw plenty! We all saw too much! The movie definitely exceeded and surpassed my low expectations. The OkiJET ladies had a good laugh, and I was happy they eliminated most of the abusive elements from the book and made Ana's character stronger.

 

Once I see the original uncensored version, I'll have more insight as to why certain scenes were censored. Until then, enjoy the naughtiness! ;o)

 

Update!

I saw the uncensored version online and there wasn't really much to see aside from a man-bush shot. However, I am still unsure as to why certain scenes were censored over other similar scenes.

Those Cold, Emotionless Japanese

There is a common misconception that the Japanese (and probably other East Asians) are cold, stoic and, basically, void of all emotions. It doesn't help that this stereotype is maintained by  period movies that portray the Japanese as either samurai warriors or geisha. 

And Avril Lavigne...

I was told prior to my arrival that no matter how well I spoke Japanese, I would be excluded from the "in crowd" because I am foreign. Therefore, to my benefit or detriment, I could never truly be part of Japanese society. 

I hadn't really given this concept a second thought until recently. 

I returned from my winter trip on a Wednesday, which meant that I worked at my Thursday/Friday school the following day. As I walked into the school's kitchen to serve myself some water, I was cornered by the librarian, the copy room/tea lady, and an assistant teacher, who were all excited to hear about my trip. I told them I saw the most beautiful places, but I also described what had transpired over the trip. I only remember that my eyes watered and my voice cracked when I said, 「本当にとても大変だったさー」or "Honestly, it was very difficult." The moment this happened, the librarian literally ran to grab some tissues and chocolates while my other coworkers cried with me. 

Later in the day, the 5th grade homeroom teacher called me into a spare room to talk to me about what happened. He told me of his experience and how he focused on himself, passed the teaching examination, and met his current wife. He advised me to focus on myself and said, "You're smart and beautiful; you'll be just fine." 

I was surprised and deeply touched by their support. Where are these cold, emotionless Japanese people I was warned about? Answer: Not here.

How to Make an Extremely Long Distance Relationship Work

 A modern fairytale

If you type the words “long distance relationship” into Google, you will find an endless list of articles on how to make your long distance relationship work. The problem with articles such as “How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work (with Pictures),” “21 Tips on Making a Long Distance Relationship Work,” and “22 Things No One Tells You about a Long Distance Relationship” is that they give general advice on things a rational person already knows: communication is imperative to the success of a long distance relationship.

For some, a long distance relationship can mean that their significant other is a few hours or a few states away. In my case, the distance spanned the entire United States and the Pacific Ocean or approximately 8,389 miles (13,500km). By using simple, made up math, I would need to increase normal communication by 800% in order for my 8.5–year relationship to stand the “Long Distance Relationship Test.”

 If communication is vital then I have all the tools: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Skype, MagicJack, WhatsApp, Line, SnapChat, Vine, Pinterest, Blogger, Gmail, and OoVoo. However, what is the point of all these social media outlets of your significant other doesn’t make time for you? Despite the challenges of moving to a new country, the first year of my extremely long distance relationship went by smoothly. Nevertheless, communication soon became scarce entering my second year. I was seemingly pushed down the priority list in favor for a new group of single friends and a budding obsession with CrossFit. I protested the issue of his indifference several times, but I was met with both eye rolling and wording that suggested that I was doing the typical “crazy girl” thing. 

You see, these “helpful” articles never discuss what happens when you fight in a long distance relationship. In a normal relationship, whoever was in the wrong would apologize with both words and action. In a long distance relationship, you can only apologize via text or Skype and since there is no physical/emotional feeling of remorse, something that would have only upset me for two hours now pisses me off for two days! Do you see the problem here? Therefore, unresolved fights and weak communication are the happenings of a disaster but add temptation and the allure of the single life into the mix, and you have the start of World War (E)X. 

In short, extremely long distance relationships are difficult, but it’s important to communicate your feelings even if they result in the end of that relationship. It is better to save face than to have your girlfriend find out in the midst of a vacation that you’ve been secretly seeing another woman, taking her out on dates, meeting her family and, unbelievably, messaging her right in front of your girlfriend. And then have that, now, ex-girlfriend write about it in her blog. 

***

Although my relationship ended, I know many couples who have persevered through long distance relationships. Therefore, my relationship should not be indicative to the success or failure of other relationships. Also,  there is clearly so much more to the story that I won't discuss. これから頑張ります！ (From now on, I'll do my best!)