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A Clockwork Orange: The Controversial Movie That Was Banned Worldwide

Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange"is a movie that's caused major reactions!

The film itself was banned for so long, with many fans only getting a chance to watch it a long time after its original release! It really created a worldwide debate.

While a "controversial movie," for some, and others think of it as one of the greatest ever. You see the "cultural effect," was just as strong. One documentary aimed to explore how powerful this film really was, diving back into what was happening as the film became known, not only around the world but in Spain, in the 1970s. The film that shares the spotlight, the documentary is called "A Forbidden Orange."

The Power of "A Clockwork Orange"

You may never have seen a film with the power of "A Clockwork Orange," which took audiences to a world that's both dark, violent and a dystopian place in the 1970s, a great example of a world that seems to have fallen into decay, just a bit! Anthony Burgess's work from 1962 inspired the film, which is so iconic! And what a remarkable cast to boot with Malcolm McDowell giving the incredible performance as "Alex DeLarge."

A lot went down after it came out as people in Britain didn't like it!

  • There were some protests that happened!
  • The public really disliked the movie! There were also so many arguments about how the film influenced real-world violence!

What is most noteworthy is the decision from Kubrick. This classic, talented film director, pulled his own film, "A Clockwork Orange" from UK cinemas in 1973. He even decided that it should not be viewed by the public.

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The Documentary- "A Forbidden Orange"

Malcolm McDowell in Clockwork Orange in Front of an Orange Gear Background Image

If there is something that everyone needs to know, it's just how controversial "A Clockwork Orange" really is! But a lot has changed since it came out.

  • Even though it was pulled from UK cinemas it wasn't removed everywhere in the world!
  • Spain kept "A Clockwork Orange" out of the country!
  • However, once the movie came out the Francisco Franco government in Spain was ending their power and allowed this film into cinemas, showing this world to those in the country for the very first time!

In 2021 a documentary called "A Forbidden Orange,", celebrating the 50th Anniversary of "A Clockwork Orange.", released, as this piece delved into how this film influenced the entire world, including Spain! It is truly something you won't forget!

Fans have learned about how many of these events are actually in Spain! Even those who worked in film, were trying to find a way to release the movie but they had so many issues at the time! This is a truly compelling historical period. The event where the film made it onto the screen was the Villadolid Film Festival! A 1975 event.

It looks like no one expected such a big reaction from the public! Everyone had concerns. Some felt a sense of outrage as well, but the movie came out successfully!

It was one that helped to create a huge stir! Everyone made a big deal of it, including a group of "protesters." Even though there were concerns, no real violence took place, as fans flocked to the film.

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How This All Came Together

Alex (Malcolm McDowell) doing aversion therapy in A Clockwork Orange Image

If you really think this is crazy and can't comprehend why the film, and how the story is set! There was a very serious need to talk about the film! And how it can be so compelling in so many ways. The film explores ideas of morality, the idea of how to do good and its lasting impacts! "A Forbidden Orange" brings these aspects to light and really gives those who see this documentary, a better look at why the film was banned for so long.

  • "A Clockwork Orange" may be incredibly controversial and you can see how its powerful messaging, had many wanting it to not be shown at all!
  • The "A Clockwork Orange" film wasn't afraid to ask these questions of free will and control. Its main character, Alex, a brutal figure in this fictionalized story was meant to be the "bad guy!", but you don't always have a clear line between who is evil and good!
  • "A Forbidden Orange" shows those moments when viewers might not always understand the movie in such a deep way!

A classic film, a cult favorite! Fans, those who have not seen it, this is the one that will spark some intense thought as well as an interesting new adventure to get into the minds of a world and see the great influence it had.

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