JAY BRANNAN: SHORTBUS FORCES SUPREME COURT TO OVERTURN CENSORSHIP LAW IN SOUTH KOREA!!!!

As everyone that knows me, and reads this forum, can attest, I am a major dork for JAY BRANNAN, the Texas native, talented Folk Artist, and Actor, in such films as SHORTBUS & Holding Trevor, is so sexy and I am not talking about just physically but mentally and spiritually. It goes without saying, but I will anyway, I would gladly char broil his turkey burgers any day (verse 2, HOUSEWIFE, official uncensored).



Most in Fort Wayne remember the controversy that erupted at the beginning of last year, when a religious zealot went into the Allen County Public Library with a news crew and tried to begin a new version of a book burning, in regards to SHORTBUS being available to rent out by the general public, regardless if they are old enough or not. The controversy even led to this blog being quoted without cite in The News Sentinel, our local evening paper, that is traditionally more conservative. Ironically the Editor's of the News Sentinel, and some Radio Personalities on WOWO AM1190, actually were more open about the film and against the censorship attempt then most liberals that I know. That controversy lasted over a couple months and still technically hasn't been settled, I still hear waifs in the air over it on occasion and in closed circles.

Now Mr. Brannan is reporting that, The Supreme Court of South Korea, found in favor of the John Cameron Mitchell indie film SHORTBUS, in a ruling three weeks ago and overturned the long standing censorship rules on restricted screening as unconstitutional! Here is more from Cho Sun Ilbo:

Court Lifts Restriction on Sexual Movies

The taboo surrounding sexual content in films is to be lifted as the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court recently ruled that the "restricted screening" rating - a powerful tool for film censorship - unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the import and distribution of U.S. film "Shortbus," ruling to annul the "restricted screening" rating imposed on the movie by the Korea Media Rating Board, on Thursday last week. Restricted screening virtually means a film cannot be screened in regular movie theaters. Thanks to the court's ruling, "Shortbus" can be screened in cinemas. The controversial movie graphically portrays non-simulated sex scenes, such as group sex and masturbation. It has played at numerous domestic and international film festivals, and has been recognized for its artistic merits by critics.

Korean films are likely to feature more vivid depictions of sex from after the ruling. Sex scenes in Korean movies have gradually become more liberated, despite a constant struggle with the censorship system. The 1956 film "Liberated Madame" was the first to present female sexuality onscreen, and an age of erotic movies began with "Madame Aema" in 1982.

The film industry and the government censorship board have always clashed over the issue. With the abolition of restricted screening, it will be up to prosecutors and the court to judge whether a film is too lewd.

The film industry welcomes the court's decision. Film Bom CEO Jo Kwang-hee said, "Unlike TV, film audiences play an active role in choosing what to watch. It is inappropriate to censor films when there is so many pornography easily available online."

However, some are already raising concerns about the possible side-effects of the ruling. Ji Myung-hyok, professor at Kookmin University and the head of the Korea Media Rating Board, said, "I am concerned that if films like 'Shortbus' are screened in theaters, it will cause moral chaos."

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EDITOR: Sorry for Mondays post running late. I wasn't feeling well, had to stop midway to medicate myself, and get some sleep. I wish that Mother Nature would make up her mind about the changing temperatures.