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Monster Hunter Pulled From Cinemas Over Racism Claims


It's only been two days since Monster Hunter got a theatrical release in China but it looks like fans will not be able to watch it by next week. It has been revealed the Milla Jovovich film has been pulled from cinemas because of a scene that has been deemed racist and insulting to Chinese people.

According to Variety, Chinese audiences have pointed out a scene featuring a brief exchange between Asian American actor/rapper Jin Au-Yeung, aka MC Jin, and an unnamed white male actor. In the scene, it is actually MC Jin who makes a tasteless joke that is believed to have racist connotations.

The report describes the scene as follows:

"In the scene, a white male character and an Asian character played by Jin are driving together at high speed. 'What?' says the former. 'Look at my knees!' shouts Jin. 'What kind of knees are these?' asks his companion. 'Chi-nese!' jokes Jin, punning on the word's last syllable."

It already sounds like a lame joke but it gets worse. Chinese audiences are pointing out that the "joke" is a poorly-veiled reference to the racist schoolyard rhyme that "Chi-nese, Jap-a-nese, dir-ty knees, look at these." It is then accompanied by knee slaps and slant-eyed gestures.

For now, Sony Pictures or director Paul W.S. Anderson has yet to address the issue. In the meantime, Monster Hunter is only showing in a handful of theaters this weekend.

What do you think of the offending scene? Should it be removed so Monster Hunter could continue screening in China? Sound off in the comments below.

Related: Milla Jovovich Fights Massive Dragons in First Trailer for Monster Hunter

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