The controversial comedy
The Interview has opened in some US cinemas and online, after a
cyber-attack and threats to moviegoers
over its release.Sony Pictures had originally pulled the film, about a fictional plot to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
But it reconsidered after critics - including the US president - said freedom of expression was under threat.
Some cinemas organized midnight showings for Americans determined to see The Interview on the big screen.
Several hundred independent cinemas across the US have come forward offering to show the title after larger cinemas decided not to screen it following threats.
Lee Peterson, manager of Cinema Village in New York, told Reuters news agency it was a matter of principle to show the film.
"Obviously we would like to make money from the movie, as we would with any movie, but it's important to take a stand about freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to see movies."
The film is also being offered through a dedicated website and via Google services YouTube and Play, and Microsoft's Xbox Video platform, but only in the US.
A spokesman for Sony told the BBC the release was US-only "at this point".
Sony Pictures initially pulled the film after suffering an unprecedented hacking attack at the hands of a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace.
Last week, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said its analysis pointed the finger at North Korea. However, many cybersecurity experts have come forward to dispute this assertion.
North Korea denied being behind the attack but described it as a "righteous deed".
The hackers threatened to carry out a terrorist attack on cinemas showed the film on its scheduled release date of Christmas Day. After many cinemas pulled out, Sony cancelled the release.
That move was described by President Obama as a mistake.
Source:BBC
No comments:
Post a Comment