© NL Beeld

'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) -

Stanley Kubrick, deeply disturbed by the backlash and controversy surrounding 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971), made the extraordinary decision to withdraw the film from circulation in the United Kingdom. This self-imposed ban remained in place throughout his lifetime, and the film only returned to UK screens after his passing in 1999.

© Getty Images

'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) -

Following its direct association with multiple violent crimes, the adaptation of Anthony Burgess' book became a central topic in discussions about the influence of fictional media on impressionable individuals. 

© Getty Images

'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) -

When perpetrators cited the film as inspiration for their crimes, it naturally sparked a controversial debate. While a movie can’t be directly held responsible for acts of violence, 'A Clockwork Orange' certainly pushed the boundaries.

© Getty Images

'Silenced' (2011) -

Hwang Dong-hyuk's powerful Korean drama based on real events triggered such intense public outrage upon its release that it led to significant legislative changes in South Korea. 

© NL Beeld

'Silenced' (2011) -

The chilling narrative of 'Silenced' follows a newly-hired teacher at a school for deaf children who uncovers years of systemic sexual abuse perpetrated by the institution's leadership. The film's portrayal of the lenient sentencing for such heinous crimes sparked widespread public outrage.

© NL Beeld

'Silenced' (2011) -

A month after 'Silenced' was released, its powerful impact led to significant legal reforms in South Korea. The National Assembly passed the Dogani law, named after the film's native title, which abolished the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against minors and individuals with impairments.

© NL Beeld

'Scum' (1979) -

The breakout role for a young Ray Winstone in Alan Clarke's 'Scum' was surrounded by controversy not once, but twice. The original television version faced a ban before it could be aired, only for the story to resurface and be reimagined as a feature film two years later. 

© NL Beeld

'Scum' (1979) -

'Scum' delivers an unrelenting portrayal of life in a UK borstal (an archaic youth detention center), garnering attention and shock for its uncompromising depiction of graphic and troubling scenes. Yet, despite the controversy, the film succeeded in shining a long-overdue spotlight on borstals, prompting discussions and awareness about the conditions within such institutions.

© NL Beeld

'Scum' (1979) -

While not officially acknowledged as a direct response, it’s hard to overlook the timing: just three years after the release of 'Scum', the UK's 1982 Criminal Justice Act abolished the borstal system in favor of modern young offenders institutions.

© NL Beeld

'Philadelphia' (1993) -

With Jonathan Demme, acclaimed director of 'The Silence of the Lambs,' behind the camera and Tom Hanks delivering a standout performance in the lead role, 'Philadelphia' played a pivotal role in bringing the conversation about the AIDS epidemic into the public eye.

© NL Beeld

'Philadelphia' (1993) -

The movie centered its narrative on a discussion that many were reluctant to engage with: the AIDS epidemic. As one of the first major Hollywood films to tackle this subject, it not only confronted societal taboos head-on but also portrayed gay characters in a positive and empathetic light, which was uncommon at the time.

© NL Beeld

'Philadelphia' (1993) -

With 'Philadelphia' earning over US$200 million at the box office and securing Tom Hanks his first Oscar for Best Actor, the societal conversation began to shift. The film’s success helped dissolve the toxicity surrounding the discourse on AIDS, gradually replacing suspicion and fear with understanding.

© NL Beeld

'The Thin Blue Line' (1988) -

Errol Morris' documentary faced its most significant criticism from filmmakers who objected to the use of dramatic re-enactments as a central element of the feature. Despite this controversy, the film succeeded in raising thought-provoking questions that inspired discussions among audiences.

© NL Beeld

'The Thin Blue Line' (1988) -

By meticulously revisiting the case of Randall Dale Adams, who was convicted of murdering a police officer, 'The Thin Blue Line' exposed inconsistencies and flaws in the recorded version of events. The documentary not only challenged the validity of the conviction but directly influenced the decision to grant Adams a retrial!

© NL Beeld

'The Thin Blue Line' (1988) -

After spending over a decade behind bars, Randall Dale Adams was acquitted and set free following his retrial. The shocking revelations in 'The Thin Blue Line' left audiences astounded at how a documentarian's relentless pursuit of truth could single-handedly save a man's life.

© NL Beeld

'Triumph Of The Will' (1934) -

Leni Riefenstahl, a filmmaker and known Nazi sympathizer, saw her career irreparably damaged after creating 'Triumph of the Will.'  Widely regarded as one of the most powerful and effective propaganda films in history, its technical brilliance remains undeniable.

© Getty Images

'Triumph Of The Will' (1934) -

Riefenstahl’s work, despite its cinematic innovation, remains inextricably tied to the atrocities it was used to glorify, making it a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with creative influence.

© Getty Images

'Triumph of the Will' (1934) -

Riefenstahl’s innovative filmmaking techniques  would later become widely popularized but 'Triumph of the Will' remains one of the most notorious and controversial films in history. No degree of exceptional cinematography could overshadow its purpose and the debates surrounding its association with a dark chapter of humanity.

© Getty Images

'Super Size Me' (2004) -

Morgan Spurlock’s "shock" documentary 'Super Size Me' was met with a double wave of controversy; while one aspect centered on the revelations and critiques of US fast food culture portrayed on-screen, the other stemmed from the external debates it ignited.

© NL Beeld

'Super Size Me' (2004) -

Questions arose about the validity of Spurlock’s scientific claims in the documentary and whether any embellishments were involved. Yet, the ensuing debate proved secondary to the real-world impact of the film, as major fast food giants were prompted to take notable action in response to its revelations.

© NL Beeld

'Super Size Me' (2004) -

While none of the fast food giants publicly admitted to being influenced by 'Super Size Me,' the timing of their shift toward offering healthier menu options is unlikely to be purely coincidental. Also, the documentary's impact sparked widespread discussions about dietary habits and industry practices.

© Getty Images

'Kids' (1995) -

Director Larry Clark and writer Harmony Korine have built their reputations on creating provocative films that unflinchingly explore themes of sex and drugs. However, none of their works have sparked as much controversy as their 1995 film 'Kids.' 

© NL Beeld

'Kids' (1995) -

'Kids' portrays a group of teenagers in New York City as they navigate their lives, relationships, and sexualities. The film's alleged depiction of real drug use and its portrayal of young actors in compromising situations created an atmosphere of discomfort for viewers, solidifying its reputation as a deeply unsettling piece of cinema.

© NL Beeld

'Kids' (1995) -

One of the most striking aspects of 'Kids' is its inclusion of HIV/AIDS as a central plot point, intertwined with the lives of 12-year-olds. This bold narrative choice added to the film's controversy, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable realities and sparking debates about its portrayal of sensitive subjects.

© NL Beeld

'Victim' (1961) -

Basil Dearden’s 'Victim' faced backlash from both the British Board of Film Classification and the American Motion Picture Production Code due to its controversial subject matter. But, the film managed to transcend criticism and achieve a milestone in cinematic history, establishing itself as a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation.

© NL Beeld

'Victim' (1961) -

Released during an era when homosexuality was a criminal offense, 'Victim' shed light on the widespread practice of blackmailing closeted gay men. The film follows Dirk Bogarde’s character, barrister Mel Farr, as he faces the threat of having his name and reputation ruined.

© NL Beeld

'Victim' (1961) -

The film’s impact extended beyond cinema, playing a notable role in the lead-up to the UK's Sexual Offences Act of 1967, which decriminalized homosexuality. Bogarde, who portrayed the lead role, even received a thank-you letter from the Earl of Arran, a key advocate for the legislative reform.

© NL Beeld

'Blackfish' (2013) -

Few might have believed that orcas enjoyed an idyllic life in captivity, but Gabriela Cowperthwaite's 'Blackfish' brought the grim truth to light. The documentary's revelations resonated deeply, shedding light on the plight of captive orcas and driving significant changes in public awareness and industry practices. 

© NL Beeld

'Blackfish' (2013) -

Following the release of 'Blackfish,' SeaWorld faced immediate backlash, with widespread boycotts devastating the theme park chain’s reputation. The company’s share price suffered a sharp decline, and public perception of the deaths of three trainers shifted dramatically as the mistreatment of orcas was brought to light.

© NL Beeld

'Blackfish' (2013) -

While animal cruelty remains an ongoing issue, 'Blackfish' significantly contributed to bringing it into the spotlight. By exposing the mistreatment within a multi-billion dollar industry, the documentary catalyzed widespread awareness and ignited conversations about ethical treatment.

Sources: (Flickering Myth) (Far Out Magazine) (Time Magazine)

See also: The world's most influential film directors and their masterpieces

© Getty Images