Why Steven Spielberg’s film ET was banned for children in Scandinavia

Few directors know how to tap into the magic of childhood wonder as much as Steven Spielberg. In 1982, he once again cemented his reign as the king of blockbusters with his space adventure “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” which attracted countless audiences – young and old – with a worldwide gross of nearly $800 million. They were swept away by John Williams’ rousing score and moved by the power of E.T.’s glowing love interest, as well as by the emotional performances from young Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore. “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is now rated as Best Spielberg film on Rotten Tomatoesand it’s hard to argue too much with that.

But although it was a huge success and a cultural phenomenon, there was some controversy abroad surrounding its release. “E.T.” was originally a horror film Before Spielberg turned the story of aliens meeting the world into a more family-friendly story. Whatever the case, Scandinavia felt that the film still retained many of the scares and tension typical of the genre.

As such, the local classification board has prohibited children under the age of 11 from watching ET at home on the big screen. This was a bit harsher than in the US, where “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” was rated PG for language and thematic elements (including the infamous “penis breathing” insult), meaning that parental guidance was suggested to viewers Little ones but not necessary.

In 1983, Scandinavian censorship director Gunnel Arbak explained (trans Unified Payment Interface (UPI).) that Spielberg’s Heavenly Fantasy “may cause mental injury to children over 7 but under 11” due to its “threatening and frightening mood” and portrayal of “adults as enemies of children” (via Medicine Hat News). I’ll admit I was a little afraid of ET as a kid, but there’s nothing more brutal than a typical Disney film, which was a huge influence on Spielberg’s work. ET’s near-death experience and having to say goodbye forever is no different from traumatic moments like Bambi’s mother being shot by hunters, Dumbo being snatched from his mother, little children turning into donkeys in “Pinocchio,” or the fox and the hound being gone . Their separate ways. All of these films were intended for children.

“ET” becomes very intense once the government agents arrive, which suddenly changes the tone of the film from the sweetness and absurdity of the ET’s experience of life in American suburbia – such as learning how to spell on a Speak & Spell game or watching old Western movies on TV – to being chased by… Before men with big guns are thrown into a world of tubes, hazmat suits and plastic sheeting. It is disturbing and frightening to see the emaciated, pale alien on the operating table.

The idea that younger kids can’t handle the movie E.T. is ridiculous because Spielberg poured all of his emotional pain, memories, and grief over his parents’ divorce when he was a young child into the movie (he also used this kind of sarcasm). Cinematic treatment in “The Fabelmans” decades later). Through the story of Elliot and his little alien friend, we are reminded that children face difficult feelings and difficulties with the same strength and depth, even though adults often try to protect them.

It’s heartbreaking when Elliot learns he has to say goodbye to ET, just as children are sad when they learn their parents won’t be together anymore. As children grow, they also learn that adults don’t always make the best decisions and have their own problems, whether those problems lead to a breakup or experimenting on a cute, innocent alien. It is an important lesson for children to learn that adults are not infallible, and even dangerous sometimes.

Spielberg’s refusal to explain what would actually happen if an alien came to Eaerth is what makes “E.T.” a legendary film. Scandinavia was not acting in the children’s best interests by trying to put them in a bubble and avoid these heavier topics. Children need to see and understand that big feelings, like loss and abandonment, are okay to feel in a safe way and will not define the rest of their lives. It’s just a part of life that’s out of their control. “ET” does not cause mental injuries, but instead creates essential memories.