Movie, TV and celebrity content database IMDb is finally available to Chinese movie-buffs after a 3-year ban by the Chinese government.
Back in January 2010 the Chinese government had imposed a ban on IMDb without giving an official explanation as to why this decision was made. Neither was it made clear if the site would be available for viewing ever again.
Some say that the ban was placed a preview of “When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun” was featured on the IMDb homepage. The documentary about the Free Tibet movement led by the Dalai Lama might have enraged the Chinese authorities.
Now though both the English and Chinese versions of the site are back and can be accessed throughout the country.
It remains unclear as to why the ban was lifted but Chinese movie-lovers will surely be delighted with one Sina Weibo user writing, “Thank you, China’s new leaders, this is wonderful.”