'Beauty and the Beast' romances Egypt despite controversial content

Some in Egypt criticized the state censors for allowing "Beauty and the Beast" to be screened in local movie theaters, as the movie contains scenes suggesting homosexuality.
Director of the movie Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken pose with cast members Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Emma Watson, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald and Gugu Mbatha-Raw at the premiere of "Beauty and the Beast" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. March 2, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni - RTS118KT
Director Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken pose with cast members Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Emma Watson, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald and Gugu Mbatha-Raw at the premiere of "Beauty and the Beast" in Los Angeles, California, March 2, 2017. - REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
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David Awad
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CAIRO — Though "Beauty and the Beast" was released over a month ago in Egyptian theaters, it's still making waves.

The movie has been ruling the box office for more than a month now, even though several other movies were also released during Egypt’s spring holiday season. As of April 18, the movie had made 8 million Egyptian pounds (about $443,000). The unprecedented revenues the movie raked in in Egypt are in line with its record revenues around the world, making it one of 29 films to bring in over $1 billion.

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