John Waters’ 1972 cult film Pink Flamingos was banned in several countries for its extreme and disturbing content. Starring legendary drag queen Divine, the movie follows “the filthiest person alive” as she battles two criminals jealous of her title.
The film includes shocking acts, including Divine eating dog feces, simulated murders, and — most controversially — an unsimulated sex act between Divine and her on-screen son. The BBFC also warned of “close-up” explicit details and scenes involving animal cruelty.
Pink Flamingos was banned in Switzerland, Australia, parts of Canada, and Norway. Critics were harsh, with Variety calling it “one of the most vile, stupid and repulsive films ever made.” Roger Ebert joked, “With any luck, I won’t have to see it again for another 25 years.”
Despite the backlash, some fans see it as darkly funny and intentionally shocking. Today, the film is hard to find, with no major streaming availability and only limited physical editions.
