In a quick response to the criticism, Russia blames the bureaucracy, not oversight, for a decision to stop a Hollywood film about a fictional story about US soldiers saving the president of Russia from a "Kremlin coup."
The thriller "Killer Hunter" was due to be shown in cinemas in Russia on November 1, but this was canceled, prompting critics of the Kremlin to say censure prevented him from presenting it because his story undermined the image of the powerful man of President Vladimir Putin.
Russia banned last year's black death comedy "The Death of Stalin" after officials said a Kremlin conflict following the death of the Soviet leader showed disrespect for victims of Stalin's purges.
Russian media quoted the Culture Ministry as saying that "Hunter Keller" did not get approval because a copy of the film was not presented to the archive of Russian films in a timely manner. The ministry's press office did not respond to communications for comment.
The story of the film deals with a plot during which the Russian defense minister to hold the president hostage. The film stars Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman.
