\\\'Noah\\\' denied release in China

China has refused to approve the release of biblical epic "Noah" starring Russell Crowe, which has already been banned in a string of Muslim countries for religious reasons, industry sources said. Paramount Pictures tried to secure a release slot for the vast Chinese mainland market by stressing its "environmental message" and special effects, the Los Angeles Times reported. But getting the Bible-based story past China's cinematic gatekeepers was stymied due to Beijing's sensitivities on religious issues, according to the Hollywood Reporter trade journal. A source familiar with the issue, who declined to be identified, said simply that the film "will not release in China," after Paramount submitted the film for import approval, according to AFP.