The Hong Kong motion picture rating system (traditional Chinese: 香港電影分級制度; simplified Chinese: 香港电影分级制度) is a legal system of movie screening and rating. An official government agency issues ratings for any movie that will be shown in Hong Kong movie theatres.
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At the beginning of the film industry in Hong Kong, when the viewing of movies had no age restrictions, films were made under strict guidelines. For instance, movie characters were not allowed to get away with crimes, and sex scenes were not permitted. In 1986, with the release of John Woo's violent gangster movie A Better Tomorrow (later rated IIB), the general public became concerned about the influence films had on children. As a result, the Hong Kong motion picture rating system was established under the Movie Screening Ordinance Cap.392 on 10 November 1988. The purpose behind the law was to provide parents of minors a chance to prevent their children from being exposed to inappropriate materials.
The ratings are issued by the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, and initially provided three levels of ratings, which led the slang term "three-tier ratings" (Chinese: 三級制) to popular usage.
In 1995, the ratings were amended, creating three levels of main ratings, and two sub-ratings for one level.
According to the laws of Hong Kong, any movies that are intended to be shown in Hong Kong cinemas or released to the public via any videotape or disc formats must be screened by the TELA and have a rating issued by its director. Only educational movies and movie trailers do not receive ratings.
If a movie is rated as a Third Level film (Chinese: 三級片), its promotional materials must also be screened by TELA. In addition, any videotape or discs that will be sold must be sealed by plastic bagging before it can be sold.
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Of the four levels, Levels I, IIA, and IIB are advisory ratings only, and carry no legal effect. Only Level III forbid a certain portion of the population from watching the film. Ticket sellers in movie theatres have a legal right to check the identity of a person who wishes to watch a Level III film to ensure legal compliance.