Motion picture rating system

A motion picture rating system is designated to classify films with regard to suitability for audiences in terms of issues such as sex, violence, substance abuse, profanity, impudence or other types of mature content. A particular issued rating can be called a certification, classification, certificate or rating. Ratings typically carry age recommendations in an advisory or restrictive capacity, and are often given in lieu of censorship. In some jurisdictions the legal obligation of administering the rating may be imposed on movie theaters.

In countries such as Australia, an official government censorship system decides on ratings; in other countries, such as the United States, it is done by industry committees with little, if any official government status. In most countries, however, films that are considered morally offensive have been censored, restricted, or banned. Even if the film rating system has no legal consequences, and a film has not explicitly been restricted or banned, there are usually laws forbidding certain films, or forbidding minors to view them.

The influence of specific factors in deciding a rating varies from country to country. For example, in countries such as the U.S., films with strong sexual content are often restricted to older viewers, whereas in countries such as France and Germany, sexual content is viewed much more leniently. On the other hand, films with violent content are often subject in countries such as Germany and Finland to high ratings and even censorship, whereas countries such as Australia offer more lenient ratings to violent movies.

Other factors may or may not influence the classification process, such as being set within a non-fictional historical context, whether the film glorifies violence or drug use, whether said violence or drug use is carried out by the protagonist, with whom the viewer should empathize, or by the antagonist. In Germany, for example, films depicting explicit war violence in a real war context (such as the Second World War) are handled more leniently than films with purely fictional settings.

A film may be produced with a particular rating in mind. It may be re-edited if the desired rating is not obtained, especially to avoid a higher rating than intended. A film may also be re-edited to produce an alternate version for other countries.

Comparison table

A comparison of current film rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Thus a color code or age range cannot be directly compared from one country to another.

Key:

Country 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Notes
Argentina ATP 13 16 18 N/A
18
Australia G MA15+ R18+ RC
PG M X18+ Exempt
Austria Unrestricted 6+ 8+ 10+ 12+ 14+ 16+ N/A In the Viennese province children under the age of 6 are only admitted to public screenings if they are accompanied.
Belgium CAT.1 CAT.2 N/A
Brazil L 10 12 14 16 18 N/A
Bulgaria A C D X N/A
B
Canada
(outside Québec)		 G 14A R E Children are admitted to 18A films if accompanied by an adult; however, in the Maritime and Manitoba provinces there is still a mandatory age restriction of 14.
A
PG 18A 18A Prohibited
(inside Québec) G G

(Not suitable for young children)		 13+ 16+ 18+ Exempt/Refused classification
18+

(Explicit sexuality)
Chile TE TE+7 +14 +18 Educational
Excessive violence
Pornography
China Suitable for all ages Banned
Colombia T 7 12 15 18 Prohibited
X
Country 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Notes
Denmark A 7 F Children aged seven and above can watch 11-rated and 15-rated films provided they are accompanied by an adult.
11 11
15 15
Estonia PERE MS-6 MS-12 K-14 K-16 N/A
L K-12
Finland S 7 7 12 12 16 16 18 N/A Minors up to 3 years younger than the given rating can watch 7, 12 and 16 rated films when accompanied by an adult.
France U 12 16 18 Prohibited Films may also be classified as "pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence".
Germany FSK 0 FSK 6 FSK 16 FSK 18 Educational Children over 6 can watch "FSK 12" rated movies under parental surveillance.
FSK 12 FSK 12 Unrated
Greece Unrestricted 13 17 18 N/A
Hong Kong I III Exempt
IIA/IIB
Hungary Universal 6 12 16 18 N/A
X
Iceland AL 6 9 12 16 N/A
India U UA A S
Indonesia SU R D Not passed/Limited
Ireland N/A G PG 12A 15A 16 18 N/A
12 15
Italy T VM14 VM18 N/A
Jamaica G PG-13 T-16 T-16 A-18 N/A Teenagers aged 14 and 15 are admitted to T-16 rated films in the company of an adult.
PG
Japan G PG-12 R15+ R18+ N/A
Country 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Notes
Kazakhstan К БА Б14 Е16 Е18 HA N/A
Latvia U 7+ 12+ 16+ 18+ N/A
Malaysia U P13 18 Banned
Maldives G 12+ 15+ 18+ PU
PG 18+R
Malta N/A U PG 12A 15 18 Not fit for exhibition
12
Mexico AA N/A B B-15 C N/A
A D
Netherlands AL 6 9 12 16 N/A
New Zealand G M R18 Exempt
PG R13 R15 R16 R
RP13 RP16 Objectionable
Nigeria G 12 15 18 RE The 15 and 18 classifications are not legally applicable to people below 2 years of age.
PG 12A
Norway A 6 12 12 18 Not approved For age limits 9, 12 and 15, children up to three years younger than the given rating are admitted if they are accompanied.
9 9 15 15
Philippines G R-13 R-16 R-18 X
PG
Portugal A M/3 M/6 M/12 M/14 M/16 M/18 (P) N/A For video, the ratings are advisory only, except for pornography (M/18-P).
M/3 M/6 M/12 M/14 M/16 M/18
M/18-P
Russia 0+ 6+ 12+ 16+ 18+ Refused classification
Country 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Notes
Singapore G PG-13 NC16 M18 R21 Exempt
PG
South Africa A 10 13 16 18 XX
PG 7–9PG 10–12PG X18
South Korea ALL 12 15 R Restricted screening N/A
Spain APTA 7 12 16 18 N/A APTA and 7 rated films may be designated as being especially recommended for children.
Película X
Sweden Btl 7 Not Approved N/A Children aged seven and above can watch 11-rated films provided they are accompanied by an adult.
11 11
Switzerland FSK 0 FSK 6 FSK 6 FSK 12 FSK 12 FSK 16 FSK 16 Unrated N/A Children up to two years below the age recommendations are admitted to FSK rated films if accompanied by a guardian.
N/A FSK 18 FSK 18
Taiwan 0+ 6+ 6+ 18+ N/A Children up to six years younger than 12 (Protect) are admitted if accompanied by a responsible person.
N/A 12+ 15+
Thailand P 13 15 18 20 Banned
G
Turkey Genel İzleyici Kitlesi 7+ 13+ 15+ 18+ Refused classification
7A 13A 15A Educational purposes
United Arab Emirates G PG13 PG15 18+ N/A
15+
United Kingdom Uc U PG 12A 15 18 Rejected
12 R18 Exempt
United States G PG-13 R NC-17 Not rated
PG
Country 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other Notes

Argentina

Through its Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition (Comisión Asesora de Exhibición Cinematográfica) the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) issues ratings for films based on the following categories:[1]

Australia

The Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government-funded organizations which classify all films that are released for public exhibition.[2][3]

The Australian classifications

Films intended to inform, educate or instruct or concerned with sport, religion or music are exempt from classification provided they do not contain material that would result in an "M" rating or higher if submitted for classification.[4]

Austria

Motion pictures are rated by the Austrian Board of Media Classification (ABMC) for the Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (Bundesministerium für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur). The recommendations made by the ABMC are generally not legally binding and there are nine sets of provincial laws on the cinema sector with different age provisions.[5] The only exception is in the case of "16" rated films, since under Austrian law there is a legal age restriction on certain types of content i.e. discrimination, sexual abuse, glorification of violence etc.[6] In addition to the ABMC's age recommendations, in the province of Vienna children under the age of 6 are only permitted to attend public film performances if they are accompanied.[7]

The AMBC issues age recommendation from the following categories:

Belgium

There are only two classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium issued by the Inter-Community Commission for Film Rating (Dutch: Intergemeenschapscommissie voor de Filmkeuring; French: Commission Intercomunautaire de Contrôle des Films). Films are prohibited to minors under the age of 16 unless passed by the commission. There is no mandatory rating system for video formats but 90 per cent of video distribution abides by the voluntary Belgium Video Federation. It is basically the same as the system for theatrical exhibition, but also provides a "12" rating.[8]

Brazil

All films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format in Brazil must be submitted for classification to the Department of Justice, Rating, Titles and Qualification (Departamento de Justiça, Classificação, Títulos e Qualificação, abbreviated Dejus), which is run by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça).[9][10] Anyone below the film's minimum age can watch it if accompanied by the parent or guardian, except for those rated "Not recommended for ages under 18", which, by law, are strictly prohibited from viewing by people under 18.[11][12] Unlike many countries, the Dejus doesn't have any legal right to ban, demand cuts or refuse to rate any movie.[13]

The Dejus uses the following system:

Film classification symbols used in Brazil.

There are also operational descriptions of attenuating and aggravating elements that can interfere on the final rating.

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian film rating system is defined in the Film Industry Act of 2003 and administered by the National Film Rating Committee.[14][15]

In the case of C rated films children under 12 shall not be admitted except when accompanied by an adult. Exhibitions of X films are permitted on the condition that the venue is licensed for exhibiting X rated films only. The act also prohibits the renting and selling of D and X rated media to people below the ages of 16 and 18 respectively.

Canada

Film ratings in Canada are a provincial responsibility, and each province has its own legislation, rules and regulations regarding rating, exhibition and admission. Ratings are required for theatrical exhibition, but not all provinces require classification for home video.[16] In the past there was a wide range of rating categories and practices in the various provinces; however, the seven rating systems—with the exception of Quebec—now all use categories and logos derived from the Canadian Home Video Rating System (CHVRS).[17]

Classifications used outside Québec

Canadian rating labels used outside Québec.

The categories are mostly identical to the CHVRS with a few minor variations. In the provinces that require classification of video formats, supply of 14A and 18A films is restricted to customers above those ages.[18] In the case of theater exhibition, children are admitted to 14A and 18A films in the Manitoba and Maritime provinces if accompanied by an adult, although admittance is restricted to children over the age of 14 in the case of 18A films.[19][20] Likewise, British Columbia,[21] Saskatchewan (administered by the British Columbia Film Classification Office),[17] Alberta and Ontario also admit children to 14A and 18A films if accompanied, but do not impose an age restriction on 18A films.[22][23] The Maritimes and British Columbia (along with Saskatchewan) also provide an "A" classification for adult content.[20][21] Some provinces, such as Nova Scotia, reserve the right to prohibit films altogether.[20]

In general, the categories are:[18]

Classifications used in Québec

For more details on this topic, see Régie du cinéma (Quebec).
The rating labels used by Régie du cinéma.

In Quebec, the Régie du cinéma rates all films and videos. The Régie is a governmental agency overseen by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications;[25] its purview devolves from the Cinema Act (chapter C-18.1).[26] In some cases the Régie du cinéma may refuse to provide a classification, effectively banning the film. Educational and sports films are exempt from classification.[27]

Chile

Films are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification (Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica) which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education.[28] In 2002 legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1,090 films that had previously been banned in Chile.[29]

The age ratings are:[28]

The age ratings may also be supplemented by the following content categories:

Pornographic films may only be exhibited at venues licensed for that purpose. Minors are not admitted to films with pornographic or excessively violent content.[28]

China

China does not have a rating system. Only films that are passed as "suitable for all ages" are released although some exhibitors have introduced informal ratings.[30][31]

Colombia

As of June 22, 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system.[32][33][34] The classifications are:

Denmark

In Denmark, the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films. Films do not have to be submitted for a rating and in such instances must be labelled a "15" (restricted to people aged 15 and above). Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance—including those restricted to older audiences—if they are accompanied by an adult.[35]

A Approval of the film for general admittance.

7 Approval of the film for general admittance, but not recommended for children younger than the age of 7.

11 Approval of the film for admittance of children from the age of 11.

15 Approval of the film for admittance of children from the age of 15.

F Exempt from classification – only used on home video products (mostly documentaries, Danish stand-up shows and educational material)

Estonia

Film classification in Estonia is regulated by the Child Welfare Act.[36]

Finland

Films in Finland are classified by the National Audiovisual Institute. A minor up to 3 years younger than the age limit is permitted to see a film in a cinema when accompanied by an adult, except for 18-rated films.[37]

France

Prior to showing in theaters, a distribution certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Culture. The Minister will decide which certificate to issue based on a recommendation by the Board of Film Classification. In some cases films may be classified as "pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence" or completely prohibited from screening.[38] A certificate will be granted from the following:

Germany

The Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry, FSK) has a film ratings system under which films are classified. All the ratings contain the phrase "gemäß §14 JuSchG" (in accordance with §14 of the Youth Protection Law), signifying that they are legally binding for minors. Cinemas may legally exhibit films without a classification but minors are prohibited from such screenings.[39]

0 Ohne Altersbeschränkung (FSK 0): no age restriction (white sign)

6 Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren (FSK 6): released to ages 6 and older (yellow sign)

12 Freigegeben ab 12 Jahren (FSK 12): released to ages 12 and older; children who are at least age 6 may be admitted with parental accompaniment (green sign)

16 Freigegeben ab 16 Jahren (FSK 16): released to ages 16 and older, nobody under this age admitted (blue sign)

18 Keine Jugendfreigabe (FSK 18): "no youth admitted", adults only. (red sign)

The FSK rating also limits the time of the day in which the movie may be aired on free-to-air TV stations to a time frame between 22:00 (FSK 16) or 23:00 (FSK 18) and 6:00. Stations are permitted to broadcast films not approved for audiences under 12 at their own discretion.[41]

Greece

All publicly released films must be submitted to the Youth Committee for classification.[8] There are four categories:

Hong Kong

Films intended for public exhibition have to be submitted to the Director of Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, who is the Film Censorship Authority (FCA) under the Ordinance, for approval. Films approved for public exhibition are then either classified or exempted from classification.[42][43]

Of the four levels, Levels I, IIA, and IIB are unrestricted. Only Level III is a restricted category.

Hungary

Hungarian ratings are decided by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH):[44]

Iceland

Further information: § Netherlands

Since July 1, 2006, Smáís has replaced the Kvikmyndaskoðun system in Iceland. In October 2013, SMAIS announced that it was adopting the Netherlands' Kijkwijzer at least through 2016.[45]

India

In India, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is responsible for certifying films meant for public exhibition.[46]

Indonesia

Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Indonesian Film Censorship Board. Other than issuing certificates, the LSF/IFCB also reviews and issues permits for film-related advertising, such as movie trailers and posters. LSF has the authority to cut scenes from films. Films passed for exhibition are awarded one of the following classifications:[47]

Ireland

All films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format must be submitted for classification to the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO).[48][49]

G General – Suitable for children of school going age.

PG Parental Guidance – Suitable for children over the age of 8. Parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.

12A12 Suitable for viewers of twelve and over. Younger children may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult; on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase/rent.

15A15 Suitable for viewers of fifteen and over. Younger viewers may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult; on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase/rent.

16 (cinema only) Suitable for viewers of sixteen and over. Younger viewers are not admitted.

18 Suitable only for adults. Viewers under 18 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase/rent the video.

Italy

All films aimed to be shown in Italy are classified by the Committee for the Theatrical Review of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities into one of the following categories:[50]

Jamaica

Film classification in Jamaica is a requirement of the Cinematograph Act of 1913, which also established the Cinematograph Authority.[51]

Japan

A Japanese film rating regulator known as Eirin (映倫) [full-name: Eiga Rinri Kanri Iinkai (映画倫理管理委員会)] has a film classification system under which films are classified into one of four categories. The categories have been in use since 1 May 1998.[52][53]

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, films are rated by the Committee for Culture of the Ministry for Culture and Information.[54]

Latvia

In Latvia it is the duty of the producer of a film or distributor to assign a rating according to a pre-determined set of criteria. All publicly exhibited films, visual recordings and films broadcast over television and electronic networks must be classified.[55]

Malaysia

Historically, film censorship in Malaysia was carried out by police under the Theatre Ordinance 1908. In 1954 the Film Censorship Board (LPF) was created to censor films distributed across Malaysia in accordance with the Cinematograph Films Act 1952, and later the Film Censorship Act 2002.[56] Malaysia's motion picture rating system was introduced in 1953, initially classifying films either for General Audiences (Tontonan Umum) or For Adults Only (Untuk Orang Dewasa Sahaja), and in 1996 these classifications were changed to U and 18. In 2010 the PG13 classification was introduced, which was changed to P13 in 2012.[57]

Malaysian film classification logos used since January 2012

Upon viewing the board will assign one of three categories to the film:[58]

Should a film be approved, the Board then assigns the film a classification. As of 2012 the ratings are:[57]

Maldives

Film in the Maldives are classified by the National Bureau of Classification (NBC). Certificates issued are based on the following categories:[59]

Maldive film classifications

Malta

As of 2012, films in Malta are classified by the Film Board in accordance with the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts Act.[60] As part of an overhaul in 2013 the "14" and "16" age classifications were replaced by "12A" and "15"; the "PG" rating was redefined while "U", "12" and "18" were retained in their existing form.[61]

If the film is deemed "fit for exhibition" it will be awarded one of the following classifications:

Mexico

The General Directorate of Radio, Television and Cinematography (in Spanish, Dirección General de Radio, Televisión y Cinematografía) is the issuer of ratings for motion pictures. The RTC is an agency of the Department of State (Secretaría de Gobernación). It has its own classification system, as follows:[62]

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Kijkwijzer system is used, which is executed by the Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM). Under Dutch law children are admitted to films carrying an age rating if accompanied by an adult except in the case of "16" rated films.[63][64]

AL All ages.

6 Potentially harmful to children under 6 years.

9 Potentially harmful to children under 9 years.

12 Potentially harmful to children under 12 years; broadcasting is not allowed before 8:00 pm.

16 Potentially harmful to children under 16 years; broadcasting is not allowed before 10:00 pm.

Mostly, these icons are used along with other symbols, displaying if a movie contains violence, sexual content, frightening scenes, drug or alcohol abuse, discrimination, or coarse language. These symbols are also used for TV-programs in the Netherlands.

New Zealand

New Zealand Ratings

The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 gives the Office of Film and Literature Classification the power to classify publications into three categories: unrestricted, restricted, or "objectionable" (banned).[65] With a few exceptions, films, videos, DVDs and restricted computer games must carry a label before being offered for supply or exhibited to the public.[66]

The current ratings are:[67]

Nigeria

The National Film and Video Censors Board classifies films, videos, DVDs, and VCDs. Classifications carrying an age rating are legally restricted, although the "15" and "18" classifications do not apply to people below 2 years of age.[68] The categories are:

Norway

The Norwegian Media Authority (Medietilsynet) sets the age limits on films to be exhibited in Norway. Films not submitted to the Media Authority for classification carry a mandatory age rating of "18".[69]

The following age limits apply to films to be shown in cinemas:[69]

The Media Authority has no power to ban films but must not classify films which they consider contravene Norwegian criminal law.[70]

Philippines

In the Philippines, motion pictures, along with television programs, are rated by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, a special agency of the Office of the President. As of 2012, the Board uses six classification ratings.[71]

Poland

Ratings in Poland are not set by any board or advisory body. Prior to 1989 the applicable age ratings were "no age limit", "over 7", "over 12", "over 15" and "over 18" and were set by The General Committee of Cinematography. Since 1989 there is no official classification system, with age ratings being self-prescriptive and set by the distributors. In case of television, the supervisory body – Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji (KRRiT, The National Council of Radio Broadcasting and Television) can impose fines upon those responsible for improper rating of a broadcast, or lack of it.[72]

Portugal

Movies are rated in Portugal by the Comissão de Classificação de Espectáculos of the Ministry of Culture. In cinemas the ratings are mandatory (subject to parental guidance) whereas for video releases they are merely advisory, except in the case of pornographic content.[73] Children under the age of 3 were previously prohibited from public film performances, but a special category was introduced for this age group when the classification system was overhauled in 2014. A category for 14-year-olds was also introduced, and the lowest age rating was dropped from 4 years of age to 3.[74][75] The categories are the following:

Russia

Since 2012 the rating appears inside circles, which indicate age restrictions followed by a plus(+), and appears in most shows, including TV and Internet shows in Russian.[76][77] The indication shown:

Singapore

Further information: Media Development Authority

Film classification in Singapore was introduced in 1991 and comes under the jurisdiction of the Board of Film Censors (BFC). There were three ratings originally: G (General), PG (Parental Guidance) and R18 (Restricted to 18 years and above). Prior to then films were either approved or effectively banned. Since then, there have been several alterations to the ratings over the years. The R18 rating has been dropped, and has been replaced by NC16 (No Children under 16), M18 (Mature 18) and R21 (Restricted 21). A PG13 (Parental Guidance 13) rating, introduced in 2011, is the latest rating to be introduced. The G, PG and PG13 ratings are advisory while NC16, M18 and R21 carry age restrictions. Video ratings are mostly the same as the cinema ratings, except only go up to M18. Some titles, such as documentaries, children's programmes and sports programmes may be exempt from classification on video, but all titles must be classified for public theatrical exhibition.[78]

The revised Singapore film rating system which took effect 15 July 2011

The categories are:

South Africa

In South Africa film are classified by the Film and Publication Board.[79] All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following:

South Korea

The Korea Media Rating Board (영상물등급위원회) in Seoul divides licensed films into the following categories:[80][81]

Spain

All films to be commercially released in Spain in any medium must be submitted to the ICAA. Classifications are advisory except for X-rated films, which are restricted to specially licensed venues. A supplementary classification, "Especialmente Recomendada para la Infancia" (Especially recommended for children), is sometimes appended to the lowest two classifications.[82]

Sweden

Statens medieråd (the Swedish Media Council) is a government agency with the aims to reduce the risk of harmful media influences among minors and to empower minors as conscious media users.[83] The classification bestowed on a film should not be viewed as recommendations on the suitability for children, as the law the council operates under (SFS 2010:1882) only mandates them to assess the relative risk to children's well-being. It is not a legal requirement to submit a film to the Media Council, but children under the age of 15 are not admitted in such instances.[84][85][86] The councils classification only applies to public exhibition, and the law does not require classification of home media.[87]

The following categories are used:[85][86]

Switzerland

Further information: § Germany

Switzerland has adopted Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (FSK), Germany's classification body. Under Swiss law, however, children up to two years younger than the age recommendations will be admitted if accompanied by a person invested with parental authority.[88]

Taiwan

Taiwan/Republic of China did not have a motion picture rating system until April 1994. The Government Information Office (GIO) classified films into four categories (General Audience/Protected/Parental Guidance/Restricted) pursuant to its issued Regulations Governing the Classification of Motion Pictures of the Republic of China (電影片分級處理辦法 in traditional Chinese):[89] The "Parental Guidance" rating previously prohibited viewing by children under the age of 12 and required adolescents aged 12–17 to be accompanied by an adult. In 2015, the "Parental Guidance" rating was divided into two categories: one that prohibits children under the age of 12 and one that prohibits adolescents under the age of 15.[90][91][92]

The revised Taiwan motion picture rating system which took effect from 16 Oct 2015.

Thailand

A motion picture rating system was proposed in the Film and Video Act of 2007, and was passed on December 20, 2007 by the Thai military-appointed National Legislative Assembly, replacing laws which had been in place since 1930. The draft law was met with resistance from the film industry and independent filmmakers. Activists had hoped for a less-restrictive approach; however, films are still subject to censorship, or can be banned from release altogether if the film is deemed to "undermine or disrupt social order and moral decency, or might impact national security or the pride of the nation".[93]

The ratings were put into effect in August 2009.[94] They are as follows:

Turkey

In Turkey, movies to be shown in cinemas are rated by the Evaluation and Classification Board of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. All films to be made commercially available must be classified, except in the case of educational films which are labeled as "for educational purposes" instead. The board also has the power to refuse classification in extreme cases (producers and distributors can submit an edited version of a movie to the board but edited versions may also be rejected if still deemed inappropriate); in this case, the movie will be banned with the exception of special artistic activities like fairs, festivals, feasts and carnivals.[95][96]

United Arab Emirates

The Ministry of Information of the United Arab Emirates classifies all films, which cinemas must abide by.[97]

United Kingdom

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) classifies films to be publicly exhibited in the United Kingdom, although statutory powers remain with local councils which can overrule any of the BBFC's decisions. Since 1984, the BBFC also classifies films made commercially available though a home video format. If the BBFC refuses a classification this effectively amounts to a ban (although local councils retain the legal right to overturn it in the case of cinema exhibition). The BBFC's regulatory powers do not extend to the internet, so a film they have banned on physical media can still be made available via streaming media/video on demand. Videos designed to inform, educate or instruct or concerned with sport, religion or music are exempt from classification; exempt films may be marked as "E", but this is not an official label.[98][99]

UK film classification certificates. Uc is deprecated.

The current BBFC system is:[100]

United States

In the United States of America, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), through the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), issues ratings for movies. The system was established in 1968 and is voluntary; an unrated film is often informally denoted by "NR" in newspapers and so forth.[102][103][104]

In Tennessee, patrons must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or adult guardian to be admitted to an R-rated film.[105]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Cinematographia – Decreto Nº 3.899" [Decree No. 3,899]. InfoLEG (in Spanish). Buenos Aires: Minister of Economy of Argentina. 14 December 1984. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Information for Parents: Classification categories explained". Australian Classification Board. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  3. ↑ Clare, Jason (Minister for Justice) (10 December 2012). "Guidelines for the Classification of Films 2012". Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  4. ↑ "Is it exempt?". Australian Classification Board. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  5. ↑ "Austrian Board of Media Classification" (PDF). Vienna: Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 May 2014.
  6. ↑ "Age Rating of Movies and Similar Image Carriers by the Austrian Youth Media Commission" (PDF). Jugend Medien Kommission. Vienna: Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2014.
  7. ↑ University of Oxford PCMLP (1997). "Annex 2: Comparative Analysis of Rating System – Cinema Rating Systems". Study on Parental Control of Television Broadcasting (PDF). European Commission. p. 113. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  8. 1 2 Olsberg SPI; KEA European Affairs; KPMG (May 2003). "Appendix 1 Country Profiles". Empirical Study on the Practice of the Rating of Films Distributed in Cinemas Television DVD and Videocassettes in the EU and EEA Member States (PDF). European Commission. p. 125. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  9. ↑ National Secretariat of Justice. "Portal Online Classificação Indicativa" [Portal Online Rating System] (in Portuguese). Brazil: Ministry of Justice. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  10. ↑ Brazilian National Secretariat of Justice (2012). "Content Rating Practical Guide" (2 ed.). Brazil: Ministry of Justice. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  11. ↑ Portaria Nº 1.100, de 14 de JULHO de 2006 – Art.19 [Ordinance Number 1.100, of July 14, 2006 – Article 19] (in Portuguese), Brazil: Ministry of Justice, 14 July 2006.
  12. ↑ "Classificação Indicativa" [Rating System] (in Portuguese). Brazil: Centerplex Cinemas. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  13. ↑ "Ministério da Justiça classifica "A Serbian Film"" [Ministry of Justice classifies "A Serbian Film"] (in Portuguese). Brazil: Ministry of Justice. 5 August 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  14. ↑ "Film Industry Act" (DOC). Bulgarian National Film Center. 2 December 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
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  18. 1 2 "Film Ratings – Home Entertainment". Motion Picture Association – Canada. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  19. ↑ "Film and Video Ratings". Manitoba Film Classification Board. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
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  21. 1 2 "Categories and Advisories". Consumer Protection BC. British Columbia Film Classification Office. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
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  23. ↑ "Classification Categories". Ontario Film Review Board. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
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  26. ↑ "Chapter C-18.1 – Cinema Act". Quebec: Ministry of Culture and Communications. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  27. ↑ "Film Classification in Québec". Régie du cinéma. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
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  29. ↑ "Gobierno promulga ley que pone fin a la censura previa cinematográfica" [Government enacts law that ends the film censorship]. El Mercurio (in Spanish). 9 December 2002.
  30. ↑ Coonan, Clifford (26 August 2013). "Chinese Cinemagoers Keen on Film Ratings System". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
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  33. ↑ "Las películas en Colombia tienen dos nuevas clasificaciones" [Movies in Colombia have two new classifications]. Caracol Radio. 22 June 2005. Retrieved 22 June 2005.
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  38. ↑ "Regulatory function : film classification". France: National Center of Cinematography and the moving image. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
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  48. ↑ "Guidelines: Film and DVD/Video Classification". Irish Film Classification Office. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  49. ↑ "Legislation". Irish Film Classification Office. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  50. ↑ Eggleton, Pat (11 February 2010). "Paranormal activity causes panic in Italy". Italy Magazine. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  51. ↑ Jackson, Colleen Brown (19 May 2014). "Facts on the ratings of films". Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
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  55. ↑ "Cabinet Regulation No.587: Regulations Regarding the Classification of Films". National Film Center of Latvia. 29 June 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  56. ↑ "Film Censorship Board – Introduction". Malaysia: Ministry of Home Affairs. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
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