Citizendia

A motion picture rating system categorizes 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 is called a certification.

This helps parents decide whether a movie is suitable for their children. Also, in some jurisdictions a rating may impose on movie theaters the legal obligation of refusing the entrance of children or minors to the movie. Cinemaaustraliajpg|thumb|A movie theater in Australia ]]A movie theater, movie theatre, picture theatre or cinema is a venue Furthermore, where movie theaters do not have this legal obligation, they may enforce restrictions on their own. Ratings are often given in lieu of censorship. Censorship is the suppression of speech or deletion of communicative material which may be considered objectionable harmful or sensitive as determined by a censor

There is often debate as to the usefulness, strictness and enforcement of such systems. People may like content with a high rating. This includes children who may like to see content considered unsuitable for them (forbidden fruit phenomenon). Forbidden Fruit is an album by singer/pianist/songwriter Nina Simone (1933-2003 "Unrated", "uncut", "uncensored", etc. versions, released on DVD have become increasingly common. DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is

In countries such as Australia, an official government body decides on ratings; in other countries, such as the United States, it is done by industry committees with no 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 US, films with mild sexual content are often restricted to adult 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 the US offer more lenient ratings to violent movies.

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 re-edited film is a Film that has been edited from the original theatrical release A film may also be re-edited to produce an alternate version for other countries.

Contents

Argentina

The Institute of Film and Audiovisual Arts (Instituto de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales, INCAA) through the Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition (Comisión Asesora de Exhibición Cinematográfica) uses the following system:

Australia

Main article: Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)
Australian Ratings
Australian Ratings

The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a government funded organization which classifies all films that are released for public exhibition. Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales (INCAA is an Argentine government film production company in Buenos Aires. The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a Statutory Censorship and classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification

The classification board is comprised primarily of liberal members, therefore the OFLC has a strong influence on "Informing your Choices". Theatrical advertising is accompanied by a colour-coded symbol for each classification category. This is accompanied by consumer advice such as mild, moderate, strong or high level coarse language, nudity, sexual references, themes etc. Only the MA15+, R18+ and X18+ classifications are legally restricted.

The E rating is used in films which do not have a need to be classified, such as educational documentaries. However, documentaries or concerts that may exceed the guidelines of the PG classification must be submitted for classification.

Austria

Films are rated in Austria by a commission of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Education, the Arts and Culture. Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Each of the nine federal states can re-rate movies, or keep the original rating. Storage media, such as DVDs, are not rated in Austria. For this reason many films which are banned in Germany can be bought on DVD in Austria. DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is The categories are:

Belgium

Brazil

Symbols used by the Ministry of Justice for the ratings
Symbols used by the Ministry of Justice for the ratings

Movies are rated in Brazil by the DJCTQ, or Department of Justice, Rating, Titles and Qualification (Departamento de Justiça, Classificação, Títulos e Qualificação in Portuguese). The DJCTQ, or Department of Justice Rating Titles and Qualification ( Departamento de Justiça Classificação Títulos e Qualificação in Portuguese No "parental guidance" ratings are used. It's interesting to notice that this rating system is also used for television.

The DJCTQ uses the following system:

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian film rating system is defined in the Film Industry Law (or Act) of 2003. The National Film Rating Committee examines every film that is going to be distributed in the country and gives it a rating. In practice, the ratings are rarely displayed on posters and in film advertisements, but almost all DVDs have them on the back cover.

Bulgarian film ratings
RatingAccompanying inscriptionWhen is it given
ARecommended to children"When the film is for children and has an educational nature. "
BNo age restrictions"When the film confirms the ideals of humanism, promotes national and world culture or by no means contradicts to the universally accepted moral norms in the country and there are no restrictive recommendations by the Committee. "
CNot recommended to children under the age of 12. "When the film contains certain erotic scenes or scenes with drinking, taking drugs or stimulants or a few scenes of violence. "
DNo persons under the age of 16 are admitted. "When the film contains quite a number of erotic scenes or scenes with drinking, taking drugs or stimulants or a considerable number of scenes showing violence. "
XNo persons under the age of 18 are admitted. "When the film is naturally erotic. "
No rating given"Films the contents of which is contrary to the universal rules of morality, that laud or exculpate atrocity, violence or taking drugs, that incite to racial, sexual, religious or national hatred, are not rated. "

Note: unrated films can not be distributed, as no visa is given.

Before 2003 there was another rating system which was very similar to the current one (the same letter ratings were used, but the meaning of most letters was different; for example "B" stood for "not recommended for persons under the age of 12").

In practice, the rating "B" is given to most popular American films, even if they receive a more restrictive one in other countries.

In 2007, a few changes to the law were made, the effect of which will probably not be big for the rating system, though a film's rating could change. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. These changes are in effect from January 1, 2008. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Note: parts of the table above uses quotes from the English translation of the Bulgarian Film Industry Act published on the website of the Union of Bulgarian Film Makers.

Canada

Main article: Canadian motion picture rating system

Movie ratings in Canada are mostly a provincial responsibility, and each province will have its own legislation regarding exhibition and admission. Motion picture ratings in Canada are mostly a provincial responsibility and each province has its own legislation regarding exhibition and admission

Outside Quebec

General Canadian Ratings.
General Canadian Ratings.

In the past there were a wide range of rating categories and practices in the various provinces. However, the five rating systems outside Quebec now all use categories and logos derived from the Canadian Home Video Rating System. The Canadian Home Video Rating System (CHVRS is a voluntary rating classification system applied to Home video products such as VHS and DVDs It is administered In general, the categories are:

Quebec system

Quebec Ratings.
Quebec Ratings.

In Quebec the Régie du Cinéma rates films and videos. Quebec (kwɨˈbɛk

Chile

The Council of Cinematographic Classification (Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica) uses the following system:

Subcategories

People's Republic of China

The first film rating system of the People's Republic of China was expected to come out in 2005 as a part of the Motion Picture Industry Promotion Law (simplified Chinese: 电影促进法). Talk People's Republic of China) PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES [1] However, the National People's Congress has not passed such a law. A similar term is "National Congress" which is a less common translation of People's Political Consultative Conference.

Colombia

As of June 22, 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system. Events 217 BC - Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV of Egypt defeats Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid kingdom. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The classifications are:

Czech Republic

Denmark

The Media Council for Children and Young People uses the following classifications.

Children who have turned 7 are allowed admission to all films if accompanied by an adult (a person turned 18). Consequently it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children do not watch violent and hard-core pornographic films.

Films accessible to the public do not have to be classified by the Media Council but consequently must be labeled as 15 -Approval of the film for admittance of children from the age of 15 – no matter the content of the film.

Egypt

The Egyptian government has only two movie classifications:

Usually excessive violence, nudity, and sexuality is cut from motion pictures in order to release with a General audience certificate.

Estonia

Finland

The Finnish Board of Film Classification has a film classification system under which films are classified into one of the following categories:

A person two years younger than the given rating is permitted to see a film in a movie theater when accompanied by an adult. This rule does not apply to the 18 rating.

Only material intended to be accessible to minors (those below 18 years of age) is subject to mandatory inspection. A proper notification is sufficient for adult material. However, the board has the right to inspect material suspected of violating laws or material which was not properly notified.

"KK" rating (kokonaan kielletty, totally banned) is the rating for films banned in Finland.

France

Prior to showing in theaters, a license (visa d'exploitation) must be obtained from the Ministry of Culture. The Minister of Culture is in the Government of France, the cabinet member in charge of national museums and monuments promoting and protecting the arts (visual Upon the advice of the commission pertaining to cinema movies, the minister decides either not to grant the license (a very rare occurrence), or to grant a license among the 4 following:

Each rating can be accompanied by a special "warning". In practice, the ministry always follows the decision of the commission.

In addition, the movie may be considered "pornographic or inciting to violence" (colloquially referred to as "X-rated"). In this case, it bears high taxation and may be showed only in specific theatres, which are now few in France. This classification is not used for merely violent movies, or movies containing mere erotic scenes.

Classifications, as all administrative decisions, may be appealed before the courts (Conseil d'État at litigation). This article is about the present-day French institution For institutions with the same name during the Ancien Régime in France see Conseil du Roi.

Related link: [3] (in French)

Germany

The Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry, FSK) has a film classification system under which films are classified into one of the following categories:

All the above ratings also contain the phrase "gemäß §14 JuSchG" (in accordance with §14 of the Youth Protection Law), signifying that they are legally binding, rather than being mere recommendations.

Furthermore, while a rating by the FSK is not legally required for a film to be sold, "unrated" films may be sold only to adults, and since most retail chains and virtually all cinemas will sell/show only films with an FSK rating, all films are normally submitted to the FSK for classification, with the exception of films that will most likely be refused a certificate (pornography or films containing extremely strong violence, for example).

After a title has received a rating for a cinematic release, the FSK must approve this rating again for a home entertainment release. Some titles therefore have different FSK certificates for the cinematic release and for the DVD release.

After 10 years, films may be resubmitted to the FSK for re-rating. Older films which have gained a FSK 18 certificate during the '50s or '60s often gain a much lower certificate now, due to a more liberal approach the FSK now takes in issuing ratings. However, due to the cost involved in resubmitting a film, it is common practice to keep the old certificate for the cinematic release and only submit bonus materials or extended scenes for classification. This leads to the seemingly paradoxical result of extended, and more violent versions of previously-rated films gaining a lower certificate than the "tamer" version.

Further to the above restrictions, it is also illegal to supply a film with an FSK 18, Keine Jugendfreigabe or SPIO/JK certificate, including those not on the index, without definitive means to supply proof of age. This severely limits distribution of films with these certificates, and thus it is extremely common for distributors to supply a cut version with a lower certificate so that the film can be distributed by mail order or Internet.

Almost all major online distributors have declined to distribute FSK 18 or Keine Jugendfreigabe films due to the legal difficulties in the past. Shopping Centres, Malls and Amazon Germany have started selling films with this certificate since 2002. Amazon Germany started selling films with this certification in November 2006. Many smaller online retailers provide an FSK 18 section which may be accessed only by sending a scanned copy of the buyer's identification card or providing the ID card's number (which includes the date of birth encrypted). The legality of this practice, however, is as yet untested. In September 2006, Amazon. de became the first major retailer to provide FSK 18 rated films, by making use of an ID checking service offered by the German postal service. Deutsche Post AG () is a German postal, Logistics and Courier company successor to the former German state-owned mail

Greece

Hong Kong

Main article: Hong Kong motion picture rating system

An official government agency issues ratings for any movie that will be shown in Hong Kong movie theatres, instead of a private institution. The Hong Kong motion picture rating system ( is a legal system of movie screening and rating. They are:

Hungary

Iceland

Kvikmyndaskoðun video movie rating labels
Kvikmyndaskoðun video movie rating labels
SmáÍs movie rating labele
SmáÍs movie rating labele

Kvikmyndaeftirlit Ríkisins was started in 1932 and ran until 1997. That year the name changed into Kvikmyndaskoðun and ran until 2006. Since 1997 the board does not edit movies. The old rating system from Kvikmyndaeftirlit Ríkisins and Kvikmyndaskoðun is still valid and is as follows:

From July 1, 2006 Kvikmyndaskoðun was shut down and Smáís has taken over the responsibility of rating systems in Iceland. "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Simultaneously, a new rating system started and is as following:

Just like Kvikmyndaskoðun, Smáís doesn't ban movies or edit them.

India

Main article: Indian film censor ratings

In India, the Indian Film Censor Board classifies films into four categories:

Indonesia

Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Indonesian Film Censor Board (Lembaga Sensor Film). Other than issuing certificates, the LSF also reviews and issues permits for film-related advertising, such as movie trailers and posters. LSF has the authority to cut scenes from films. Certificates are issued based on the following categories:

Ireland

The Irish Film Censor's Office (IFCO) under which theatrical films are placed into one of the following categories:

Films without certification are not ipso facto banned and have been shown at film festivals and arthouse clubs such as the Irish Film Institute. Ipso Facto is a Studio album by the Canadian rock guitarist Rik Emmett, released in 1992 A film festival is the presentation or showcasing of Films in one or more Movie theaters or screening venues An Art film (also called an “art cinema” “art movie” or in the U The Irish Film Institute is a national body dedicated to supporting Irish Film heritage

For video releases (VHS and DVD), categories G, PG and 18 share the same meanings as above, however, there is no 16, and categories 12 and 15 are mandatory, not advisory. DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is

Italy

Japan

Eirin has a film classification system under which films are classified into one of the following categories:

Latvia

In Latvia, the film presenters added classification is the same as the one applied by the producers of the film. Latvia ( Latvija officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. However, this could change from 2008, because in July 2007 the government of Latvia made a law that indicates a more strict classification policy. The classifications are approved by the National Cinema Center(Latvian: Nacionālais Kino Centrs). Latvian language (latviešu valoda is the official state language of Latvia. There is a new 'refreshed' rating system from July 2007. (The following classifications will operate as of September 2007)

Note: 'N' states for 'not recommended'.

Malaysia

See also: Censorship in Malaysia

All films in Malaysia are scrutinised and then categorised by the Film Censorship Board[4] before being distributed and screened to the public. Censorship is a growing concern for Malaysia as it attempts to adapt to a modern knowledge-based economy For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and The Film Censorship Board of Malaysia is an agency of the Malaysian government that vets films The board was established under the Film Censorship Act 1952 and was later replaced by the Film Censorship Act 2002. In accordance to this act, the Film Censorship Board is appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs. A panel is then appointed by the chairman of the board to view each film.

The decisions made by the board on any film are categorised as follows:

Approved films are classified as follows:

Maldives

With the formation of National Bureau of Classification on December 29, 2005, a new classification regulation and a new rating system for movies were introduced. Events 1170 - Thomas Becket: Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury is assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. A classification certificate must be obtained first, before a movie or a movie-related production is released for commercial use including its trailers. NBC has the authority to cut scenes from movies. Classification certificates issued are based on the following categories:

Image:New NBC film ratings.jpg

Graphic sex scenes are not permitted.

Malta

In Malta, All motion pictures are classified by the Government appointed Board of Film and Stage Cassification. Malta, officially the Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta' Malta is a European Microstate, comprising an Archipelago of three islands The renting and selling of videos and DVDs is unrestricted.

Mexico

The General Directorate of Radio, Television and Cinematography (in Spanish, Dirección General de Radio, Televisión y Cinematografía, or RTC[5]) is the issuer of ratings for television programs (although only one channel in Mexico explicitly shows the classification on each program, XEIMT-TV in Mexico City) and motion pictures. XEIMT-TV channel 22 also known as "Canal 22" is a cultural and educational television station owned and operated by Televisión Metropolitana S Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico The RTC is a dependency of the Department of State (Secretaría de Gobernación). It has its own classification system, as follows:

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Kijkwijzer system is used, which is executed by the NICAM. Netherlands Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (Nederlands Instituut voor de Classificatie van Audiovisuele Media is the institute responsible for the content given


Unrestricted:

Restricted:

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.

New Zealand

New Zealand Ratings
New Zealand Ratings

The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 Act gives the Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand) the power to classify publications into three categories: unrestricted, restricted, and "objectionable" or banned. The Office of Film and Literature Classification ( OFLC, Te Tari Whakaropu Tukuata Tuhituhinga is the government agency in New Zealand that is responsible for Unrestricted films are assigned a green or yellow rating label. Restricted films are assigned a red classification label. The common labels in each category are as follows:

Unrestricted films:

Restricted films:

Apart from the R rating, patron movies are not allowed to view restricted movies - even with parental consent. However, many parents let their children see these movies in private homes anyway.

All films, videos, DVDs, and computer games with restricted content, must carry a label before being offered for supply or exhibited to the public.

Some films like Irréversible are banned on video but not banned for cinema or film festivals. Irréversible ( 2002, France) is a Film written, directed, edited, and photographed by Gaspar

The Office of Film and Literature Classification's homepage: http://www.censorship.govt.nz/

Nigeria

The National Film and Video Censors Board classifies films, videos, DVDs, and VCDs. The categories are:

Norway

In Norway all movies have to be registered by the Norwegian Media Authority (Medietilsynet, formerly Filmtilsynet), a government agency, to be exhibited commercially. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional Medietilsynet, or the Norwegian Media Authority, is a Norwegian administrative agency under the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs charged Though if distributors wish, they can just register the movie with the agency without any need for approval, but the distributor is then obligated not to admit anyone under the age of 18. The distributor is also responsible that the movie does not violate Norwegian law (only applies to movies with "degrading hardcore sexual content").

Movies are rated using the following classifications:

Films rated 7, 11 or 15 may also be seen by children accompanied by a parent or adult guardian if the child has turned 4, 8 or 11 years, respectively. In addition to the ratings, the board indicates if a movie is suitable for children, families, youths or adults. A film may be given a rating even though it is intended for an older age group, e. g. an "A" film might be intended for adults if it does not contain material unsuitable for young children.

The board also indicates if a rating is "hard". A "hard" 11/15 rating is usually indicated by the text "not advised for children/youths under 11/15" ("frarådes barn/ungdom under 11/15 år"), however this does not affect if children under the given age are allowed to see the film if accompanied. In 2000 a Board of Appeal was established. Prior to this the ratings board could choose to reclassify a film.

Movie ratings database: http://www.filmtilsynet.no/Filmdatabase List of Norwegian ratings: http://film.medietilsynet.no/Film/Om_aldersgrenser

Peru

Philippines

In the Philippines, motion pictures are rated by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, a special agency of the Office of the President. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board ( Filipino: Lupon sa Pagrerepaso at Pag-uuri ng Sine at Telebisyon; abbreviated MTRCB) is the government The President of the Philippines is the head of state and government of the Republic of the Philippines. Television programs are also subject to the same ratings classification system.

There are five ratings currently in use:

Poland

Polish television rating certificates.
Polish television rating certificates.

Ratings in Poland are not set by any board or advisory body, but it rather depends on distribution company, cinema or television station. 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. Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji ( KRRiT, The National Council of Radio Broadcasting and Television) is a Polish office that issues Radio and

Portugal

Movies are rated in Portugal by the Comissão de Classificação de Espectáculos of the Ministry of Culture. Irréversible ( 2002, France) is a Film written, directed, edited, and photographed by Gaspar Dobermann ( 1997) is a French Film directed by Jan Kounen and starring Vincent Cassel. Baise-moi is a novel by French author Virginie Despentes, first published in 1999. Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa is a country on the Iberian Peninsula. The Ministry of Culture (Ministério da Cultura is a department of the Portuguese government, responsible for issues related to the Portuguese culture. This organization also rates theater, video games, other types of shows like circus, music concerts, opera and dance shows. It is also responsible for the rating of video releases. Video is the technology of electronically capturing, Recording, processing storing transmitting and reconstructing a sequence of Still images

Movies are rated using the following classifications:

Special classifications

These classifications can be added to the previous ones:

Romania

Romanian CNC rating system.

Serbia

In Serbia, TV stations are obliged to mark all programs that could endanger children and youth. TV programs that could endanger minors in any way must be clearly marked, and the custodians warned. Each program displayed before midnight, has to be marked with a clearly visible age limit (eg. 12, 14, 16, 18) which warns the parents and other audience if it program is not suitable for all minors. It is displayed at the beginning (usually in a big red circle across the screen) and each 15 minutes (on a visible location, usually in a corner) of the show. On radio, this warning is presented by the speaker.

All broadcasters have the right to classify programs on their own, but the Serbian Republic Broadcasting Agency (RBA) reserves its right to punish or warn the stations if they don't mark the programs at all, don't mark it as described or systematically estimate age categories wrongly. The broadcasters have the right to ask the agency's opinion in certain show if they are not capable of recognizing its category. They are also advised to take care of the usual children schedule and to avoid problematic material in time when it could be easily expected that minors are watching or listening the program.

Singapore

See also: Censorship in Singapore and Cinema of Singapore
Singapore movie rating certificates
Singapore movie rating certificates

The Media Development Authority revised the film ratings in Singapore on March 29, 2004:

G and PG generally has no restrictions on age and most audiences are admitted. Censorship in Singapore mainly targets sexual political racial and religious issues as defined by an ever-shifting panoply of out-of-bounds markers. Despite having a flourishing Chinese and Malay film industry in the 1950s and 1960s Singapore 's film industry declined after independence in 1965 The Media Development Authority ( Abbreviation: MDA;) is a statutory board of the Singapore Government, under the Ministry of Information Singapore Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 War film set during the invasion of Normandy during World War II. Regulation on the presence of adults for PG rated shows are advised but not strictly enforced.

NC16, M18 and R21 groups are restricted to only persons of the specified age or above of the particular group. No persons under the specified age would be admitted as identity cards have to be checked before the person is allowed to enter the cinema.

Note: If a movie is rated R21, it is banned from DVD or VCD sales.

South Africa

South African ratings are issued, certified and regulated by the Film and Publication Board. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following:

Additional symbols indicate the reasons for ratings:

Films rated 16 and 18 may be showed only in cinemas between 21:00 - 23:59, or 0:00.

If a member of the public or a Film and Publication Board Official finds that a Cinema or a Film Distributor is allowing under-aged children to view prohibited material, the accused may be liable for a hefty fine and/or closure of that specific establishment. Proof of age is required of anybody who wants to buy/rent R18 material.

The Film and Publication Board has the discretion and right to ban any film it deems unworthy of public exhibition.

South Korea

Spain

Attitudes toward film censorship in Spain are unusual due to the adverse affect of dictatorship and heavy censorship until 1975 under General Francisco Franco. Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco y Bahamonde (born December 4, 1892 in Ferrol, died November 20, 1975 in Madrid Therefore, most Spanish citizens are against censorship of any kind and prefer personal responsibility and liberalism, thus very few people show serious respect for certification of films. For example, cinemas in Spain never ask for identification.

Sweden

Statens biografbyrå (SBB) (the Swedish National Board of Film Censors) reviews the content of all films or pre-recorded video recordings (videograms) prior to showing at a public gathering or entertainment (subject to some exceptions), in accordance with law SFS 1990:886. A motion picture rating system categorizes films with regard to suitability for audiences in terms of issues such as sex violence substance abuse profanity impudence or other types "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. The Swedish Code of Statutes or "Svensk författningssamling" (SFS is the official publication of all new Swedish Laws enacted by the Riksdag This means that films not intended for public viewing do not have to be screened; however, this is the practice: when a film is let through, is rated and not prohibited, it can not be considered to violate any laws regarding its content. It is a criminal offense to hire or sell videos containing unlawful depictions of violence, thus meaning that the distributor could be held responsible for the content of a film if unrated or prohibited. It is illegal also to rent or sell videos depicting realistic violence to children below the age of 14.

The censors, scientific professionals in the field of behavioural sciences, are contracted for a term of two years (so that they do not become habitated) and rate films so that they are not harmful in any psychological or behavioral sense for a certain age group - and not if the film is suitable for the age group. Behavioural science (or Behavioral science) is a term that encompasses all the disciplines that explore the activities of and interactions among Organisms in the natural Sexual activity, nudity, and strong language are generally seen far more liberally than violence, in accordance with the rating policies. Combined, this can have the effect that some PG or PG-13 rated films in USA are being rated "15 years" in Sweden for violence, while some films getting an R in USA for containing profanity or depictions of sexuality are rated at 7 or 11 years, or even for all audiences.

The following categories are used by the SBB:

Switzerland

Switzerland is composed of 26 cantons, each having their own rating system. The entries below are examples for the cantons of Vaud and Geneva. The Canton of Vaud ( French pronunciation) is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and is located in Romandy, the southwestern part of the Geneva (Genève is the second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and is the most populous city of Romandy (the French -speaking

Taiwan

The Government Information OfficeinTaiwan divides licensed films into one of the following four categories 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):

Film advertisements use a single Chinese character surrounded by a square to show the film's category.

Related and official link: Classifications of movies (in traditional Chinese)

Thailand

See also: Censorship in Thailand and Cinema of Thailand

As of 2007, Thailand had no ratings system. Freedom of speech in Thailand was guaranteed in the articles 39 40 41 in the 1997 Constitution. The cinema of Thailand has a history that stretches back to early days of filmmaking, when King Chulalongkorn 's 1897 visit to Berne, Instead, films are subject to the 1930 Film Act, under which films must viewed by the Board of Censors, which can then impose cuts on the films prior to release. The board is composed of members of the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Culture, with advisory roles for the Buddhist religion, educators and the medical community. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Most cuts are made for sexual content, while acts of violence are typically left untouched.

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. The Council for National Security ( CNS) formerly known in English as the Council for Democratic Reform or previous name is the Council for Democratic Reform under This article describes the legislature of Thailand that existed prior to the military Coup d'etat of September 19, 2006. Under the law, the ratings are:

The draft law had been met with resistance from the film industry and independent filmmakers under the Free Thai Cinema Movement. Activists had hoped for a less-restrictive approach than the 1930 Film Act, but under the Film and Video Act, films are still be 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".

As of 2007, a supplementary law or ministerial regulation to implement the rating system was yet to be drafted, and the 1930 Film Act remained in place. [5][6][7][8]

Turks and Caicos Islands

The British colony of Turks and Caicos Islands has its own motion picture rating system. The Turks and Caicos Islands ( TCI) (ˈtɜːks ænd ˈkeɪkəs are a British Overseas Territory consisting of two groups of tropical islands in the West Indies Since its installation in 1934, its rules have not changed. Year 1934 ( MCMXXXIV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full 1934 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

SymbolNameDefinition/Notes
UUniversalAvailable to anyone who wishes to view the film
AUniversal with caution''Similar to the "PG" rating, may contain some scenes that will upset children.
AASeven or overThe person must be over seven to view the film
XEleven or over''The person must be over eleven to view the film
AAThirteen or over''The person must be over thirteen to view the film
XSixteen or over''The person must be over sixteen to view the film
AASixteen with privilege''The person must be over sixteen to view the film, and must be accompanied by a person over the age of 18
XEighteenThe person must be over eighteen to view the film

United Kingdom

UK film classification certificates.
UK film classification certificates.
Main articles: British Board of Film Classification, History of British Film Certificates

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates both motion pictures and videos. The British Board of Film Classification ( BBFC) originally British Board of Film Censors, is the organisation responsible for Film, DVD This article chronicles the history of British film certificates. The British Board of Film Classification ( BBFC) originally British Board of Film Censors, is the organisation responsible for Film, DVD Local authorities are responsible for accepting and enforcing the BBFC's recommended ratings for cinema showings, whereas those for videos are legally binding.

The current BBFC system is:

Films may receive a different rating when released on DVD/video to that at the cinema. It is not unusual for certain films to be refused classification, effectively banning them from sale or exhibition in the UK. Any media which has been banned receives an 'R' certificate (Rejected).

Videos deemed by their distributors to be exempt under the Video Recordings Act 1984 (typically non-fiction content such as sporting highlights, fitness videos, nature films, etc. The Video Recordings Act 1984 is a UK Act of Parliament that was passed into law in 1984. ) may bear the mark E (for exempt), though this is not a rating and the BBFC does not maintain a symbol. The BBFC also rates video games that require a certificate due to mature content. However, the majority of games are merely rated by the voluntary PEGI rating system, that replaced the ELSPA rating system. Pan European Game Information ( PEGI) is a European Video game content rating system. The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association ( ELSPA) is an Organisation set up in 1989 by British Software publishers It It is not uncommon for violent video games to be banned by the BBFC.

United States

Main article: Motion Picture Association of America film rating system

Prior to 1968, some large cities and states had public rating boards which determined whether films were suitable for display to the public in theatres. The Motion Picture Association of America's film-rating system is used in the U The United States Supreme Court in the case of Freedman v. Maryland 380 U.S. 51 (1965) would effectively end government operated rating boards when it would decide that a rating board could only approve a film; it had no power to ban a film. Case citation is the system used in many countries to identify the decisions in past Court cases either in special series of books called reporters A rating board must either approve a film within a reasonable time, or it would have to go to court to stop a film from being shown in theatres. Other court cases would decide that since television stations are federally licensed, local rating boards have no jurisdiction over films shown on television. With the movie industry deciding to set up its own rating system, most state and local boards ceased operating.

Ratings

See also: TV Parental Guidelines, Entertainment Software Rating Board, and Film Advisory Board

In the United States, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), through the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) issues ratings for movies. The Entertainment Software Rating Board ( ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, Advertising guidelines and The Film Advisory Board, Inc (FAB is a member-supported organization founded in 1975 by Elayne Blythe (1919 - 2005 The system was instituted in November 1968 and is voluntary; however, most movie theater chains will not show unrated domestic films and most major studios have agreed to submit all titles for rating prior to theatrical release. Most films will have the MPAA insignia at the end of the closing credits. Insignia (the plural of Latin insigne: emblem symbol is a Symbol or Token of personal power, Status or Office Earlier films that had full opening credits such as The Poseidon Adventure would bear the insignia in the opening.

The ratings as they exist in 2008 are:

Unrestricted

Restricted

Others

Sources

  1. ^ First film rating scheme in the making By Zhu Linyong (China Daily), Updated: 2004-12-17 00:25
  2. ^ http://www.spio.de/media_content/555.pdf SPIO guidelines concerning the self-assignment of ratings (pdf, in German)
  3. ^ a b c Government gazette, republic of South Africa. Volume 502, number 29816. (PDF) 4. Government printer (South Africa) (2007-04-20). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. Retrieved on 2008-06-04. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China.
  4. ^ [1] - Spain: Evaluation Report about the compliance of the Motion picture rating system in film advertising (in Spanish).
  5. ^ Rithdee, Kong. December 20, 2007. Thailand passes controversial film act, Variety (magazine); retrieved 2007-12-21
  6. ^ AsiaMedia :: Beware the watchdogs of cinema
  7. ^ The Nation: Life
  8. ^ Will Reforms Make Censorship Worse?, Simon Montlake, Time, October 11, 2007, retrieved 2007-10-12

See also

External links

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