A motion picture content rating systemclassifies films based on their suitability for audiences due to their treatment of issues such as sex, violence, or substance abuse, their use of profanity, or other matters typically deemed unsuitable for children or adolescents. Most countries have some form of rating system that issues determinations variously known as certifications, classifications, certificates, or ratings. Age recommendations, of either an advisory or restrictive capacity, are often applied in lieu of censorship; in some jurisdictions movie theaters may have a legal obligation to enforce restrictive ratings.
In countries such as Australia and Singapore, an official government body 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.
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 a different 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. Therefore, the color codes and age ranges are not directly comparable from one country to another.
Key:
White – No restrictions: Suitable for all ages / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / No applicable rating.
Yellow – Advisory: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range.
Purple – Strong advisory: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted.
Red – Restricted: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences.
Black – Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audience / Restricted to licensed premises / Purchase age-restricted / Banned.
Table guide
Country
Age rating
Other
0/1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Example
G (suitable for all ages)
PG-13 (advised for ages 13 and over)
NC-17 (prohibited for under 18s)
Exempt
PG (parental guidance)
12A (adult supervision mandated for under 12s)
18A (prohibited for under 14s)
18A (adult supervision mandated for under 18s)
Banned
Where the highlighting starts for a particular rating indicates the lower age threshold for which the film is suitable, and any associated restrictions. Some ratings have two components: for example, Canada's 18A rating requires audiences aged between 14 and 18 to be accompanied by an adult in some provinces. In such instances the rating is represented by two highlights to indicate the two restrictions.
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]
Categories of the Argentinian classification system
ATP: For all public.
+13: Suitable for 13-year-olds and over. Children under the age of 13 are admitted if accompanied by an adult.
+16: Suitable for 16-year-olds and over.
+18: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over.
C: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over. Restricted to specially licensed venues.
Check the Classification (CTC) - Message for unclassified films and computer games The film or computer game has been assessed and approved for advertising. You should check the classification closer to the release date. Advertising relating to unclassified films and games must display the CTC message - this includes posters, trailers, internet posts, and any other type of advertising. Once the content is classified, the classification marking should replace the CTC marking on all advertising material.
General (G) – General. The content is very mild in impact. The G classification is suitable for everyone.
Parental Guidance (PG) – Parental guidance recommended. The content is mild in impact. It is not recommended for viewing or playing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.
Mature (M) – Recommended for mature audiences. The content is moderate in impact. Children under 15 may legally access this material because it is an advisory category. However, M classified films and computer games may include classifiable elements such as violence and nudity of moderate impact that are not recommended for children under 15 years.
Restricted categories
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) – Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The content is strong in impact.
Restricted (R 18+) – Restricted to 18 years and over. The content is high in impact. Despite this category being legally restricted, in Queensland the restriction is not applicable to persons under 2.[4]
Adult film categories
Restricted (X 18+) – Restricted to 18 years and over. This classification is a special and legally restricted category which contains only sexually explicit content. That is, material which shows actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity between consenting adults. X 18+ films are only available for sale or hire in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Refused Classification (RC) – Refused Classification. Banned from sale or hire in the country and cannot be legally imported. Films are rated RC if their content is very high in impact and exceeds the guidelines.
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.[5]
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 state laws on the cinema sector with different age provisions.[6] 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.[7] In addition to the ABMC's age recommendations, in the state of Vienna children under the age of 6 are only permitted to attend public film performances if they are accompanied.[8]
The AMBC issues age recommendation from the following categories:
Unrestricted – Released for all age groups.
6+ – Released for children from age 6.
10+ – Released for children from age 10.
12+ – Released for children from age 12.
14+ – Released from age 14.
16+ – Released from age 16. Restricted classification.
Bahamas
The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board classifies films in the Bahamas. Upon completion of the examination the Board will classify the film in accordance with the following ratings:[9]
A - Suitable for all ages.
B - Suitable for adults; persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
T - Suitable for persons 15 and over, persons under 15 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not.
C - Suitable for adults only, persons under 18 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not.
D - Unsuitable for public viewing.
Barbados
In Barbados, films are classified by the Film Censorship Board (FCB):[10]
GA – General Audience; Suitable for all ages.
PG – Parental Guidance.
PG13 – Parental Guidance 13; suitable for 13 years and older.
R – Suitable for 18 years and older.
A – Adult Only; No-one under 18 admitted.
Belgium
On 8 January 2020, Belgium adopted the Dutch Kijkwijzer classification system.[11] Belgium had previously used a basic two-tier system, in place since 1 September 1920.[12] Until January 2020, classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium were issued by the Inter-Community Commission for Film Rating (Dutch: Intergemeenschapscommissie voor de Filmkeuring; French: Commission Intercommunautaire de Contrôle des Films). Films were prohibited to minors under the age of 16 unless passed by the commission. There is no mandatory rating system for video formats but 90% of video distribution abides by the voluntary Belgium Video Federation. It was basically the same as the system for theatrical exhibition, but also provided a "12" rating.[13] Under Kijkwijzer, the distributor fills out a questionnaire about the content of the film and an age category is automatically assigned. The new system is fully advisory, and carries no mandatory restrictions.[14] In the French and German-speaking communities, the system is known as Cinecheck.[15][16]
The rating labels and content descriptors used in Belgium for feature films
All films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format in Brazil must be submitted for classification to the advisory rating (Classificação Indicativa, abbreviated ClassInd), which is run by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça).[18][19] Under 10 must always be accompanied by an adult guard, even for those rated L. Anyone below the film's minimum age can watch it if accompanied or allowed by the parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old, except for those rated 18, which can only be allowed for teenagers aged 16+.[20] Unlike many countries, the ClassInd does not have any legal right to ban, demand cuts or refuse to rate any film.[21]
Film classification symbols used in Brazil
The ClassInd uses the following system:
ER: Especialmente recomendado para crianças (Especially recommended for children)
L: Livre (General)
10: Não recomendado para menores de 10 anos (Not recommended for minors under 10)
12: Não recomendado para menores de 12 anos (Not recommended for minors under 12)
14: Não recomendado para menores de 14 anos (Not recommended for minors under 14)
16: Não recomendado para menores de 16 anos (Not recommended for minors under 16)
18: Não recomendado para menores de 18 anos (Not recommended for minors under 18)
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.[22] Since then, two more restrictive ratings (C+ and D+) have been added to the system:[23][24]
A – Recommended for children.
B – No age restrictions.
C – Not recommended for children under 12. No persons under 12 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
C+ – Not recommended for children under 14. No persons under 14 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
D+ – Not recommended for children under 16. No persons under 16 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
D – Prohibited for persons under 16.
X – Prohibited for persons under 18, for licensed venues only.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, the Department of Movies and Promotion of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) classifies films for exhibition in cinemas and on home media under the following age categories:[25]
G – General audience.
NC15 – Permitted for persons aged 15 and over.
R18 – Permitted for persons aged 18 and over (only permitted to be shown in cinemas)
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.[26] 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).[27]
Classifications used outside Quebec
Canadian cinema ratings used outside Quebec
Canadian home video ratings used outside Quebec.
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.[26] In the case of theatre exhibition, children are admitted to 14A if accompanied by an adult. In British Columbia,[28]Saskatchewan (administered by the British Columbia Film Classification Office),[27] Alberta and Ontario children are also admitted to 18A films if accompanied.[29][30] However, children under the age of 14 are prohibited to view 18A films in the Manitoba and Maritime provinces even if accompanied by an adult.[31][32] The Maritimes and British Columbia (along with Saskatchewan) also provide an "A" classification for adult content.[32][28] Some provinces, such as Nova Scotia, reserve the right to prohibit films altogether.[32]
Not Recommended For Young Children – The film may be inappropriate for young children. “Young Children” would be persons age 8 and under.
14A – Suitable for people 14 years of age or older. Those under 14 should view with an adult. No rental or purchase by those under 14. Parents cautioned. (Formerly "Adult Accompaniment (14)" in the Maritimes)[32][33]
Not Recommended For Children – “Children” would be persons age 13 and under. Films with this advisory may include scenes that reflect a more mature situation, such as drug use or abuse.
18A – Suitable for people 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 should view with an adult. Additionally, in certain provinces there is a mandatory age restriction of 14 years. No rental or purchase by those under 18. Parents strongly cautioned.
R – Restricted to 18 years and over. No rental or purchase by those under 18. Content not suitable for minors.
A – Adult. Film is not suitable for viewers under 18 years of age. (Formerly "Explicit Material (XXX)" in the Maritimes)[32][33]
In Quebec, the provincial Ministry of Culture and Communications (and until 2017 the Régie du cinéma) rates all films and videos;[34] its purview devolves from the Cinema Act (chapter C-18.1).[35] In some cases the Ministry may refuse to provide a classification, effectively banning the film. Educational and sports films are exempt from classification.[36]
G: Visa général (General Rating) – May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons of all ages. If a film carrying a "G" rating might offend the sensibilities of a child under 8 years of age, "Not suitable for young children" is appended to the classification.
13+: 13 ans et plus (13 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 13 years of age or over. Children under 13 may be admitted only if accompanied by an adult.
16+: 16 ans et plus (16 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 16 years of age or over.
18+: 18 ans et plus (18 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 18 years of age or over. If a film contains real and explicit sexual activity "Explicit sexuality" is appended to the classification, and in the retail video industry storeowners are required to place the film in a room reserved for adults.
Chile
Films are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification (Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica) which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education.[37] In 2002 legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1,090 films that had previously been banned in Chile.[38]
The current age ratings (enacted in 1993) are:[37]
TE (Todo Espectador) – General audience.
TE+7 (Inconveniente para menores de 7 años) – Not suitable for children younger than 7 years.
Mayores de 14 años – 14 years old and over.
Mayores de 18 años – 18 years old and over.
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.[37]
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.[39][40] A March 2017 effective law on film does require non-violations of the lawful rights and interests of minors (Chinese:未成年人) or harming the physical and psychological health of minors.[41] However, in an interview with China Central Television in the same month, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television's film chief Mr. Zhang Hongsen said it was inaccurate for the media to label the guideline for minors as manual/euphemistic classification and it was a misinterpretation or over-interpretation of the new law.[42][43]
Prohibited: Contains elements that incite or advocate crime.
Cook Islands
In the Cook Islands, publications such as films, TV shows and video games are classified by the Cook Islands Censorship Office in accordance with the Film and Censorship Act 1985.[46] The following four classifications are used:[47]
G (general)
PG (parental guidance)
MA (mature audiences)
R18 (restricted to adults)
The Censorship Office does not define the age for a "mature audience", but its television code—which uses the same ratings—defines a child as "under 15 years".[48]
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, films are classified by the Ministry of Justice and Peace: [49]
TP (Todo Público): All public
TP7 (Todo público, advertencia personas menores de 7 años acompañadas de una persona adulta): All public (parental guidance is recommended for children under 7)
TP12 (Todo público, personas con edad inferior a 12 años, acompañadas de una persona adulta): All public (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
M12 (Mayores de 12 años): Over 12 years old
M15 (Mayores de 15 años): Over 15 years old
M18 (Mayores de 18 años): Over 18 years old
Material Cinematográfico recomendado (Recommended cinematographic material): Films and documentaries that, due to their content and various themes they present, are recommended for their cultural value.
Denmark
In Denmark, the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films.[50] 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).[51] Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance—including those restricted to older audiences—if they are accompanied by an adult.[52]
The Danish ratings
A – Suitable for a general audience.
7 – Not recommended for children under 7.
11 – For ages 11 and up.
15 – For ages 15 and up.
F – Exempt from classification.
Estonia
Film classification in Estonia is regulated by the Child Welfare Act.[53]
PERE – Family Film.
L – Allowed to all.
MS-6 – Not recommended for under 6.
MS-12 – Not recommended for under 12.
K-12 – Prohibited for under 12 unless accompanied by an adult.
K-14 – Prohibited for under 14 unless accompanied by an adult.
K-16 – Prohibited for under 16 unless accompanied by an adult.
Fiji
In Fiji, films are classified by the Fijian Censors Board:[54]
G - approved for general exhibition
Y - approved for exhibition to viewers of the age of 13 and over
A - approved for exhibition to adults only (18 and over)
R - approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censor
Finland
The age ratings and content descriptors used in 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.[55] Films with an age rating may contain an additional marker for violence, sex, fear, or substance abuse. The ratings are as follows:[56]
S (Finnish) or T (Swedish) – For all ages.
7 – For 7 years and over.
12 – For 12 years and over.
16 – For 16 years and over.
18 – Prohibited for children under 18 years of age.
Prior to showing in theatres, 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 classification of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC). In some cases, films may be classified as "pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence" or completely prohibited from screening.[57] A certificate will be granted from the following:
TP (Tous publics) – Certificate authorising the screening of the film to all members of the public.
-12 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 12.
-16 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 16.
-18 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 18.
Interdiction (prohibition) – Certificate totally prohibiting the screening of the film.
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.[58]
Ohne Altersbeschränkung (FSK 0): no age restriction (white sign).
Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren (FSK 6): released to ages 6 and older, nobody under this age admitted (yellow sign).
Freigegeben ab 12 Jahren (FSK 12): released to ages 12 and older; children who are at least age 6 may be admitted with adult accompaniment (green sign).
Freigegeben ab 16 Jahren (FSK 16): released to ages 16 and older, nobody under this age admitted (blue sign).
Keine Jugendfreigabe (FSK 18): "no youth admitted", adults only. (red sign).
Infoprogramm or Lehrprogramm: "educational programming". This rating is not issued by the FSK, but may be self-applied to films seeking to educate their audience (e.g. documentaries, instructional films, etc.). Films with this rating may be sold without any age restriction provided they do not contain any material "evidently harmful to the development of children and youths".[59]
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.[60]
Ghana
In Ghana, films are classified by the Film Classification Committee:[61][62]
U - Universal for all categories of persons.
PG - Viewers below twelve are to watch under Parental Guidance.
12 - For persons of twelve years and above. Children under this age must be accompanied.
15 - For persons of fifteen years and above only.
18 - For persons of eighteen years and above only.
NS - Not suitable for public exhibition.
Greece
All publicly released films must be submitted to the Youth Committee for classification.[13] There are four categories:
Unrestricted – No restrictions (The film does not contain violence, drug abuse, or sexual content).
13 – The film may contain mild violence and adult themes. Suitable for people aged 13 and above.
17 – The film may contain violence, drug abuse, and softcore pornographic scenes. An ID card certifying the age is required in all Greek cinemas and video rental shops in order to get a cinema ticket or rent a video of a "17" rated film. Not permitted to young people under the age of 17.
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.[63][64]
Hong Kong ratings administered by the Film Censorship Authority
I – Suitable for all ages. (circle sign).
IIA – Not suitable for children. (square sign).
IIB – Not suitable for young persons and children.
III – Persons aged 18 or above only. (triangle sign).
Of the four levels, Categories I, IIA, and IIB are unrestricted. Only Category III is a restricted category and regulated by the government.
Hungary
The Hungarian ratings administered by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority
Hungarian ratings are decided by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH):[65][66]
KN(korhatár nélkül) – All audiences.
6 – Not recommended below age of 6.
12 – Not recommended below age of 12.
16 – Not recommended below age of 16.
18 – Not recommended below age of 18.
X – Restricted below 18, for adults only. Excessively violent scenes.
All ratings are advisory except the "X" classification. The current one is the third motion picture rating system in Hungary. The first system existed between 1965 and 2004, and was administered by the Ministry for National Cultural Heritage and its predecessors. Its categories were "Without age restriction", "Not recommended below age of 14", "Above age of 16 only", and "Above age of 18 only". A second system was introduced in 2004 which was overhauled in 2011 in favour of the current system. Its categories—given by the National Film Office—were "Without age restriction", "Parental guidance suggested below age of 12", "Not recommended below age of 16", "Not recommended below age of 18", and "For adults only".[67]
Iceland
Since 1 July 2006, FRÍSK (short for Félag rétthafa í sjónvarps- og kvikmyndaiðnaði) has replaced the Kvikmyndaskoðun system in Iceland. In October 2013, FRÍSK announced that it was adopting a new system similar to the Netherlands' Kijkwijzer at least through 2016.[68] The Icelandic ratings system also provides an "18" rating in addition to the Kijkwijzer ratings.[69] Under Icelandic law, minors aged 14-years-old and over may be admitted to a film carrying a higher age rating if accompanied by an adult.[70] The ratings are as follows:[71]
The ratings and descriptors used in Iceland since 2017
U/A – Unrestricted public exhibition, but with parental guidance for children below the age of 12 years.
A – Restricted to adults.
S – Restricted to any special class of persons.
Indonesia
Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Film Censorship Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Lembaga Sensor Film, LSF). 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. Films passed for exhibition are awarded one of the following classifications:[73]
SU (Semua Umur): All ages.
13+: Suitable for ages 13 and above.
17+: Suitable for ages 17 and above.
21+: Suitable for ages 21 and above.
Iraq
The Iraqi film rating system is declared by the Ministry of Information and Culture. It is against the law for an underage person to enter restricted films at the cinemas, even with their parents, where a proof of identity may be required.[74]
G: General Exhibition - open for all ages.
PG 13: Customer may be aged 13 years and under, but must be accompanied by someone 13 years old or older. Please note content may not be appropriate for 13 years and below, booking to be at the discretion of guardians and parents.
PG 15: Customer may be aged 15 years and under, but must be accompanied by someone 15 years old or older. Please note content may not be appropriate for 15 years and below, booking to be at the discretion of guardians and parents.
15+: No persons under 15 years of age will be admitted. Babies not allowed.
18+: No persons under 18 years of age will be admitted. Babies not allowed.
18TC: Rated 18+ until confirmed by the National Media Council. Entry to the cinema must comply with the age restriction of final confirmed rating. Booking prior to confirmed rating, is at customers discretion.
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).[75][76]
Cinema ratings
Video ratings
G (General) – Suitable for children of school going age (note: children can be enrolled in school from the age of 4).
PG (Parental Guidance) – Suitable for children over the age of 8. Parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.
12A, 12 – Suitable for viewers of 12 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 the video.
15A, 15 – Suitable for viewers of 15 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 the video.
16 (cinema only) – Suitable for viewers of 16 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
The age ratings used in Italy
In Italy the rating system of the films is currently disciplined by the Decreto legislativo n° 203 of 7 December 2017.[77] For commercial release, distributors are requested to classify their films based on the age of the audience. Their decision is verified by a commission of the Ministry of Culture, composed of members of the film industry and experts in education and animal rights.[78] Since 2021, the commission is no longer allowed to ban a film or demand edits.[79] Films are classified into one of the following categories:[80]
The content descriptors used in Italy
T (film per tutti): no age restriction.
6+ (sconsigliato ai minori di anni 6): not suitable for children under 6.
14+ (vietato ai minori di 14 anni): released to ages 14 and older; children who are at least 12 may be admitted with adult accompaniment.
18+ (vietato ai minori di 18 anni): released to ages 18 and older; children who are at least 16 may be admitted with adult accompaniment.
The classification only applies to commercial releases in theaters, and the law does not require classification of home media. Before 2021, films aimed to be shown in theatres were classified for all ages (T) or prohibited for children under 14 or 18 by the Commission for Film Review.[81] The Commission could also ask for some scenes to be cut or ban the distribution of the film.
Jamaica
Film classification in Jamaica is a requirement of the Cinematograph Act of 1913, which also established the Cinematograph Authority.[82]
G (General Audiences): Appropriate for all ages.
PG (only applied occasionally).
PG-13: Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by parent/guardian.
T-16: Teenagers 14 & 15 will be admitted in the company of an adult.
A-18: No one under the age of 18 years will be admitted.
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.[83][84]
Eirin ratings
G: General, suitable for all ages.
PG12: Parental guidance requested for young people under 12 years.
R15+: No one under 15 admitted.
R18+: No one under 18 admitted.
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, films are rated by the Committee for Culture of the Ministry for Culture and Information.[85]
6-: 6 жасқа толмаған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children under the age of 6.
6+: 6 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 6.
12+: 12 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 12.
14+: 14 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 14.[nb 1]
16+: 16 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 16.[nb 1]
18+: 18 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 18.
21+: 21 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 21. Restricted to licensed venues between 10pm and 6am local time.
PG (Parental Guidance Recommended) – May contain scenes unsuitable for children under the age of 10. While the content may be suitable for children, parents are advised to monitor the content.
16 (Unsuitable for persons under age of 16) – Restricted to persons aged 16 years and above.
18 (Adults Only) – Restricted to persons aged 18 years and above.
Restricted/Banned
Kuwait
In Kuwait, films are rated by the Censor Board Committee (لجنة الرقابة) under authority of the Ministry of Information (وزارة الإعلام). The Committee may sanction edits of or outright ban certain films in order to comply with cultural laws and values of Kuwait. The Ministry of Information originally established an age classifications system for films under decision number #73, article #10 of year 2012. The 2012 system rated films as either for "general audiences" (G) or for "persons aged 16 and above" (16+).[88]c.2015, two additional classifications were introduced for films rated as "under 13 need to be accompanied with adults" (PG) or "adults only" (18+). However, by May 2016, the Ministry of Information established a new age classifications system for films under decision number #30 of year 2016.[89] Therefore, as of May 2016, films in Kuwait are rated under the following:
2016 Kuwaiti film age rating symbols
E – Film content is suitable for everyone.
PG – Under 13 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian aged 18+.
T (13+) – Under 13s are not permitted.
18+ – Under 18s are not permitted.
Cinemas are legally obligated to refuse entry to any minor under the required age of any film's established age classification.
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.[90]
U (universal audience) – Suitable for persons of all age groups.
7+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 7 years of age.
12+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 12 years of age.
16+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 16 years of age.
18+: Not suitable for a minor (prohibited to people under 18).
Lebanon
Films released in Lebanon are rated by the Lebanese Censorship Board.[91]
G: Intended for General Audiences. All ages are admitted.
PG: Parental Guidance is suggested.
PG13: Children under 13 years of age will not be admitted.
PG16: Persons under 16 years of age will not be admitted.
18+: Persons under 18 years of age will not be admitted.
Lithuania
The Lithuanian Film Centre is a state institution under the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania. A film approved for public exhibition receives one of the ratings below based on its content:[92]
V: Released for all ages. The full name for the classification is visi, which means "all"
N-7: Released from age 7 and above. Children aged under 7 may be admitted with adult supervision.
N-13: Released from age 13 and above. Children aged between 7 and 12 may be admitted with adult supervision.
N-16: Released from age 16 and above. No one under 16 is admitted.
N-18: Released from age 18 and above. No one under 18 is admitted.
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.[93] 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 four different "18" categories (which were amalgamated back into a single classification in 2010). In 2008, the "PG13" classification was introduced, which admitted children under the age of 13 if accompanied by an adult ("PG13" underwent a cosmetic change to "P13" in 2012).[94] In February 2023, the "P13" classification was split in two—a "P12" classification (effectively the same as "P13" but with a slightly lower age threshold) and a prohibitive "13" classification, which bars admission to children under the age of 13. A prohibitive "16" classification was also introduced, barring audiences under the age of 16.[95]
The new film classification logos introduced since February 2023
Upon viewing the board will assign one of three categories to the film:[96]
Lulus Bersih (Passed Clean [i.e. without cuts])
Lulus Dengan Pengubahan (Passed with Edits/Cuts)
Tidak Diluluskan Untuk Tayangan (Not Approved for Screening)
Should a film be approved, the Board then assigns the film a classification. As of 2023 the ratings are:[95]
U (Umum) - Suitable for all ages.
P12 (Penjaga) – Parental guidance required for audiences under the age of 12.
18+R – Suitable for ages 18 and above. Restricted.
PU – For professional use only.
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.[98] 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.[99]
If the film is deemed "fit for exhibition" it will be awarded one of the following classifications:
U (Universal) – Suitable for all.
PG (Parental Guidance) – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.
12A – Suitable for persons of 12 years and over: Provided that persons younger than 12 years may attend only when accompanied by an adult.
12 – Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over.
15 – Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.
18 – Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over.
Mauritius
The Film Classification Board (FCB) classifies films and stage plays on behalf of the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage. Film will be awarded one of the following classifications in accordance with the Film Act 2002 or rejected.[100]
U (Universal) – Suitable for all audiences.
PG – Parental Guidance is compulsory for children under the age of 12.
15 – Suitable for persons of the age of 15 and above.
18 – Suitable for all Adults.
18R – Adult audiences only (subject to specified conditions)
AA Informative-only rating: Understandable for children under 7 years.
A Information-only rating: For all age groups.
B Information-only rating: For adolescents 12 years and older.
B-15 Information-only rating: Not recommended for children under 15.
C Restrictive rating: For adults 18 and older.
D Restrictive rating: Adult movies (legally prohibited to those under 18 years of age).
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" and "18" rated films, which are legally prohibited for children under 16 years of age per section 240a of the Wetboek van Strafrecht.[103][104][105]
The Kijkwijzer ratings and descriptors used in the Netherlands since January 2020
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.
14: Potentially harmful to children under 14 years.
16: Potentially harmful to and not allowed for children under 16 years.
18: Potentially harmful to and not allowed for children under 18 years.
There are also six descriptor icons used:
Violence (Geweld)
Fear (Angst)
Sexual Content (Seks)
Discrimination (Discriminatie)
Drug and/or Alcohol abuse (Drugs- en/of alcoholmisbruik)
Bad Language (Grof taalgebruik)
Mostly, these icons are used along with other symbols, displaying if a film contains violence, sexual content, frightening scenes, drug or alcohol abuse, discrimination, or coarse language. These symbols are also used in television channels broadcasting under license issued in the Netherlands (independent from country for which the channel are dedicated).
New Zealand
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).[106][107] 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.[108][109]
In 2017 the Office of Film and Literature Classification created a special RP18 rating for online content in response to the Netflix television series, 13 Reasons Why. The new classification reflects concerns raised with 17 and 18 year olds in New Zealand being at a higher risk of suicide.[110][111][112] The current ratings are:[113]
New Zealand Ratings
G: Anyone can be shown or sold this.
PG: Films and games with a PG label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. The PG label means guidance from a parent or guardian is recommended for younger viewers.
M: Films and games with an M label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. Films with an M label are more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over.[114][115]
RP13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
RP16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
RP18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian (online content only).
R13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over.
R15: Restricted to persons 15 years and over.
R16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over.
R18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over.
R: Restricted exclusively to a certain audience.
Nigeria
Nigerian Ratings
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.[116] The categories are:
G: Suitable for viewing by persons of all ages.
PG: Parental Guidance is advised.
12: Not permitted for people under the age of 12.
12A: Not permitted for people under the age of 12. A child must be accompanied by an adult to view the film.
15: Not permitted for persons under the age of 15.
18: Not permitted for people under the age of 18.
RE: Films which fall under this category are to be exhibited and distributed only in specially licensed premises.
Norway
In Norway, all films—whether they are exhibited in cinemas, distributed on video, shown on television or streamed through on-demand services—are required by law to be classified. Films shown in cinemas must be classified by the distributor, and films made available by other means must be classified by whoever who has the rights to make them available in Norway. Classifications are mandated to follow the guidelines and age limits set by the Norwegian Media Authority (Medietilsynet).[117] The law previously required films to be classified by the Norwegian Media Authority, but this was repealed in 2022.[118]
G (General Audiences) – Viewers of all ages are admitted.
PG (Parental Guidance) – Viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
R-13 (Restricted-13) – Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted.
R-16 (Restricted-16) – Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted.
R-18 (Restricted-18) – Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted.
X (Not For Public Exhibition) – "X-rated" films are not suitable for public exhibition.
Independent, foreign-language and art-house films released in the Philippines are not rated by the MTRCB themselves but are instead rated through the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Nevertheless, the same rating system applies.[120]
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.[121]
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.[122] 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.[123][124] The categories are the following:[124]
Para todos os públicos – For all the public (especially designed for children under 3 years of age).
M/3 Passed for viewers aged 3 and older.
M/6 Passed for viewers aged 6 and older.
M/12 Passed for viewers aged 12 and older.
M/14 Passed for viewers aged 14 and older.
M/16 Passed for viewers aged 16 and older.
M/18 Passed for viewers aged 18 and older.
P Special rating supplementary to the M/18 age rating denoting "pornography".
Romania
Ratings in Romania are set by the National Center of Cinematography (Romanian: Centrul Național al Cinematografiei) (CNC).[125]
AG (audiență generală) – General audience.
AP-12 (acordul părinților pentru copiii sub 12 ani) – Parental guidance for children under 12.
N-15 (nerecomandat tinerilor sub 15 ani) – Not recommended for children under 15.
IM-18 (interzis minorilor) – Prohibited to minors under 18.
IM-18-XXX (interzis minorilor și proiecției cu public) – Prohibited to minors under 18 and projection in public.
IC (interdicție de comunicare) – Prohibition of communication.
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 Russia.[126][127]
Russian rating system
The indication shown:
0+ – All ages are admitted.
6+для детей старше 6 лет (For children over 6 years) – Unsuitable for children under 6.
12+для детей старше 12 лет (For children over 12 years) – Unsuitable for children under 12.
16+для детей старше 16 лет (For children over 16 years) – Unsuitable for children under 16.
18+запрещено для детей (Prohibited for children) – Prohibited for children under 18.
Фильмы, которым отказано в классификации (Refused classification) – Banned.
Saudi Arabia
Film classification in Saudi Arabia is administered by the General Authority of Media Regulation (Gmedia; formerly known as the General Commission for Audiovisual Media or GCAM), after the reintroduction of film theatres in the country, as of 2017. GCAM (now Gmedia) officially approved a system in 2018,[128] and revised it in 2022 to incorporate a "PG15" rating,[129] which has later officially replaced the "R12" rating.[130] The classifications are:[131]
Gmedia classification symbols as of December 2023
G: General – For the general public.
PG: Parental Guidance – Adult supervision recommended for children under the age of 12.
PG12: Parental Guidance 12 – Adult supervision required for children under the age of 12.
PG15: Parental Guidance 15 – Adult supervision required for children under the age of 15.
R15: Audiences under the age of 15 are prohibited.
R18: Audiences under the age of 18 are prohibited.
Singapore
Film classification in Singapore was introduced on 1 July 1991 and comes under the jurisdiction of the Board of Film Censors (BFC), currently part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). There were three ratings originally: G (General), PG (Parental Guidance) and R (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. In September 1991, a Restricted (Artistic) (R(A)) rating was introduced to replace the previous R-rating so as to allow the screening of certain art-house films which would otherwise have been banned without said rating, with an increased age restriction set at 21 years of age.[132] The R(A) rating has since 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.[133][134]
Singapore's film rating symbols as of 2021
The categories are:
G: General – Suitable for all ages.
PG: Parental Guidance – Suitable for all but parents should guide their young.
PG13: Parental Guidance 13 – Suitable for persons aged 13 and above but parental guidance is advised for children below 13.
NC16: No Children Under 16 – Suitable for persons aged 16 and above.
M18: Mature 18 – Suitable for persons aged 18 and above.
R21: Restricted 21 – Suitable for adults aged 21 and above (restricted to licensed cinemas).
In exceptional cases, a film may be refused classification if it either exceeds the permissible limits of the R21 classification, contains any material that undermines or is likely to undermine public order, or is likely to be prejudicial to national interest.
Slovakia
Jednotný systém označovania (English: Unified System of Age Rating/Labeling) (JSO) is a statutory board of Ministry of Culture of Slovakia under act 589/2007, which regulates age restriction of films, television programs and video games in Slovakia.[135][136]
The rating labels used in Slovakia
The age ratings are:
"Teddy bear's head" – Content suitable for children younger than 12 years.
U – General audience
7 – Not recommended for children younger than 7 years.
12 – Not recommended for people younger than 12 years.
15 – Not recommended for people younger than 15 years.
18 – Prohibited for minors under 18 years of age.
In addition, educational movie ratings are:
-7 – Targeted at children younger than 7 years.
7+ – Appropriate for children older than 7 years.
12+ – Appropriate for people 12 years and over.
15+ – Appropriate for people 15 years and over.
South Africa
In South Africa, films are classified by the Film and Publication Board.[137] Distributors and exhibitors are legally compelled to comply with the age ratings.[138] All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following:[139][140]
The FPB's rating categories
A: Suitable for all.
PG: Parental Guidance
7–9PG: Not suitable for children under the age of 7. Children aged 7–9 years old may not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
10–12PG: Not suitable for children under the age of 10. Children aged 10–12 years old may not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
13: Not suitable for children under the age of 13.
16: Not suitable for persons under the age of 16.
18: Not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
X18: No one under 18 admitted; restricted to licensed adult premises.
XX: Must not be distributed or exhibited in public.
There are also sub-descriptors used with some of the ratings:
12 (12세이상관람가) – Film intended for audiences 12 and over. Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed.
15 (15세이상관람가) – Film intended for audiences 15 and over. Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed.
18 (청소년관람불가) – No one under 18 is allowed to watch this film.
Restricted Screening (제한상영가) – Film needs a certain restriction in screening or advertisement as it is considered a highly bad influence to universal human dignity, social value, good customs or national emotion due to excessive expression of nudity, violence, social behavior, etc. (technically not an age restriction but films with this rating may only be screened at "adults only" theatres, with the age of majority set at 19).
Classification ratings are determined by the following:[143]
Theme (주제) - The effect on the formation emotions, values of group of age as well as the ability to understand and accept the theme.
Sex and Nudity (선정성) - Level of exposure of human body as well as caress, sexual intercourse and other sexual activities.
Violence (폭력성) - Level of damage to human body and oppression through torture and blood battles, pain, indignity and sexual violence.
Language (대사) - Level and frequency of vulgar language and slangs.
Horror (공포) - Level of psychological shock resulting from tension, stimuli and threat.
Drugs (약물) - Level of drugs use and promotion or glamorization of such activities.
Imitative Behavior (모방위험) - Level of imitation, encouragement and stimulus to perform the expressed act of murder, drug, suicide, school violence and out casting and use of weapons.
Spain
All films to be commercially released in Spain in any medium must be submitted to the ICAA (Instituto de Cinematografía y Artes Audiovisuales - Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts Institute). 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.[144] Another supplementary classification, "Especialmente recomendada para el fomento de la igualdad de género" (Especially recommended for the promotion of gender equality), is sometimes appended to any of the classifications except the last one.[145]
Spanish classifications
A(i) – General admission.
7(i) – Not recommended for audiences under 7.
12 – Not recommended for audiences under 12.
16 – Not recommended for audiences under 16.
18 – Not recommended for audiences under 18.
X – Prohibited for audiences under 18 (may only be shown in premises where adult films are screened).
Sweden
The Swedish Media Council ("Statens medieråd") 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.[146] 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.[147] The councils classification only applies to public exhibition, and the law does not require classification of home media.[148]
Switzerland has adopted Germany's Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry, FSK). 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.[152]
From 1994 until 2015, 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):[153] 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 further divided into two categories: one that prohibits children under the age of 12 and one that prohibits adolescents under the age of 15.[154][155][156]
The revised Taiwan motion picture rating system which took effect from 16 October 2015
0+: 普遍級(普) (General Audience) – Viewing is permitted for audiences of all ages.
6+: 保護級(護) (Protected) – Viewing is not permitted for children under 6; children between 6 and 11 shall be accompanied and given guidance by parents, teachers, seniors, or adult relatives or friends.
12+: 輔導十二歲級(輔12) (Parental Guidance 12) – Viewing is not permitted for children under 12.
15+: 輔導十五歲級(輔15) (Parental Guidance 15) – Viewing is not permitted for those under 15.
18+: 限制級(限) (Restricted) – Viewing is not permitted for those under 18.
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".[157]
Thai film rating symbols
The ratings were put into effect in August 2009.[158] They are as follows:
P – Educational.
G – General audience.
13 – Suitable for viewers aged 13 years and over.
15 – Suitable for viewers aged 15 years and over.
18 – Suitable for viewers aged 18 years and over.
20 – Content is unsuitable for viewers aged under 20.
Banned – Films that are not allowed to screen publicly in Thailand.
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.[159][160]
The rating labels and content descriptors used in Turkey
Genel İzleyici Kitlesi – General audience.
6A – Viewers under the age of 6 may watch with accompanying family members.
6+ – Restricted to viewers aged 6 and over.
10A – Viewers under the age of 10 may watch with accompanying family members.
10+ – Restricted to viewers aged 10 and over.
13A – Viewers under the age of 13 may watch with accompanying family members.
13+ – Restricted to viewers aged 13 and over.
16+ – Restricted to viewers aged 16 and over.
18+ – Restricted to viewers aged 18 and over.
In addition to the age ratings, content is also assessed for violence/horror, sexuality and negative examples i.e. drugs, vulgar and slang language.
Ukraine
The Ukrainian State Film Agency is the central executive body of cinematography in Ukraine. The Ratings issued by the Derzhkino are:[161]
DA: ДА (Дитяча аудиторія): Film aimed for children. They contain no violence or obscenity.
ZA: ЗА (Загальна аудиторія): Suitable for all.
12: Suitable for children aged 12 and older; those under 12 may be admitted if accompanied by an adult as parents may find upsetting to them.
16: Not allowed for viewing by persons under 16 years of age.
18: Not allowed for viewing by persons under 18 years of age. Additionally, "18" rated features may only be screened in theatres after 18:00, and they may be broadcast on television only after 22:00.
Denied: Відмовлено: Refused a classification by the Derzhkino. Content may not be shown, advertised, or distributed anywhere in Ukraine.
Films can be rejected if they promote war, violence, cruelty, and fascism aimed at eliminating Ukraine's independence.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has had a form of an age rating system for theatrical films since circa early 1980s, established under the federal 1980 Press and Publications Law, and originally authorised by the Ministry of Information and Culture (1972–2006).[162] The National Media Council, established in 2006 when the ministry was eventually dissolved, would continue practising categorising films by perceiving content[163] until February 2018, when it officially re-established the film age rating system under new guidelines, whilst also introducing new age rating systems for video games and print publications.[164][165]
In June 2021, the Ministry of Culture and Youth launched the Media Regulatory Office to execute a number of functions and tasks previously under the National Media Council,[166] following a restructure of the federal U.A.E. government that was approved in July 2020.[167] This made the Media Regulatory Office the current authority for age ratings in the U.A.E. as of June 2021.
U.A.E.'s film rating symbols as of 2021
As of December 2021, the following are the official classifications used for films in the U.A.E.:
G – For public viewing, suitable for all age groups.
PG – For public viewing, with adult supervision.
PG13 – Persons below 13 allowed with adult supervisions.
PG15 – Persons below 15 allowed with adult supervisions.
15+ – Ages 15 and above only.
18+ – Ages 18 and above only.
21+ – Ages 21 and above only. Films that receive this classification are legally restricted to its age group, but are authorised for commercial exhibition guaranteed without edits.[168][169]
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 through 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.[170][171]
U (Universal – Suitable for all) – A U-rated film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over.
PG (Parental Guidance) – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG-rated film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older.
12A / 12 (Suitable for 12 years and over) – Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A-rated film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.
15 (Suitable only for 15 years and older) – No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15-rated film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15-rated video.
18 (Suitable only for adults) – No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18-rated film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18-rated video.
R18 (To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults only) – The R18 category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18-rated video works may not be supplied by mail order.
Older video works still in circulation may still carry the deprecated Uc label, classifying the work as "Especially suitable for pre-school children".[171]
In the United States, film classification is a voluntary process with the ratings issued by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) via the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA).[173][174] The system was established in 1968, but the version listed below is the most recent revision, having been in effect since 1996.[175] An unrated film is often informally denoted by "NR" in newspapers and so forth.[176]
Current American film ratings, since 1990
G (General Audiences) – All ages admitted.
PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) – Some material may not be suitable for children.
PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
R (Restricted) – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
NC-17 (Adults Only) – No one 17 and under admitted.
Venezuela
Age ratings are divided into several categories. The age that corresponds to the category and the level of enforcement is defined by municipality ordinances.
B – Suitable for audiences aged 12 years or older.
C – Suitable for audiences aged 16 years or older.
D – Suitable for adults.
In the Maracaibo municipality children under the age of two are not admitted to performances and the ratings are enforced:[179]
A – Suitable for all ages.
B – Suitable for audiences aged 14 years or older.
C – Suitable for audiences aged 18 years or older.
Vietnam
All theatrical releases are screened by the Cinema Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Travel of Vietnam to ensure suitability for public viewing. Regardless of the rating, some scenes may be altered or removed to comply with regulations. The classification was revised in 2022 to incorporate a parental accompaniment rating.[180][181]
1 2 Under the previous system in Kazakhstan, children over the age of 12 were admitted to "14" and "16" rated films if accompanied by an adult.[86] It is unclear if this remains the case, as the revised law no longer distinguishes between the different age classifications.
Related Research Articles
An X rating is a film rating that indicates that the film contains content that is considered to be suitable only for adults. Films with an X rating may have scenes of graphic violence or explicit sexual acts that may be disturbing or offensive to some viewers. The X rating is used in different ways by different countries, and it may have legal or commercial implications for the distribution and exhibition of such films. For example, some countries may ban or restrict the sale or rental of X-rated films, while others may allow them only in specific theaters or with special taxes. Some countries may also have different criteria or definitions for what constitutes an X-rated film, and some may consider the artistic merit of the film as a factor in classification. The X rating has been replaced or renamed by other ratings in some countries over time.
The Motion Picture Associationfilm rating system is used in the United States and its territories to rate a motion picture's suitability for certain audiences based on its content. The system and the ratings applied to individual motion pictures are the responsibility of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), previously known as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) from 1945 to 2019. The MPA rating system is a voluntary scheme that is not enforced by law; films can be exhibited without a rating, although most theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated or NC-17 rated films. Non-members of the MPA may also submit films for rating. Other media, such as television programs, music and video games, are rated by other entities such as the TV Parental Guidelines, the RIAA and the ESRB, respectively.
The Film Classification and Rating Organization, also known as Eirin (映倫), is Japan's self-regulatory film regulator. Eirin was established on the model of the now-defunct American Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association's Production Code Administration in June 1949, succeeding the US-led occupation authorities' role of film censorship during the Occupation of Japan. It classifies films into one of four categories depending on their suitability for viewing by minors of different ages.
This article chronicles the history of British film certificates.
In broadcasting, the watershed is the time of day after which programming with content deemed suitable only for mature or adult audiences is permitted. In the same way that a geological watershed divides two drainage basins, a broadcasting watershed serves as a dividing line in a schedule between family-friendly content, and content deemed suitable only for a more mature audience, such as programs containing objectionable content; this can include graphic violence, strong language, and sexual content, or strong references to those themes, even if they are not shown explicitly. The transition to more adult material must not be unduly abrupt and the strongest material should appear later in the evening.
Television content rating systems are systems for evaluating the content and reporting the suitability of television programmes for minors. Many countries have their own television rating system and countries' rating processes vary by local priorities. Programmes are rated by the organization that manages the system, the broadcaster, or the content producers.
The Ontario Film Review Board is an inactive agency of the government of the Canadian province of Ontario that was formerly responsible for that province's motion picture rating system. Until 2015, the board reported to the Minister of Consumer Services but as of 1 October 2015, the board was overseen by the Ontario Film Authority. The board's activities were based on the Film Classification Act, 2005.
The Saskatchewan Film and Video Classification Board is a board of the Saskatchewan Department of Justice responsible for providing film and video classification documents to movie theatres in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The Board was formerly responsible for reviewing films and granting film ratings, but since 1 October 1997 these duties have been done by the British Columbia Film Classification Office on Saskatchewan's behalf.
The Maritime Film Classification Board is a government organization responsible for reviewing films and granting film ratings in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) is the organisation responsible for films, television programmes, and some video game classification and censorship within Ireland. Where restrictions are placed by the IFCO, they are legally binding.
The British Columbia Film Classification Office, part of Consumer Protection BC in the Canadian province of British Columbia, is responsible for rating and censoring films under the province's Motion Picture Act. The BCFCO film ratings are also used by Manitoba and Saskatchewan by bilateral agreement.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is a Philippine government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines that is responsible for the classification and review of television programs, motion pictures and home videos.
A video game content rating system is a system used for the classification of video games based on suitability for target audiences. Most of these systems are associated with and/or sponsored by a government, and are sometimes part of the local motion picture rating system. The utility of such ratings has been called into question by studies that publish findings such as 90% of teenagers claim that their parents "never" check the ratings before allowing them to rent or buy video games, and as such, calls have been made to "fix" the existing rating systems. Video game content rating systems can be used as the basis for laws that cover the sales of video games to minors, such as in Australia. Rating checking and approval is part of the game localization when they are being prepared for their distribution in other countries or locales. These rating systems have also been used to voluntarily restrict sales of certain video games by stores, such as the German retailer Galeria Kaufhof's removal of all video games rated 18+ by the USK following the Winnenden school shooting.
The Manitoba Film Classification Board (MFCB) was a provincial government organization responsible for rating films and video games rented, sold, or shown in the province of Manitoba. In mid 2018, the Board was dissolved, with its duties being outsourced to British Columbia for film classifications, and transferred to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) for video games.
Motion picture ratings in Canada are mostly a provincial responsibility, and each province has its own legislation regarding exhibition and admission. For home video purposes, a single Canadian Home Video Rating System rating consisting of an average of the participating provincial ratings is displayed on retail packages, although various provinces may have rules on display and sale, especially for the R and A categories.
The Australian Classification Board is an Australian government statutory body responsible for the classification and censorship of films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia. The ACB was established in 1970 and was once part of the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), which was dissolved in 2006. The Department of Communications and the Arts provided administrative support to the ACB from 2006 until 2020, when it was merged into the 'mega department' of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. Decisions made by the ACB may be reviewed by the Australian Classification Review Board. The ACB now operates under the Commonwealth Classification Act 1995. The ACB is made up of a director, a deputy director, and three other board members, appointed by the government for three- or four-year terms, and temporary board members. The ACB is located in Sydney, New South Wales.
The Finnish Board of Film Classification was an official institution of the Finnish Ministry of Education. From 1946 until the end of year 2011, the VET/SFB was responsible for inspecting and rating the content of movies and video games. In the beginning of 2012, the VET/SFB was dissolved and its functions were transferred to the Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media, likewise operating under the Ministry of Education.
A mobile software content rating system is a rating system which is tailored to users of mobile software.
The National Bureau of Classification (NBC), previously the Film Censor Board of Maldives, is a government office founded on 21 May 1956 with the objective of presenting and promoting cinema and theatrical performances for the benefit of the Maldivian people.
The Ukrainian State Film Agency, known in short as Derzhkino, is the central executive body of cinematography in Ukraine. It was created in 2011.
↑ "Informações para os pais"[Information for parents] (in Portuguese). Brazil: Ministry of Justice (Brazil). Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
↑ "Film Industry Act". Union of Bulgarian Film Makers. 2004. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
↑ "Movie Ratings". Cinema City. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
↑ "Film Industry Act"(PDF) (in Bulgarian). National Film Center. 2021. p.28. Archived(PDF) from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
↑ "Censorship". Cook Islands: Ministry of Internal Affairs. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
↑ Intaffci (20 March 2017). "7:21pm". Cook Islands: Ministry of Internal Affairs. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2022– via Facebook.
↑ "CCEP - Ministerio de Justicia y Paz"((select the "Calificación de Material Cinematográfico" tab)). Costa Rica: Ministerio de Justicia y Paz. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
↑ "Informationsblatt zum neuen Jugendschutzgesetz ab 01.04.2003"[Information sheet about the new Youth Protection Act from 01.04.2003](PDF) (in German). Germany: Spitzenorganisation der Filmwirtschaft. 1 April 2003. Archived(PDF) from the original on 16 November 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
↑ "What are age ratings for?". Budapest: National Media and Infocommunications Authority. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
↑ "Film e revisione". Ministero della Cultura - Direzione Generale Cinema e Audiovisivo. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
↑ "13 Reasons Why: Blog: OFLC". www.classificationoffice.govt.nz. Office of Film & Literature Classification. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
↑ Classification Decision(PDF). The Office of Film and Literature Classification. 26 April 2017. Archived from the original(PDF) on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
1 2 Presidency of the Council of Ministers (14 February 2014). "Decreto-Lei n.º 23/2014"[Decree-Law n. 23/2014](PDF). Diário da República (in Portuguese). p.1385. Archived from the original(PDF) on 14 May 2014.
↑ "Åldersgränser för film"[Age limits for movies] (in Swedish). Swedish Media Council. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
IMDb's information about rating systems from all over the world.
FilmClassifications.com Information regarding film classifications from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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