Motion picture rating system

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A motion picture rating system categorizes films with regard to suitability for children and/or adults in terms of issues such as sex, violence and profanity. A particular issued rating is called a certification.

This helps people decide whether a movie is suitable for themselves and/or 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. 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. There is often debate as to the usefulness, strictness and enforcement of such systems. The belief that a ratings system may tempt children to watch a film due to its high rating is known as the forbidden fruit phenomenon; this can also be the case with adults in countries where "unrated", "uncut", "uncensored", etc. versions are released on DVD.

In some countries (e.g. Australia), an official government body decides on ratings (i.e. de jure); in other countries (e.g. the US), it is done by industry bodies with no official government status (i.e. de facto). However, in most countries, movies that are considered morally offensive have been banned or restricted. Even if the film rating system has no legal consequences, and a film has not explicitly been banned or restricted, there are usually laws forbidding certain films, or forbidding to show them to minors.

The influence of specific factors in deciding a rating varies from country to country. For example, in countries such as the United States, 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 in films. 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 United States are generally viewed to offer more lenient ratings to violent movies.

Contents 1 Argentina 2 Australia 3 Austria 4 Belgium 5 Brazil 6 Bulgaria 7 Canada 7.1 Canadian ratings outside Quebec 7.2 Quebec system 8 Chile 8.1 Subcategories 9 China 10 Colombia 11 Czech Republic 12 Denmark 13 Finland 14 France 15 Germany 16 Greece 17 Hong Kong 18 Iceland 19 India 20 Indonesia 21 Ireland 22 Japan 23 Malaysia 24 Malta 25 Mexico 26 The Netherlands 27 New Zealand 28 Norway 29 Peru 30 Philippines 31 Portugal 31.1 Special classifications 32 Romania 33 Poland 34 Singapore 35 South Africa 35.1 Ratings 35.2 Additional Symbols 35.3 Additional Notes 36 South Korea 37 Sweden 38 Switzerland 39 Taiwan 40 United Kingdom 41 United States 42 Sources 43 See also 44 External links

[edit] Argentina

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

• ATP: Suitable for all ages, ATP stands for "Apta (para) Todo Público", meaning "for all public"
• 13: Suitable for 13-year-olds and over
• 16: Suitable for 16-year-olds and over
• 18: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over
• X: Sexually explicit

[edit] Australia

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

The Office of Film and Literature Classification generally controls all ratings used on motion pictures. The OFLC is government run and funded, however the eight Australian States and Territories have the power to reclassify or even ban movies if they wish to. The OFLC seldom edits movies to meet the guidelines of a certain classification, as that can be done by the distributors and resubmitted for review.

The ratings board is comprised mostly of liberal members, therefore the OFLC has a strong influence on "Informing your Choices", rather than "censorship." Thus very detailed content descriptions are used. Film Advertising is accompanied by a Colour Coding and a Specific Shape for each classification level. This is accompanied by information such as mild, moderate, strong or high level coarse language, nudity, sexual references, themes and so on. However this is generally unstandardised and very detailed information such as "Suicide Themes" or "Bereavement Themes" and so forth can be included.

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

The MA15+ rating is usually quite strictly upheld by cinemas (with ID needed for entry), however MA15+ movies can often be rented out or sold to under 15's from video stores if accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Movies holding an R18+ or X18+ rating, on the other hand, are restricted to those 18 years and over.

• E - Exempt From Classification. The content varies depending on the show / film.
• G - General Audinces. The content is very mild in impact.
• PG - Parental Guidance Recommended. The content is mild in impact.
• M - Recommended For Mature Audiences Only. The content is moderate in impact.
• MA-15+ - Not Suitable For People Under 15. The content is strong in impact.
• R-18+ - Restricted To Adults 18 Years And Over. The content is high in impact.
• X-18+ - Restricted To Adults 18 Years And Over (ACT And NT Only). This rating applies to pornographic content.
• RC - Refused Classification. Illegal for sale or hire in Australia.

It is illegal to exhibit, sell or import RC films. It is not however in general illegal to have them in one's possession^{[citation needed]} without intent to sell, however some RC films, i.e. those including child pornography, are illegal to possess as well.

[edit] Austria

See Germany, as Austria also utilizes FSK ratings.

[edit] Belgium

• KT/EA - Kinderen Toegelaten/Enfants Admis (Kids Under 16 allowed) - Allowed for all
• KNT/ENA - Kinderen Niet Toegelaten/Enfants Non Admis (Kids Under 16 not allowed) - Not Allowed for children under 16

[edit] Brazil

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). No "parental guidance" ratings are used.

The DJCTQ uses the following system:

•  ER  Especialmente Recomendado (Especially Advised): This rating means that the film is especially advised for children and adolescents. Contains educational material, and doesn't have any inappropriate content.
•  L  Livre (General): This rating means that the film can be watched by anyone, and doesn't have any inappropriate content.
•  10  10 anos (10 years): This film is recommended for persons with or over 10 years of age. May contain little inappropriate language, sex insinuations, or mild violence.
•  12  12 anos (12 years): This film is recommended for persons with or over 12 years of age. May contain little inappropriate language, sex insinuations, or mild violence.
•  14  14 anos (14 years): This film is recommended for persons with or over 14 years of age. May contain inappropriate language, sex insinuations and/or mild sex with no nudity or the act being explicit shown, violence, mention to drug use.
•  16  16 anos (16 years): This film is recommended for persons with or over 16 years of age. May contain strong language, sex insinuations and/or mild sex with/without mild nudity, strong violence, drug use.
•  18  18 anos (18 years): This film is forbidden for people under 18 years of age. It may contain strong language, intense sex, strong nudity, strong violence, intense drug use. It is also used to rate porn films.

People under the minimum age intended by the rating can watch the movie accompanied by their parents, except for porn films. The films are rated by trained raters and more recently, the DJCTQ makes surveys to see if the people agree or not with the rating intended for a specific film.

[edit] 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

Rating	Accompanying inscription	When is it given
A	Recommended to children.	"When the film confirms the ideals of humanism or popularizes the national and world cultures or contributes to upbringing children"
B	None specified in the law (although usually it is accompanied by the following text: "No exhibition restrictions").	"When the film is in no way contrary to the universal rules of morality in this country, has no restrictive recommendations from the Committee and does not fall in rating A"
C	Not 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"
D	No 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"
X	No persons under the age of 18 are admitted.	"When the film is naturally erotic or shows violence in an ostentatious manner"
No rating given	Not to be distributed or rated.	"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.

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.

Note: 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. Parts of the law's official Bulgarian text may have changed since the translation was done.

[edit] Canada

Movie ratings in Canada are mostly a provincial responsibility, and each province will have its own legislation regarding exhibition and admission. There are currently six film classification offices rating movies in Canada, each an agency of a provincial government:

• B.C. Film Classification Office - also provides ratings for Saskatchewan
• Alberta Film Ratings
• Manitoba Film Classification Board
• Ontario Film Review Board
• Régie du cinéma du Québec
• Maritime Film Classification Board - run by the Nova Scotia Alcohol & Gaming Authority, it provides ratings for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island (and some theatres in Newfoundland and Labrador, though it is not compulsory.)

The province of Saskatchewan has a Film and Video Classification Board, but since 1997, it uses ratings provided by British Columbia. Newfoundland has no classification office or system. A source notes that "Newfoundland theatres and video store operators are not required by legislation to use ratings, many theatres in Newfoundland use the classifications assigned by the Maritime Film Board in Nova Scotia". Of the three Canadian territories, Yukon uses the BC ratings, while Nunavut and the Northwest Territories use Alberta ratings.

[edit] Canadian ratings outside Quebec

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.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} In general, the categories are:

• G - General Audience - Suitable for all ages.
• PG - Parental Guidance - Parental guidance advised. There is no age restriction but some material may not be suitable for all children.
• 14A - 14 Accompaniment - Persons under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• 18A - 18 Accompaniment - Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. In the Maritimes & Manitoba, under 14s are prohibited from viewing the film.
• R - Restricted - Admittance restricted to people 18 years of age or older, in lease accompanied by an adult.
• A - Adult - Admittance restricted to people 18 years of age or older. Sole purpose of the film is the portrayal of sexually explicit activity and/or explicit violence. In Alberta, the A category is only used for sexually explict products. Manitoba and Ontario do not have this category, Manitoba uses a barcode labelling system for Adult home videos while Ontario has a Restricted-Adult Sex (RX) rating for home video products. In British Columbia, the A symbol is red rather than blue.

This system was adopted by Alberta and British Columbia in 1997. Manitoba and Ontario adopted it in 2003 and the Maritimes adopted it in April 2005.

There is also a common stock of Information Pieces ("Frightening Scenes", "Coarse Language", etc), although different boards may have additional qualifiers.

Each board is responsible for assigning a rating to films, and while most movies will likely obtain the same rating, there can be differences. For instance, the film Sin City was rated R in Alberta, Manitoba the Maritimes (DVD) while Ontario and British Columbia/Saskatchewan gave the film an 18A and Quebec gave the film a 16+ (it was R in the USA). Blade: Trinity received a 14A in British Columbia and an 18A in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Also, the NC-17 rated Bad Education received the relatively mild 13+ in Quebec and 14 in Nova Scotia (with the rest of Canada rating it 18A and R).

Since Canada receives much American advertising concerning film ratings, it should be noted that the American MPAA "R" rating is similar to the Canadian "18A" category (under-18s admitted with adult accompaniment). The Canadian "R" category would be similar to the American NC-17 rating.

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.

[edit] Quebec system

In Quebec the Régie du Cinéma rates films and videos.

• G. (Visa général) -- May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons of all ages. A classification of "Visa général" means that the film so classified is unlikely to disturb an average viewer. It in no way indicates that the film is considered to be "suitable" for children. Only a "for children" notice would indicate that such a film would be appropriate for younger viewers.

• 13+. (13 ans+) -- May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons 13 years of age or over. Children 12 years of age and under may be admitted to a public showing of the film, but only if accompanied by an adult aged 16 or older. When rating a film as 13+, the examiners consider: certain scenes of violence (senseless destruction, physical harm, graphic violence, etc.); the representation of sexuality (extremely detailed intimate scenes, sexual relationships promoting dominance or disturbing situations, etc.); certain themes (suicide, family break-ups, mental instability, marginal behaviour, etc.).

• 16+. (16 ans+) -- May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons 16 years of age or over. These films may contain complex sequences, including violent or erotic elements, as well as certain problematic situations encountered by adults. However, the examiners are required to conduct a rigorous evaluation when considering the following; detailed and complacent images of unwarranted or sustained violence; particularly troubling images; the manner in which sexuality is depicted.

• 18+. (18 ans+) -- May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons 18 years of age or over. Films reserved for adults most often deal primarily with the representation of explicit sexual encounters. They may also be extremely violent, showing scenes of hyperrealistic cruelty, torture and horror.

The ratings are sometimes accompanied by indications which specify the dominant characteristic of the film. These may prove quite useful when the classification alone does not provide sufficient information.

For children, Associated with a "Visa général" rating, this indication means that the film is particularly suitable for young children.

Not suitable for young children, Associated with a "Visa général" rating, this indication warns that the film may be disturbing to children under eight years of age.

Coarse language, Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over," "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication means that the film contains coarse or obscene language.

Eroticism, Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over", "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication specifies that the film contains enough visual elements pertaining to sexuality to make this one of its dominant characteristics.

Violence, Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over", "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication means that violence is one of the dominant aspects of the film.

Horror, Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over", "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication warns that the film is strongly characterized by scenes aimed at provoking disgust, repulsion or fear, such as those showing mutilated bodies.

Explicit sexuality, Only accompanies the classification of "18 years and over." This indication signifies that the film essentially contains scenes of real and explicit sexual activity. In the retail video industry, the presence of this indication requires the storeowner to place the film in a separate adults only room or the entire store must be off limits to minors e.g. a sex shop.

[edit] Chile

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

• TE - All audiences
• 14 - Inappropriate for children under 14
• 18 - Suitable for people aged 18 and over

[edit] Subcategories

• 18/S - Suitable for people aged 18 and over with sexually explicit content. This indication signifies that the film essentially contains scenes of real and explicit sexual activity. Replaces the old X rating.
• 18/V - Suitable for people aged 18 and over with extreme violence

[edit] China

Mainland China has not enacted a motion picture rating system even though it has been suggested. The Chinese censorship of motion pictures is to cut certain contents so the remaining parts are suitable for all ages.

See also separate rating systems in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

[edit] Colombia

As of June 22, 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system. The classifications are:

• T: for general audiences. The T means "Todos," meaning "all."
• 7: for movies suitable for people aged 7 and above.
• 12: for movies suitable for people aged 12 and above.
• 14: for movies suitable for people aged 14 and above.
• 18: for movies suitable for people aged 18 and above.
• X: for pornography.

[edit] Czech Republic

• U - Suitable for all audiences
• 12 - Suitable for viewers over 12
• 14 - Suitable for viewers over 14
• 18 - Suitable for viewers over 18

[edit] Denmark

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

• A Approval of the film for general admittance.

• 7 Approval of the film for general admittance, but not recommended for children under the age of 7.

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

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

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 harmfullness of the film.

[edit] Finland

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

• S, K-3 - for everyone
• K-7 - for people aged 7 years and above
• K-11 - for people aged 11 years and above
• K-13 - for people aged 13 years and above (since 1.1.2007[6]).
• K-15 - for people aged 15 years and above
• K-18 - for people aged 18 years and above
• KK - Banned due to criminal content such as child pornography or authentic violence as entertainment.

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.

[edit] France

Prior to showing in theaters, a license must be obtained from the Ministry of Culture. 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:

• U valid for all audiences;
• -12 unsuitable for minors under 12 or forbidden in cinemas for under 12s;
• -16 unsuitable for minors under 16 or forbidden in cinemas for under 16s;
• -18 unsuitable for minors under 18 or forbidden in cinemas for under 18s.

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 only be shown in specific theaters, 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). A highly publicized example of this is the movie Baise-moi, containing scenes of graphic sex and violence; it was initially not rated "pornographic or inciting to violence", but associations sued and obtained the "X classification".

Related link: movie classifications (in French)

[edit] Germany

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

• FSK 0: for all ages
• FSK 6: no one under 6 years admitted
• FSK 12: people 12 or older admitted, children between 6 and 11 only when accompanied by parent or legal guardian
• FSK 16: people 16 or older admitted
• Keine Jugendfreigabe: "no youth admitted", only adults. May also be seen as FSK 18
• SPIO/JK: checked for possible violation against applicable law. Not rated by the FSK. It is illegal to sell such a title to anyone who is less than 18 years old.

The 2002 revision of the German Youth Protection Act requires that any media to be made available to the wider public carry an FSK certificate. If the FSK refuses classification of a film, or a film is not submitted to FSK for verification, the film may not be distributed without a certificate from the Spitzenorganisation der Filmwirtschaft e. V. (SPIO) to ensure that it does not violate applicable law.

This gives rise to a number of possibilities, depending on how the SPIO reacts to the media:

• If the SPIO does not consider the film to be a violation of applicable law, and does not constitute a danger to minors, the film may be distributed as per normal, albeit with restrictions as with films marked FSK 18 and Keine Jugendfreigabe. This is an extremely rare situation, as refusal of an FSK certificate usually indicates that the film is considered a danger to minors, except it is clearly it is not a danger to minors. Instruction films can be market with a special FSK 0 certification without FSK approval. The uncut version of Virtuosity is one of the few examples of this situation, where the FSK refused to give an FSK certificate.
• If the film is found not to be in violation of applicable law, but considered a danger to minors, then the SPIO will submit their certificate for the film, and place it on the Index. Listing on the index makes it a felony to advertise, import, export or offer the film by mail order. Enforcement of this law is enacted according to the intentions of the original law - to prevent minors from ever learning of the existence of the film. Distribution is, however, still permitted when the film is requested by name, known as "unter der Theke" (under the shop counter). Indexing is valid for a period of 25 years, after which the SPIO must reapply to place the film on the index. Notable examples of films under this category include Predator, Total Recall and RoboCop.
• If the SPIO considers the film to be in violation of German federal law, they too will refuse certification of the film and the film will be confiscated, effectively banning it. Which does not mean that it can't be bought outside of Germany and brought into Germany. The Police is allowed to confiscate such banned titles but the owner can't be sued for owning such titles. The owner can only be sued if he owns Child pornography which is altogether illegal to trade or to own.
• A single title has to be approved by the FSK for a cinematic release as well as for an home entertainment release if the publisher do not want to release the title as unrated. Some titles therefore have different FSK certificates for the cinematic release and for the DVD release. House of 1000 Corpses is one rare example were the cinematic release gained a Keine Jugendfreigabe certificate at which the FSK refused to give a certificate for the home entertainment release and the title was released on DVD with an SPIO/JK certificate. Dawn_of_the_dead is another example were the cinematric release gained a FSK 18, after the film was cut. The FSK refused to give a certificate for the home entertainment release. Every home entertainment release of Dawn of the Dead was banned in Germany. The german publisher decided to heavly cut the movie for an FSK 16 certificate, which the FSK then gained. The intention was simply to make the film available at all costs, even if this meant to cripple the whole film. In this case there was no financial intention because the costs to gain a FSK 16 certificate and actually make this film legaly available, were to high to gain any revenue with this release.
• Some publishing companies give older titles to the FSK for a new FSK certificate. Older films which have gained a FSK 18 certificate during the '50s or '60s often gain a much lower certificate now, because the FSK now sees the content under a different point of view than in the past. It is also common practice to use the old certificate for the cinematic release and a new certificate for the director's cut or similar new release which contains a changed version. The reason is in financial nature. The 4 Disc Collector's Edition of The Frighteners, for example, contains the cinematic release with the old FSK 18 certificate and the directors cut, which has new scenes but the same graphic violence as the cinematic release, which has gained a FSK 16 certificate. The publishing company didn't want to invest the approval for the already released cinematic release because the charge for an FSK approval is at least 2000,-€ per title.

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 can only be accessed 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 a ID checking service offered by the German postal service.

[edit] Greece

• K - Suitable film for everyone, including children. The film does not contain violence, drugs or porn.
• K-13 - Suitable film for viewers over the age of 13. The film may contain a little violence and dramatic situations.
• K-17 - Suitable film for viewers over the age of 17. The film may contain violence, drugs and a little porn. An ID card certifying the age is required in all Greek cinemas and DVD rental shops in order to get a cinema ticket or rent a DVD of a "K-17" rated film.

[edit] 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. They are:

• I — suitable for all ages
• IIA — some content is unsuitable for children; parental guidance suggested
• IIB — some content is unsuitable for children and young persons; parental guidance suggested
• III — for persons aged 18 and above only

[edit] Iceland

Kvikmyndaeftirlit Ríkisins was started in 1932 and was running until 1997. That year the name changed into Kvikmyndaskoðun and run 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 following:

• L: Suitable for all
• LH: Not suitable for very young viewers (video only)
• 10: Passed only for persons 10 and over (theatrical only)
• 12: Passed only for persons 12 and over
• 14: Passed only for persons 14 and over (theatrical only)
• 16: Passed only for persons 16 and over
• AB: Banned (1932 - 1997)

From July 1st 2006 Kvikmyndaskoðun was shut down and SmáÍs[7] has taken over the responsibility of rating systems in Iceland. Simultaneously, a new rating system started and is as following:

• L: Suitable for all
• 7: Passed only for persons 7 and over
• 12: Passed only for persons 12 and over
• 16: Passed only for persons 16 and over
• 18: Passed only for persons 18 and over

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

[edit] India

Main article: Indian film censor ratings

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

• U — Universal: Suitable for all ages
• U/A — Universal with adult/parent guidance. Some material may be unsuitable for those under 12.
• A — Adult: Can be viewed only by those above 18

[edit] Indonesia

Motion pictures shown in Indonesia must undergo reviewing by the Indonesian Film Censor Board (Lembaga Sensor Film). (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:

• SU - 'Semua Umur' - All/General
• A - 'Anak-anak' - Children
• BO - 'Bimbingan Orangtua' - Parental Guidance
• R - 'Remaja' - Teen
• D - 'Dewasa' - Mature

[edit] Ireland

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

• G - 'General' - Suitable for viewing by anyone.
• PG - 'Parental Guidance' - Parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.
• 12A - 'Parent supervision required for children under 12' - A person over 18 years of age must accompany a child under the age of 12 when seeing a film theatrically. This is very similar to the 12A certificate that the BBFC introduced in August 2002.
• 15A - 'Parent supervision required for children under 15' - A much stronger warning that, although the film may be unsuitable for a child under the age of 15 watching alone, a child with an adult may be admitted to the film's screening.
• 16 - Films classified in this category are considered to be suitable for persons of sixteen or over. Children under this age cannot be admitted to screenings. Violent content and depiction of violence may be stronger than in films designated 15A.
• 18 - 'Adults only' - The film is suitable only for adults. A person under this age will not be admitted. 9 Songs in October 2004 became the first film featuring explict sex scenes to receive a certificate.

Films without certification are not ipso facto banned and have been shown at film festivals and arfenhouse clubs such as the Irish Film Institute.

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.

[edit] Japan

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

• G: General Audiences, all ages admitted. Applied to The Castle of Cagliostro in 2000 and Plot of the Fuma Clan in 2003, both Lupin III movies or OVAs themselves.
• PG-12: Some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 12. Parental or adult accompaniment recommended. This has been applied to the majority of Lupin III movies.
• R-15: No one under 15 admitted. The film contains adult themes, nudity, strong language, violence, and/or sex, etc. which is inappropriate for people under 15. Applied to all movies in the Dollars Trilogy by Sergio Leone. Also applied to both Battle Royale films.
• R-18: No one under 18 admitted. The film contains adult themes, detailed violence, explicit sex, sexual violence, pornographic content, hentai, and/or drug use, etc. which are unsuitable for people under 18.

[edit] Malaysia

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Information (Kementerian Penerangan Malaysia)[8] ruled out movie ratings since it was introduced on 1995 either for all persons or for persons above 18. The rating system specifies movies restricted for persons below 18. However, in movies with excessive scenes, the excessive scenes will be cut off the film, or the motion picture itself (eg. Daredevil) will be banned in Malaysia.

• U (Umum) (General in Malay Language) - General viewing for all ages.
• 18SG (Seram/Ganas) - Movies for persons above 18 with non-excessive violent/horrifying scenes.
• 18SX (Seks) - Movies for persons above 18 with non-excessive sex scenes or drug use.
• 18PA (Politik/Agama/Budaya) - Movies for persons above 18 with religious/political/counter-culture/mature thematic elements.
• 18PL (Pelbagai) - Movies for persons above 18 with the combination of two or more elements (18SG, 18SX or 18PA).

Recently, posters for some U-rated films have included a notice clause which says:

"PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED. Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13."

which works as an equivalent for PG-13 and similar ratings in other countries. It is an indication that the classifications will eventually be revamped.

[edit] Malta

In Malta, the KRS issues all ratings for motion pictures. The renting and selling of videos and DVDs is unrestricted.

• U (Universal) Suitable for all.
• PG (Parental Guidance) Some material may not be suitable for young children. This is similar to its American counterpart.
• 12 Suitable for people 12 years and over.
• 16 Suitable only for people 16 years and over.
• 18 Suitable only for adults.

[edit] Mexico

The General Directorate of Radio, Television and Cinematography (in Spanish, Dirección General de Radio, Televisión y Cinematografía, or RTC[9]) 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. The RTC is a dependency of the Department of State (Secretaría de Gobernación[10]. It has its own classification system, as follows:

• AA Informative-only rating: Specially suited for the interests of children under 7. No (or minimum) violence, no drug nor sexual content (may include affective and friendly scenes) under this rating. (e.g., cartoons).
• A Informative-only rating: General Audience. Suited for all audience, but not in the special interest of children under 7. Minimum or no violence, sexual or drug use content. Suited for children under 12.
• B Informative-only rating: For teenagers 12 or over. Parental guidance suggested. Minimum and specifically motivated non extreme violence, may contain suggestive sexual conducts, but non-explicit content. Nudity might be present, but not in an erotic or degrading way. Drug use is present, but not during consumption. And drugs are treated with negative consequences. Dirty language might be present, but not extreme verbal violence.
• B-15 Informative-only rating: For teenagers 15 or over. More explicit content than B rating, but no extreme violence, explict sexual and drug conducts, and non extreme verbal violence. Drug use must not be propitiated.
• C Restrictive rating: For adults over 18. High degree of violence (including cruelty), explict sex, drug use and addictive content. Language is needed for the narrative purposes.
• D Restrictive rating: Adult-only movies. Commonly known as X-rated. Most or unique content is: explict sex, profanity or high degree of violence.

[edit] The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Kijkwijzer system [11] is used.

Unrestricted:

• AL Suitable for all ages.
• 6 Not recommended for viewers younger than 6 years. Replaced the older MG6, where parental guidance was recommended for viewers younger than 6 years.
• 9 Special rating, first used for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Not recommended for viewers younger than 9 years, because of very frightening elements.
• 12 Not recommended for viewers younger than 12 years; broadcasting is not allowed before 20:00.

Restricted:

• 16 Not suitable for people younger than 16 years; hence, according to Wetboek van Strafrecht art. 240A, it is forbidden to admit such a person to a screening, or rent out, sell, or give the movie (DVD, video, computer file, etc.) to such a person; broadcasting is not allowed before 22:00.

Mostly, these icons are used along with other symbols, displaying if a movie contains violence, sexual content, frightening scenes, discriminating language, drug use, or coarse language.

[edit] New Zealand

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. 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:

• G Suitable for all.
• PG Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers.
• M Mature; Suitable for people 16 years or older. Parental decision whether to let children watch a particular film

Restricted films:

• R13 Restricted to under 13.
• R15 Restricted to under 15.
• R16 Restricted to under 16. Different than the M.
• R18 Restricted to under 18.
• R A special restriction (details of the restriction noted to the right of the label). Equivalent to the old 'RP' classification.

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.

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

[edit] Norway

In Norway all movies have to be approved by Medietilsynet (The Norwegian Media Authority) (formerly Filmtilsynet), a government agency, to be exhibited commercially.

Movies are rated using the following classifications:

• A (all ages)
• 7
• 11
• 15

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. By January 2007 the "Mediatilsynet" removed the 18+ age limit from the Film- and Videogram law, resulting in a lower age limit as age 15 [12].

Movie ratings database: http://www.filmtilsynet.no/Filmdatabase

[edit] Peru

• PT
• PG
• 14
• 18

[edit] Philippines

• G(P) - General patronage
• PG-13 - Parental guidance for children under 13
• R-13 - Restricted to persons under 13
• R-18 - Restricted to persons under 18
• X - Not for public viewing

[edit] Portugal

Movies are rated in Portugal by the Comissão de Classificação de Espectáculos of the Ministry of Culture. This organization also rates Theater, other types of shows like circus, music concerts, Opera and Dance shows. It is also responsible for the rating of Video Releases.

Movies are rated using the following classifications:

• M/4 For persons of age 4 and above. Content with this rating should be of short duration and easy to understand and it should not provoke fear and/or collide with the sense of fantasy of this age.
• M/6 For persons of age 6 and above.
• M/12 For persons of age 12 and above. This rating is for content that due to its length and complexity, can provoke in younger viewers fatigue and psychiatric trauma. Younger viewers must be accompanied by an adult.
• M/16 For persons of age 16 and above. This rating is for content that explores, in excessive terms, aspects of sexuality, physical and psychic violence. Younger viewers must be accompanied by an adult.
• M/18 For persons of age 18 and above. This rating is for content of pornographic nature and/or that explores pathological forms of physical and psychic violence. Younger viewers must be accompanied by an adult, although if they are too young, the person responsible for admission into movie theaters can deny entrance.

[edit] Special classifications

These classifications can be added to the previous ones:

• Pornographic (M/18-P) Generic characteristics: content is considered pornographic if it contains: a) exploitation of situations to try to arouse the spectator; b) low aesthetic quality. Specific characteristics: the first level (hardcore: content that presents a very thorough demonstration of real sexual acts being perpetrated, with the exhibition of genitalia); the second level (softcore: content that presents a very insistent and thorough demonstration of simulated sexual acts).
• Quality (M/4-Q, M/6-Q, M/12-Q, M/16-Q, M/18-Q) Content that, due to its artistic, thematic, educational and technical aspects deserve this attribute.

[edit] Romania

Romanian CNC rating system.

• A.G. Audienta generala. (General audience.)
• I.C.-14 Interzis copiilor sub 14 ani. (Not for children under 14 years of age.)
• I.M.-18 Interzis minorilor sub 18 ani. (Not for minors under 18 years of age.)
• XXX interzis proiectiei cu public. (Not for the public to see) Pornography only.

[edit] Poland

• Rating for movies shown in cinemas:
  • BO (Bez ograniczeń) - Suitable for everyone
  • 12 - Suitable for 12 years and over
  • 15 - Suitable for 15 years and over
  • 18 - Only for adults
  • 21 - Suitable for 21 years and over (this rating is rarely used - only if movie contains extreme graphic violence or sexual content)
• Ratings for programmes and movies shown in television:
  • Green circle - for everyone
  • Yellow triangle - age intimate in triangle (7,12,16)
  • Red circle - for adults (18 years)

[edit] Singapore

Before 29 March 2004, these were the film ratings for all movies.

• G General
• PG Parental Guidance
• NC16 No Children under 16 years old admitted (Note: The NC-16 rating was issued with the release of Saving Private Ryan, which couldn't be passed as a PG film due to the violence present in the film, but lacked an adult theme to be rated R(A))
• R(A) Restricted (Artistic), restricted to persons 21 years and above.

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

• G General
• PG Parental Guidance
• NC16 No children under 16 admitted - For persons 16 years and above ONLY
• M18 Mature 18, for persons 18 years and above
• R21 Restricted 21, for persons 21 years and above

A new rating was added on August 19, 2006:

• R18 Restricted 18, for persons 18 years and above (Note: only for cabaret shows to date, such as the Crazy Horse)

G and PG generally has no restrictions on age and most audiences are admitted. Regulation on the presence of adults for PG rated shows are advised but not strictly enforced.

NC16, M18, R18 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.

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

[edit] South Africa

South African ratings are issued, certified and regulated by the Film and Publication Board. All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following:

[edit] Ratings

• A - This is a program that does not contain any obscenity, and is suitable for family viewing.

• PG - Children under the age of 12 may watch this film, but must be accompanied by an adult. This program contains an adult related theme, which might include very mild language, violence and sexual innuendo.

• 10 - This rating is rarely used - but there have been instances where the Board needed a gap rating between PG and 13.

• 12 - Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from watching this film. This program contains mild language, violence and sexual innuendo.

• 13 - Children under the age of 13 are prohibited from watching this film. This program contains mild language, violence and sexual innuendo.

• 16 - Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from watching this film. It contains moderate violence, language, and some sexual situations.

• 18 - Children under the age of 18 are prohibited from watching this film. It contains extreme violence, language and/or graphic sexual content.

(The 18 rating does not refer to pornography - as this is banned on television and cinema by the Film and Publication Board)

• R18 - this is reserved for films of an extreme sexual nature (pornography). R18 films may only be distributed in the form of video/DVD and in a controlled environment (eg. Adult Shops). No public viewing of this film may take place. R18 films may not be broadcast on television or in cinemas.

(The R18 rating does not refer to child or animal pornography - as this is totally banned and illegal in South Africa)

[edit] Additional Symbols

• V (Violence)
• N (Nudity)
• S (Sex)
• L (Language)
• P (Prejudice)

[edit] Additional Notes

• Films rated 16 and 18 may only be shown 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 Distributer 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.

[edit] South Korea

• All - Suitable for all audiences
• 12 - Suitable for audiences 12 and over
• 15 - Suitable for audiences 15 and over
• 18 - Suitable for audiences 18 and over
• Limited - No one admitted under 19 years of age (including high school students); exhibition restricted to 'Limited Theaters' only. Advertisements on TV and in newspapers, plus video, VCD or DVD releases and broadcasts are prohibited. This classification was introduced in 2002.

[edit] 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. 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 trough, is rated and not prohibited, it can't 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 also illegal to rent or sell videos depicting realistic violence to children below the age of 14.

The following categories are used by the SBB:

• Btl Barntillåten (Children allowed) Suitable for all ages (Unusual example: Borat was given this rating in Sweden while the US gave it an R)

• 7 years 7 År is deemed non-harming for children of at least 7 years of age. Younger children are not admitted unless accompanied by an adult 18 or older, may include drug use.

• 11 years 11 År is deemed non-harming for children of at least 11 years of age. Children of at least 7 years of age are admitted if accompanied by an adult 18 or older, may include mild drug use, mild depiction of sexual activity.

• 15 years 15 År states that no one under 15 years of age is admitted, may include strong drug use, depiction of strong sexual activity. This also includes pornography, however not shown at ordinary cinemas. There are common unofficial ratings used by television channels, rental shops and adult cinemas to hinder persons below the age of 18 years to be exposed to pornography, such as Barnförbjuden ("prohibited for minors"), 18 År ("18 years") and Vuxenfilm ("movies for adults").

• Prohibited Förbjuden If considered to be brutalising, films can be banned from public display, may include scenes of prolonged or intrusive graphic violence, or sexual violence and constraint (examples: Hard Boiled, Man Bites Dog, The Castings). There is a possible gap between what the boards puts its prohibited stamp on and what's considered illegal due to its content, making some prohibited films possible to obtain or to be seen by members of closed societies at cinemas.

[edit] Switzerland

• 0 - Universal. Suitable for all
• 7 - No one under the age of 7 admitted
• 12 - No one under the age of 12 admitted
• 16 - No one under the age of 16 admitted
• 18 - No one under the age of 18 admitted

Switzerland is composed of 26 cantons, each with their own ratings. The entries above are for the cantons of Vaud and Geneva.

[edit] Taiwan

The Government Information Office of the Republic of China administering Taiwan 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):

• General audiences category, abbreviated as "G" (普遍級(普)) - General audiences may all view.
• Protected category, "P" (保護級(護)) - Children under 6 years old must not view. Children aged at least 6 but less than 12 require guidance of accompanying parents, teachers, or adult relatives to view.
• Parental guidance category, "PG" (輔導級(輔)) - Children under 12 years old must not view. People aged at least 12 but less than 18 require attentive guidance of parents or teachers to view.
• Restricted category, "R" (限制級(限)) - People under 18 years old must not view.

Film advertisements use a single Chinese character surrounded by a square to show the film's category. The English abbreviations used here are for information only, as they are not used in Taiwan.

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

[edit] United Kingdom

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. 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:

• Uc (Universal : Children) Suitable for all. Videos classified 'Uc' are particularly suitable for pre-school children. (Video only)
• U (Universal) Suitable for all. (The board state that while they cannot predict what might upset a particular child, a 'U' film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 and over)
• PG (Parental Guidance) General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. (It is the board's policy that movies rated 'PG' should not distribute a child of about 8 years of age or older; however, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset young or more sensitive children)
• 12A (12 Accompanied/Advisory) Suitable for 12 years and over. No one younger than 12 may see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. (Exclusively for cinema, '12A' was first implemented on The Bourne Identity and not, contrary to popular belief, on Spider-Man, which was first released months before, under the previously fully restrictive 12 certificate, and then immediately re-released to take advantage of the new guidelines)
• 12 Suitable for 12 years and over. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a '12' rated video. (Until 31 August 2002, this mandatory certificate used to apply to cinema exhibitions as well)
• 15 Suitable only for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video.
• 18 Suitable only for adults. No one younger than 18 may see an '18' film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an '18' rated video.
• R18 (Restricted 18) To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years. (These films contain sexually explict, pornographic content.)

In movies with excessive scenes, the excessive scenes will be cut off the film, or the film itself (eg. Love Camp 7) will be banned in the UK.

Note: Videos deemed by their distributors to be exempt under the Video Recordings Act 1984 (typically specialist content such as sporting highlights, fitness videos, nature films, etc.) may bear the mark E (for exempt), though this is not a rating and the BBFC does not maintain a symbol. BBFC also rates video games but that's usually done by PEGI. PEGIhas replaced ELSPA in the UK, but you can still see the old ELSPA rating on most old PC games and PlayStation 1 boxes.

[edit] United States

Main article: MPAA 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 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. 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.

In the United States, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), through the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) issues ratings for movies. The system was instituted in 1968 and is voluntary; however, most movie theater chains will not show unrated domestic films.

The ratings as they exist in 2007 are:

Unrestricted:

• G - General Audiences - All ages admitted. Mild Language is set to schoolyard words such as "heck, dumb, stupid, ect"
• PG - Parental Guidance Suggested - Some material may not be suitable for children under 7. These films contain some mild language, humor, sex and/or violence. There is no drug content in these movies. No drug content is present. Words such as "dick, shit, ass, bitch, or 1 time of use the word "fuck" (in pre-1984 films).
• PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. These films contain moderate sexuality, language, humor, and/or violence. This is the minimum rating drug content is present. Marijuana is the mildest use for this rating. Language can not be told do to strong content.

Restricted:

• R - Restricted - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian 21 years or older with photo I.D. These films contain, strong adult language, strong sexuality, nudity, strong violence, and/or gore, and drug use.
• NC-17 - No One 17 And Under Admitted (18 and older ONLY) Films contain excessive graphic violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug abuse, strong adult language, or any other elements which, when present, most parents would consider too strong and therefore off-limits for viewing by their children.

(NC-17 Does not necessarily mean obscene or pornographic; in the oft-accepted or legal meaning of those words. The Board does not and cannot mark films with those words. These are legal terms for courts to decide)

Others:

• NR or Not Rated - Not an MPAA rating. Used for independent or foreign films that are in limited release and have not been submitted to the MPAA for a rating classification. Also used by a film that is soon to be released and has trailers out for promotional purposes, but has not yet received a final rating. Advertisements for films with a pending rating contain the notice "This film is not yet rated". Most films released before 1968 carry this policy.

• X - The precursor to the current NC-17 rating that unlike the other ratings was not trademarked. Because it was not trademarked it became so widely used by the US pornography industry that the MPAA replaced it with the NC-17 rating in 1990.

For history and more details, see MPAA film rating system.

Most films will have the MPAA insignia at the end of the closing credits. Earlier films that had full opening credits such as The Poseidon Adventure would bear the insignia in the opening.

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

[edit] Sources

1. ^ [1] - Alberta Film Ratings categories.
2. ^ [2] - British Columbia Film Classification categories.
3. ^ [3] - Manitoba Film Classification Board ratings.
4. ^ [4] - Maritime Film Classification Board ratings.
5. ^ [5] - Ontario Film Review Board ratings.

[edit] See also

• Disseminating pornography to a minor

[edit] External links

• List of certificates recorded in the IMDb database. Note that while extensive, this list is not exhaustive, and that it mixes current and old rating systems and does not specify which is which, thus making it difficult to use.
• 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.
• Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification
• Denmark Medierådet for Børn og Unge (The Media Council for Children and Young People).
• Finland Valtion Elokuvatarkastamo.
• France Centre Nationale de la Cinematographie.
• Germany Spitzenorganisation der Filmwirtschaft e. V. (SPIO)
• Iceland Smáís.
• Iceland Kvikmyndaskoðun
• Irish Film Censor's Office.
• Japan Administration Commission of Motion Picture Code of Ethics.
• USA Motion Picture Association of America.
• Netherlands Kijkwijzer (and Nicam).
• New Zealand Office of Film & Literature Classification.
• Norway Media Authority.
• Singapore Media Development Authority.
• Sweden Statens Biografbyra (SBB).
• South African Film and Publications Board.
• Britain British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).