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2021: July-Sept

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Offsite Article: 18-rated anime on the rise...


Link Here30th September 2021
The BBFC gets more censorious about sexy anime

See article from highimpactclassification.wordpress.com

 

 

Oliver! Asking for more re-ratings...

Another batch of previously wrong ratings corrected by the BBFC


Link Here17th September 2021
Oliver! is a 1968 UK children's drama by Carol Reed
Starring Mark Lester, Ron Moody and Shani Wallis BBFC link 2020 IMDb
The long running BBFC U rating has been changed to PG.

It also seems that BBFC database errors mean that the BBFC is no longer supplying consumer advice for several titles including this one.

The Giant Claw is a 1957 US Sci-Fi horror thriller by Fred F. Sears
Starring Jeff Morrow, Mara Corday and Morris Ankrum BBFC link 2020 IMDb
The film was X rated in 1957, U rated in 1996 and PG rated in 2021.

Sense And Sensibility is a 1995 US/UK romance by Ang Lee
Starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and James Fleet BBFC link 2020 IMDb

The film has just been uprated from U to PG.

 

 

Malcolm X...

Another bizarre BBFC rating from the Netflix Random Rating Generator


Link Here5th September 2021
Malcolm X is a 1992 US/Japan historical biography by Spike Lee
Starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett and Delroy Lindo BBFC link 2020  IMDb
There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the BBFC thinks the film is 15 rated whilst Netflix bizarrely think it's an 18.

In the US the film is rated PG-13 for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language

Summary Notes

Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam.

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 201:41s
pal: 193:37s
18

15 1980

MPAA PG-13

UK: Passed 18 uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for violence, discrimination theme:
  • 2021 Netflix video
UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong violence, language and drug use:
  • 2012 Warner Home Video Ltd video
UK: Passed 15 uncut:
  • 2001 Pathe Distribution Ltd video
  • 1993 Guild Home VHS
  • 1993 cinema release

US: Uncut and MPAA PG-13 rated for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language

 

 

The Guns of Navarone, another American intelligence failure...

Sunday afternoon TV staple uprated to a BBFC 15 rating, albeit generated by the Netflix random rating generator


Link Here 1st September 2021
The Guns Of Navarone is a 1961 UK/US action adventure drama by J. Lee Thompson
Starring David Niven, Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn BBFC link 2020 IMDb

Passed U after BBFC cuts for 1961 cinema release. The same cuts persisted in 1986 and 1990 on PG rated VHS but have been waived since a 1994 restoration. Netflix uprated the rating to 15 in 2021.

Summary Notes

A team of allied saboteurs are assigned an impossible mission: infiltrate an impregnable Nazi-held island and destroy the two enormous long-range field guns that prevent the rescue of 2,000 ...

Versions

uncut
uncut
run: 156:24s
pal: 150:09s
15

PG cert

 

UK: Passed 15 uncut for violence:
  • 2021 Netflix video

UK: A restored version with the original use of the word 'bloody' was passed PG uncut:

BBFC cut
cut
cut:  
run: 156:00s
pal: 149:46s
sub: 157:45s
PG cert

old cert U

UK: The cut cinema version was passed PG without further BBFC cuts for:
  • 1990 VCI VHS
  • 1986 RCA Columbia VHS
UK: Passed U after BBFC cuts for:
  • 1961 cinema release

From IMDB:

  • Barnsby's uses of the word 'bloody' overdubbed with 'ruddy

But this is not the only example amongst the latest ratings.

Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay is a 2008 US comedy adventure by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
Starring John Cho, Kal Penn and Neil Patrick Harris BBFC link 2020 IMDb
There are no UK censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the BBFC rated the film 18, whilst Netflix opted for 15.

Summary Notes

After being mistaken for terrorists and thrown into Guantánamo Bay, stoners Harold and Kumar escape and return to the U.S., where they proceed to flee across the country with federal agents ...

Versions

BBFC uncut

mpaa cut
cut 

cut:  
run: 100:22s
pal: 96:21s
15

18

MPAA R

UK: The Theatrical Version was passed 15 uncut for crude humour, language, sexual images, drug misuse:
  • 2021 Netflix video

UK: The Theatrical Version was passed 18 for strong sex references, nudity and drug use without BBFC cuts:

  • 2008 Entertainment in Video video
  • 2008 cinema release

US: The Theatrical Version was rated R for strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language and drug use

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run is a 2020 South Korea / USA children's cartoon comedy by Tim Hill.
Starring Keanu Reeves and Awkwafina and Clancy Brown. BBFC link 2020 IMDb

There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noticing that the film was rated PG by the BBFC but U by Netflix

Summary Notes

Set before the events of the television series, SpongeBob goes on a trip to Kamp Koral and meets some new friends. However, when his pet snail Gary gets kidnapped by Poseidon and taken to the Lost City of Atlantic City, he and his new best friend Patrick must go on a rescue mission to save him from the dastardly plan of Poseidon before it is too late. The movie will also reveal the first time our beloved characters (as kids) met at Camp...a magical moment that brings meaning to the power of true friendship.

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 92m
pal: 88m
PGUK: Passed PG uncut for mild bad language, scary scenes:
  • 2021 Paramount Pictures International Limited video

BBFC uncut
run: 92:00s
pal: 88:19s
UUK: Passed U uncut for rude humour, language, threat, dangerous behaviour, bullying, violence:
  • 2020 Netflix video

 

 

Early Spring and Funeral Parade of Roses...

More bouncy ratings from the BBFC for a 1956 Japanese drama and a worthy trans drama


Link Here27th August 2021
Early Spring is a 1956 Japan drama by Yasujirô Ozu
Starring Chikage Awashima, Ryô Ikebe and Teiji Takahashi BBFC link 2020 IMDb

A young man and his wife struggle within the confines of their passionless relationship while he has an extramarital romance.

There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the BBFC rating has just been raised from U to PG. What were 'very mild' sex references in 2012 are now 'mild' sex references in 2021.

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 145m
pal: 139m
PGUK: Passed PG uncut for mild bad language, sex references:
  • 2021 cinema release

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 144:39s
pal: 138:52s
U 1980UK: Passed U uncut for very mild references to infidelity:
  • 2012 BFI video

 

Funeral Parade Of Roses is a 1969 Japan trans drama by Toshio Matsumoto.
Starring Pîtâ and Osamu Ogasawara and Yoshimi Jô. BBFC link 2020 IMDb

While dealing drugs on the side, Gonda operates the Genet, a gay bar in Tokyo where he has hired a stable of transvestites to service the customers. The madame or lead "girl" of the bar is Leda, an older, old fashioned geisha-styled transvestite with who Gonda lives and is in a relationship. Arguably, the most popular of the girls working at the bar now is Eddie, a younger, modern transvestite. Like Leda, Eddie lives openly as a woman. Eddie's troubled life includes her father having deserted the family when she was a child, and having had a difficult relationship with her mother following, she who mocked Eddie's ability to be the man the of the family. Gonda enters into a sexual relationship with Eddie, who he promises to make madame of the bar, replacing Leda in both facets of his life, with Eddie having threatened to quit otherwise.

There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noting that a 2006 18 rated has just been downrated to 15.
 

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 105m
pal: 101m
15UK: Passed 15 uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for strong injury detail, suicide, violence, sex references, drug misuse:
  • 2021 cinema release

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 104:13s
pal: 100:03s
18 1980UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong violence and sex and drug references:
  • 2006 Eureka Entertainment Ltd video

 

Exploits At West Poley is a 1985 UK TV drama by Diarmuid Lawrence
Starring Brenda Fricker, Charlie Condou and Jonathan Adams BBFC link 2020 IMDb

In the late 1800s, two boys decide to divert an underground river and this causes problems for everyone in two villages, who demand the water for themselves.

There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the BBFC rating has just been raised from a 1986 U to a 2021 PG.

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 51m
pal: 49m
PGUK: Passed PG uncut for mild violence, threat, injury detail:
  • 2021 BFI video

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 63:15s
pal: 60:43s
U 1980UK: Passed U uncut:
  • 1986 cinema release

 

 

Offsite Article: BBFC podcast on the new movie, Censor...


Link Here18th August 2021
The BBFC's latest Podcast on the new film Censor is little rambling and giggly but is interesting as it covers video nasties and reminisces about James Ferman era film censorship.

See article from bbfc.co.uk

 

 

Now Voyager...

Classic Bette Davis film with a BBFC rating that is up and down like a whore's draws


Link Here5th August 2021
Now Voyager is a 1942 US romance by Irving Rapper
Starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains BBFC link 2020 IMDb
There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the film was rated PG until 1986, but was downrated to U in 2008, and was restored to PG in 2021.

Summary Notes

A frumpy spinster blossoms under therapy and becomes an elegant, independent woman.

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 117:13s
pal: 112:32s
PG

U 1980

PG 1980

A pre 1970

UK: Passed PG uncut for mild sex references:
  • 2021 cinema release titled Now, Voyager
UK: Passed U uncut for very mild sex references:
  • 2008 cinema release titled Now, Voyager
UK: Passed PG uncut for mild sex references:
  • 1986 Warner Home Video Ltd VHS
UK: Passed A (PG) uncut:
  • 1942 cinema release

 

 

A hung jury...

The BBFC 15 rated The Suicide Squad stirs a little press interest with some viewers suggesting an 18 rating would be preferable


Link Here3rd August 2021
The Suicide Squad is a 2021 USA action comedy adventure by james gunn...
Starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena BBFC link 2020  IMDb

Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

There are no cuts issues with this film.

In Ireland IFCO rated the film 16 for strong violence and bloody action. It was also 16 rated in New Zealand and Germany.

In the US it was rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity.

In Australia the film was originally rated R18+ by the censor board, but this was reduced to MA15+ on appeal to the review board. The appeal was paid for by the distributor.

In the UK the film was passed 15 uncut for strong bloody violence, gore, language, brief drug misuse. The BBFC described the violence in the film:

Frequent scenes of violence include shootings, stabbings, slashings, decapitations, limbs being cut off, people being crushed, melted, torn apart and exploding. Much of the violence has a darkly comic tone, and results in bloody detail and gory images.

The decision generated a little press coverage for viewers suggesting that they thought the film should be 18 rated. In response to The Independent's request for comment, the BBFC said:

Whilst comparatively more violent than the last film, the violence is mitigated by the film's humour and the action-packed fantasy context. The violence and gore were sufficiently mitigated due to the focus on action within a comic, fantastic, superhero context. At 15, our Classification Guidelines state that 'violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.

 

 

Little Crumb...

Crummy little BBFC cuts for a PG rated VoD release


Link Here30th July 2021
Little Crumb is a 2020 Netherlands children's film by Diede in 't Veld
Starring Viggo Neijs, Sabijn Dunnewijk and Victor Löw BBFC link 2020 IMDb

BBFC censor cuts were required for a PG Rated VoD release in 2021

Summary Notes

Reunited with his parents, Little Crumb is having trouble getting used to his new luxurious lifestyle. When he is abducted by an old enemy, he has to use the best of his new and his old life to escape and save his parents.

Versions

BBFC cut
advised category cuts
cut:  
run: 78m
pal: 75m
PGUK: Passed PG  for mild threat, violence after BBFC advised category cuts:
  • 2021 Kaleidoscope VoD

The BBFC commented:

Cuts for publication: The distributor chose to remove a use of moderate bad language in order to receive a PG classification. A 12 uncut was available to the distributor.

 

 

DeathTrap...

The latest long time PG rating to be uprated to 12


Link Here30th July 2021
Deathtrap is a 1982 US crime comedy mystery by Sidney Lumet
Starring Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon BBFC link 2020 IMDb

A Broadway playwright puts murder in his plan to take credit for a student's play

Deathtrap was originally rated 'A' for cinema release in 1982, then PG rated fro 1986 VHS. But now Deathtrap is the latest in a long line of films that have been uprated to 12. It seems that 12 has become the new PG.

Versions

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 116m
pal: 111m
12UK: Passed 12 uncut for moderate violence, threat, sex references, sexual violence references:
  • 2021 Warner Bros Entertainment UK Ltd video

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 115:51s
pal: 111:13s
PG 1980UK: Passed PG uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for moderate violence, infrequent discriminatory language, sex references:
  • 1986 Warner Home Video Ltd VHS
BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 115:46s
pal: 111:08s
A 1970UK: Passed A (PG) uncut:
  • 1982 cinema release

 

 

The Haunted Hotel...

The latest cinema film suffering cuts for category


Link Here25th July 2021

The Haunted Hotel is a 2021 UK comedy drama horror romance by Jean Campbell Hogg, (segment Watching), Joshua Carver, (segment Forty Years), Adam Collier, (segment Room 27)
Starring Hugh Fraser, Reece Ritchie and Rob Jarvis BBFC link 2020 IMDb

BBFC category cuts were required for a 12A rated cinema release in 2021.

Summary Notes

Eight tales of ghostly encounters through the decades, manifesting amid the ruins of a once grand English hotel.

Versions

BBFC cut
advised category cuts
cut:
run: 95m
pal: 91m
12AUK: Passed 12A uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for moderate horror, violence, bloody images, sexual threat, suicide references:
  • 2021 cinema release

The BBFC commented:

The distributor requested cuts to achieve their preferred category. Images of strong injury detail were removed in order to achieve a 12A. An uncut 18 classification was available.

BBFC uncut
uncut
run: 95m
pal: 91m
18UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong injury detail:
  • 2021 cinema release, not released in favour of a cut 12A version

 

 

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It...

Comments on the BBFC cuts


Link Here19th July 2021
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a 2021 USA horror mystery thriller by Michael Chaves
Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson and Julian Hilliard BBFC link 2020 IMDb
Uncut and MPA R rated in the US. This was initially rated 18 uncut, by the BBFC but the distributors preferred a cut 15 rated version for 2021 cinema release. Both versions are available for UK home video release. The film is rated 16 uncut  by IFCO for Irish cinema release.
UK: The UK edit was passed 15 for strong threat, horror, violence after BBFC category cuts:
  • 2021 Warner Bros video
  • 2021 cinema release

The BBFC commented:

The distributor chose to reduce bloody injury detail in a suicide scene in order to obtain a 15 classification. An uncut 18 classification was available.

Of course the BBFC is referring to vertical wrist slitting which is disallowed at 15.

See the uncut scene in video from streamable.com . Ben comments:

I've seen the uncut footage and 18 is absurdly harsh.  It's demonic possession and *technically* self-harm, but not an attempted suicide at all as the BBFC called it. You see glass and blood on the man's wrist but no clear sign of process and injury

 

 

3 Ninjas...

An extensive BBFC cuts list just added for PG rated 1993 VHS release


Link Here19th July 2021
3 Ninjas is a 1992 USA family action comedy by Jon Turteltaub.
Starring Victor Wong, Michael Treanor and Max Elliott Slade. Melon Farmers link  BBFC link 2020  IMDb
Cut in the US for a PG rating. Released uncut as an International Version. Cut in the UK for a PG rated cinema release in 1993 and further cut for the follow up PG rated VHS.

A total of 1:44s of cuts (some substitution) were required for the VHS as described in the BBFC cuts list:

  • At start In opening titles, remove the dotting of the letter i twice with metal throwing stars.
  • At 2 mins After old man is pulled up hill, remove sequence of boy twirling chainsticks while old man throws apples at him and later sight of boy throwing stars at dart board.
  • At 3 mins After old man falls to ground, remove sight of boy in tree throwing stars.
  • At 18 mins After old man's line .... between victory and defeat, remove demonstration pinpointing vulnerable parts of the body (throat, groin, etc), resuming on old man telling them to practise for an hour.
  • At 47 mins After boy is tossed onto bed, remove sight of him kicking head of man in red cap.
  • At 48 mins After man in red cap is pulled through bannisters, remove all further sight of boy climbing up and tying him to bannister rail.
  • At 62½ mins Remove all sight of ninjas using chainsticks as follows:
    (1) After ninja wields sword, remove both sights of 3 ninjas with one of them twirling chainsticks.
    (2) After ninjas reel back after being struck by drum, remove sequence of making and displaying chainsticks, resuming on small boy in orange jacket laughing.
    (3) After ninja rushes towards camera, remove high angle shot of boys brandishing and using chainsticks and following shot of boy in blue shirt using them, resuming on ninja with raised sword threatening boy.
    (4) After this shot, remove part of following shot in which boy hits ninja with chainsticks and kicks him on head, resuming as he faces second ninja.
    (5) After ninja crashes into wire netting, remove two shots of boy in blue fighting with chainsticks.
  • At 65 mins Reduce fight between two ninjas and boy in white trousers by cutting away after he kicks them to ground and removing later punches to head, resuming on boy in orange.
  • At 66½ mins After ninja falls from wall, remove front of shot with punch to head by boy in green.
  • At 68 mins When small boy in orange punches large oriental in throat, trim end of punch so it looks as if he only punches him in jaw, and then, after boy in khaki kicks large oriental on head for first time and lights appear on doll, remove kicks to crotch and head, resuming on second large close-up of doll's face.
  • At 74 mins After shot of boy in green/blue jacket, remove sight of old man kicking man in red, resuming on long shot before punch to chin.

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