The New Film Rating System

[thailandlover]

Having just read a news article in Variety about the new film rating system it makes me wonder, will a rating system be better than the vaseline censorship we have now? or worse?

Thailand gets first film-rating system

Classification rules will be in place in May

By CLIFFORD COONAN

Thailand plans to introduce its first film-rating system in May after the Cabinet passed four draft rules this week, following months of debate over the classifications.

The system will have seven categories, rather than the more usual five. “The two extra groups are for films that should be promoted on merits of cultures, arts or traditions, and films that should be banned for containing inappropriate content,” Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch was quoted as saying in the Nation newspaper.

Among pics banned will be those that authorities believe offend the monarchy, threaten national security or national unity, insult religion, disrespect “honorable figures,” challenge morals or contain explicit sex.

The five other categories are similar to those used in rating systems elsewhere, including for general auds, ages 13, 18, and restricted.

[quiksilva]

I voted better.... with a condition.. its its enforced.

I would dearly love to see cinema's turn families with little kids away from horror film showings... but sadly I just don't think it will happen.

[aussiejosh]

They had ratings here? I never noticed any ratings.

[dave9988]

just as long as they dont start allowing freedom of speech i think its great.

[aussiejosh]

just as long as they dont start allowing freedom of speech i think its great.

What? Don't allow freedom of speech? I don't understand why you wouldn't want that?

[sbk]

I agree that some films are inappropriate for young viewers and if they then allow these films to not have the pixellation or blurring that they do now, it would be good. That blocking of images is very annoying.

However, if they use this to them further censor films, then its not going to be good.

[lothda]

Censorship is always a problem, especially if it allows outright banning of supposedly inappropriate matter. It should be allowed to have unrated material so people can decide by themselves if the subject matter suits them. This can be controlled - you have to be over 18 or 21, ID as proof if necessary to watch or buy it. That said, younger people will always be able to get access to such material but if anything, censorship makes them more curious to see it.

The current system applies censorship in an inconsistent manner. The "Sweeney Todd" musical was optically censored for gore content in cinemas - supposedly because it had family appeal. The local DVD release was not censored - just as easy for young people to get the DVD as watch it in the cinema. (This seems to depend on the media company, though: Catalyst - United Entertainment and J-Bics don't seem to censor their DVD releases. Others blur or cut smoking, drinking alcohol, nudity or gore).

Let's see what will happen and hope that freedom of speech will prevail.

Edited February 27, 2009 by lothda