The Hong Kong motion picture rating system is a legal system of movie screening and rating. Unlike its counterparts in the United States, an official government agency issues ratings for any movie that will be shown in Hong Kong movie theatres, instead of a private institution.
History
At the beginning of the film industry in Hong Kong, when the viewing of movies had no age restrictions, films were made under strict guidelines. For instance, movie characters were not allowed to get away with crimes, and sex scenes were not permitted. In 1986, with the release of John Woo's violent gangster movie A Better Tomorrow (later rated IIB), the general public became concerned about the influence films would do for children. As a result, the Hong Kong motion picture rating system was established under the Movie Screening Ordinance Cap.392 on 10 November, 1988. The purpose behind the law was to provide parents of minors a chance to prevent their children from being exposed to inappropriate materials.The ratings are issued by the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, and initially provided three levels of ratings, which led the slang term "three-tier ratings" (Chinese: 三級制) to popular usage.
In 1995, the ratings were amended, creating three levels of main ratings, and two sub-ratings for one level.
Legal Requirements
According to the laws of Hong Kong, any movies that are intended to be shown in Hong Kong cinemas or released to the public via any videotape or disc formats must be screened by the TELA and have a rating issued by its director. Only educational movies and movie trailers do not receive ratings.If a movie is rated as a Third Level film (Chinese: 三級片), its promotional materials must also be screened by TELA. In addition, any videotape or discs that will be sold must be sealed by plastic bagging before it can be sold.
Ratings System
| Text | |
|---|---|
Level One: Suitable For All Ages
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Level Two: Not Suitable For Children (pre-1995 legacy rating)
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Level Two-A: Not Suitable For Children
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Level Two-B: Not Suitable for Young Persons and Children
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Level Three: Persons Aged 18 and Above Only
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Of the four levels, Levels I, IIA, and IIB are advisory ratings only, and carry no legal effect. Only Level III forbid a certain portion of the population from watching the film. Ticket sellers in movie theatres have a legal right to check the identity of a person who wishes to watch a Level III film to ensure legal compliance.
External links
- Comparison of Film Ratings between Hong Kong and Other Countries (HK Government) (pdf)
- Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority Film Search
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Friday September 12, 2008 at 22:57:39 PDT (GMT -0700)
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