MOVIE RATINGS
Before letting their children see a movie there is always one box at the top of movie posters that gives parents information that generally categorises films.
These are movie ratings. They were created for one purpose – to provide a guide to parents as to the content of movies and have them decide which one is appropriate for their children.
Are movie ratings enough?
Movie ratings have been around since the 1920s. This system allowed film makers to classify which age groups the content was suitable for and which ones were not.
Movie ratings however is a voluntary process by film makers. This means that film makers decide whether or not they want to submit their movies for rating. In the instance that ratings are absent, it is usually up to parents or guardians to make the right choice.
It is not enough however to rely solely on movie ratings to decide what children can and cannot see. In recent years movies that have been rated PG 13 have contained objectionable content even for those in teenage years.
So how then do we determine what is suitable? This question is best answered by simply searching for movie reviews. There are many trusted websites that provide reviews to consumers and have more information on the contents of a film as opposed to a rating on a box at the top of a poster.
The other solution would be to watch the movie first and decide whether it is suitable for your children or wards.
The Fiji Censors Board
All movies allowed to be viewed locally in cinemas are expected to go under the scrutiny of the Fiji Censor Board. The board may override any existing ratings provided by film makers.
They also regulate what is deemed suitable for public viewing.
The board is mandated by the Cinematographic Films Act to classify content according to the following criteria listed in Section 22 of the legislation.
‘G’ shall mean that a film is approved for general exhibition;
Y’ shall mean that a film is approved for exhibition to persons over the age of 13 years;
‘A’ shall mean that a film is approved for exhibition to adult audiences only;
‘R’ shall mean that a film is approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censor, which conditions shall be specified in the display or announcement.
Movie rating anatomy
Movie ratings are different in many countries and therefore their classifications also differ. For instance, many films consumers, both young and old, are exposed to follow the Motion Picture Association of America rating system.
These are pre-existing ratings that film makers provide and are usually shown before a trailer is viewed. The following image dissects an example of the rating system in America which most consumers are exposed to. Having a better understanding of the rating can ensure parents are able to make informed decisions on suitable content for their kids. Consumers facing issues with movie ratings are encouraged to contact the Council on toll free number on 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org
Source: Consumer Council of Fiji
This system allowed film makers to classify which age group the content was suitable for and which ones were not.