Stacie Huynh

Film classification in Singapore

Film classification in Singapore is controlled by the Board of Film Censors. Film

classification was first introduced on July 1st 1991, for the aim of giving parents clear

information about films to make conversant decisions of whether a movie is suitable for

their children. Today, taking the considerations of theme, language, nudity, violence, sex,

horror and drug use, films in Singapore are rated following these 5 ratings: G, PG, NC-16,

M-18 and R21.

The first and lowest level of film rating is G, which stands for General. A G-rated

film is suitable for all types of audiences. In more details, themes of G rated films are

supposed to be appropriate for all ages of viewers. Moderate representation of violence

is allowed but should be minimal. On the other hand, no coarse language and any nudity

or sexual activity should be integrated in G films. Nevertheless, some beyond polite

conversations are acceptable since they are common daily expressions. In addition,

illegal drug use and drug abuse are also unpermitted to present in this film rating type.

Horror, if any, should be unthreatening, non-disturbing or hinted with humor. Films

showed on popular TV channels such as Disney, are most likely belong to type G. Some

ordinary examples of this rating type are Finding Nemo, Peter Pan, Toy Story 1, High

School Musical, etc.

The second rating of film classification is PG, an abbreviation of Parental

Guidance. PG films are suitable for most, but not all ages. It is suggested that parents

should be the first who investigate on a move of PG rating before letting their children

watch it, as some scenes in the film may be disturbing to children. Some serious themes

such as crime, revenge may also be involved in PG films. Moderate portrayals of

Stacie Huynh

violence, if justified by context, may be allowed but should not include cruelty, infliction

of pain or any kind of torture in details. Moreover, only infrequent mild sexual activities,

such as caressing and kissing are allowed. Nudity in PG rating is only legal in the

limitation of back or upper body, and it should be in a non sexual context. For language,

coarse terms are acceptable but supposed to be relevant and occasional only. Selective

scenes of illegal drug use that is justified by context are allowed, but should not promote

drug abuse. Horror in PG rating is up to standard if the frightening sequences are not

intense. Here are a few movies currently on theater that are coming with PG: The A-

Team (violence), The Karate Kid (fighting scenes), Killers (violence and sexual

references), Kung Fu Panda (violence).

The next rating for film consists of NC-16, which indicates No Children Under 16.

Thus apparently films that rated NC-16 are restricted to whom 16 years and above, for

some mature themes (such as gangsterism) or more explicit scenes may be included.

Other than that, it may have non-detailed infliction of pain and injuries. However,

explicit sexual violence is not allowed. NC-16 films may legally contain infrequent, brief

non-sexual frontal nudity. Stronger coarse language is allowed infrequently, but should

not offend community and cultural sensitivity. In addition, drug taking without

instructive details can be shown, as long as it does not encourage drug use. More

frightening, gory or disturbing scenes compared to PG are also allowed in NC-16. This

rating aims to protect children from viewing films thematically unsuitable for them in

their age. Some lately NC-16 certificated movies are Shutter Island, Daybreakers, She’s

Out Of My League, etc

Now we come to the fourth rating: M18, or Mature 18 in full. M18 rated films are

restricted to viewers aged 18 and above, as exploration of mature themes are allowed.

Realistic portrayals of strong, but not excessive violence if justified by context are
Stacie Huynh

passable. Sexual activities without strong details are acceptably depicted. For nudity

matter, full frontal depiction that is justified by context and with moderate details is

suitable to be presented. Nevertheless, close up of genitalia is not permitted.

Additionally, non-excessive coarse language is allowed, along with depiction of drug use

that does not endorse drug abuse. Prolonged and intense horror sequences are also

adequate in M18 rating. American Pie is a typical example of a M18 rated film, for strong

sexuality, crude sexual language and drinking, all involving teens. A Nightmare on Elm

Street and Sex and the City 2 are two other newly released M18 movies on theater, for

one contains gore and violence and the other covers a mature theme.

The last and also the highest rating level for film is R21, stands for Restricted 21.

Only adults of 21 years and above are suitable for watching R21 movies. In fact, 21 years

old is also the highest age restriction among countries that have a film rating system.

Strong portrayal of mature themes and realistic violence are permitted under this type

of classification. However, detailed instructions on methods of crime or killing are

banned. Simulated but not excessive or exploitative sexual activities are acceptable.

Explicit images of sexual activities should be justified by context. On the other hand,

films contained precise depiction of real, deviant or unnatural sexual activities,

homosexual acts are prohibited. In addition, full nudity, together with close ups of

genitalia, is permitted but should justifiable by context and not be excessive. Frequent

use of coarse language is acceptable, but should not be referring to religious denigration.

For drug use matter, instructive illustration of illegal drug abuse is not allowed. Lastly,

intense horror and sustained threat that would not offend or cause great discomfort are

allowed if contextually justified. Ninja Assassin, My Bloody Valentine, Saw (all versions)

and Hostel are some hot movies of this rating type. Additionally, movies that classified as

R21 are excluded from video releases.

Stacie Huynh

In general, films in Singapore are classified into the above 5 ratings, as each

rating has its own distinctiveness. The film classification was introduced for the purpose

of helping adults and parents making more informed viewing decisions for their

children as well as themselves. In other words, it aims to provide more choice for adults

while protecting the young.

References:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_Singapore

 http://www.mda.gov.sg/Industry/Films/Classification/Pages/ClassificationRatings.aspx