In the professional filmmaking community, understanding rating systems is a crucial tool for the successful international release of films. Each country has its own rules, and while the MPA (formerly MPAA) system is the most well-known due to Hollywood's influence, its impact has spread far beyond the United States. To maximize audience reach, it's important to know how different rating systems operate around the world and what they consider when evaluating films.
Starting with the MPA: The Hollywood Standard
The MPA rating system, developed in the U.S. in 1968, serves as a benchmark for many countries today. This standard is often called the "measure of freedom and responsibility" for directors and producers. The system consists of five main categories: from the family-friendly "G" to the strict "NC-17." For example, family films like "The Lion King" (1994) or "Toy Story" (1995) received a "G" rating, while more mature films like Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" (2002) were rated "R" for their realistic depiction of World War II and the Holocaust.
Interestingly, even blockbusters sometimes receive a "PG-13" rating instead of "R" to broaden their audience. A classic example is Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" (2008), which, despite its violent content, managed to stay within the "PG-13" rating due to skillful editing and a careful approach to avoiding overly shocking scenes.
The UK: BBFC and Strict Norms
In the United Kingdom, a similar role is played by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification), which has been in operation since 1912, long before the MPA system was created. The BBFC classifies films into categories U, PG, 12A, 15, 18, and R18. For example, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005) received a "12A" rating due to its darker content compared to previous installments, while Stanley Kubrick's cult horror "The Shining" (1980) was rated "18" for its intense atmosphere and scenes of violence.
The BBFC places emphasis on context: a scene may be quite violent, but if it's justified within the context, the rating may be softened. For instance, Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" (2017) received a "12A" rating, even though it contains war scenes that might have seemed more brutal if not filmed with age restrictions in mind.
France: Cultural Evolution
In France, the classification system is overseen by the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée), and its categories range from "Tous publics" (for all audiences) to "-18" (restricted to those 18 and older), demonstrating a flexible approach to art films. Iconic masterpieces like "Amélie" (2001) were rated "Tous publics," while films with more mature themes, such as Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Dreamers" (2003), were restricted to audiences over 16 due to explicit scenes.
In France, significant attention is given to a film's artistic value: even if a movie contains explicit or violent scenes, it may receive a lighter classification if regarded as an important work of art. French cinema is renowned for its freedom and independence, which is reflected in its ratings.
Germany: Precise and Strict Boundaries
Germany has its own system, the FSK (Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft), known for its clear age boundaries (0, 6, 12, 16, 18). An example is "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (1997), which received an FSK 12 rating for its content aimed at teenagers and adults, despite dealing with heavy themes of death and loss.
More intense films, like Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom" (1975), were rated FSK 18 for their scenes of violence and sexual perversion. In Germany, classification is almost mathematical, and even minor deviations from norms can change a film's rating.
Spain and Italy: Traditions and Changes
In Spain, film classification is managed by the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), which operates within age categories (such as "Apta para todos los públicos," 12, 16, 18). "Pan’s Labyrinth" (2006) by Guillermo del Toro, which gained international acclaim for its mix of fantasy and dark, political undertones, was rated "16" in Spain for violence and adult themes.
Italy also has its system with clear categories, often revised in response to social and cultural changes. Films like Federico Fellini's "8½" (1963) are examples of how great works of art can receive a milder rating due to their cultural significance, despite dealing with adult themes.
How Does This Impact International Releases?
Different countries' rating systems can significantly impact a film's commercial success. Sometimes producers make edits to their films to obtain a softer rating and reach a broader audience. For example, scenes of violence in films intended for international release may be toned down or edited depending on how different countries respond to on-screen violence.
"Deadpool" (2016), for instance, received an R rating in the U.S. but was banned in China due to excessive violence and sexual content. This is a clear example of how different countries react to content and how studios adapt their films for the global market.
Conclusion: Global Ratings as a Strategic Tool
For professionals in the film industry, understanding different rating systems is not just about complying with regulations; it is a strategic tool for maximizing audience reach. The ability to adapt films to various cultural and legal norms helps make them accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing artistic vision. After all, a film's success on the international stage is not just about art but also about the right strategy.
Elena Saubanova
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