Coming soon: New ratings for movies

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-09 07:22

The movie industry is a step closer to getting a rating system, a government official said. It is not clear though when such a system will come into effect.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television's (SARFT) Motion Picture Bureau has completed the draft for the country's motion picture industry law, which includes the movie rating system.

"The government has been holding discussions, investigating and soliciting opinion to establish a rating system," Tong Gang, director of the Motion Picture Bureau, was quoted as saying in a report on the Ministry of Culture's website. "Our system will definitely be different from those in other countries or regions."

Tong said the draft law has been submitted to the State Council but did not say whether the National People's Congress' annual session would review or approve it this year.

"A film rating system is essential in China," said Tong. "It (the rating system) will not allow movies rated 'level three' to be screened," he said, referring to the third level of the 3-tier rating system used in the Hong Kong special administrative region. Level three-rated movies are those that contain sex or violent content. Those under the age of 18 are not allowed to rent, purchase or watch such movies in a theater.

A movie rating system has been discussed for years and was to be launched in 2005 as part of the draft law, but the NPC top legislature did not pass it.

In the absence of a rating system, the SARFT censors all domestic and foreign movies that apply for public screening and sales in China. It issues licenses to movies that do not contain politically sensitive content.

For instance, in 1994, director Zhang Yimou failed to secure a license for his movie To Live, which contained content depicting the Cultural Revolution.

Tong said the SARFT would work out a specific regulation of the rating system this year. "The system is not an easy issue in China and must be adapted to the characteristics of the country," he said.

In 2008, Chinese movies made a total of 4.34 billion yuan ($629 million) at the box office. This is an increase of more than 30 percent on the previous year, according to the movie bureau.

Movies made in China contribute about 60 percent to total box office revenue.