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| May 2000 Criticism stirred by film classification system By Alison Yeung Articles from the same section:
When considering going to a movie, people treat the category of the film as one of the fundamental criteria in film selection. According to the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, the ultimate purpose of the system is to strike a balance between freedom of expression and moral standards. Said Mr. Esmond Lee, assistant commissioner of the entertainment section of TELA: “We show the films to a panel comprised of more than 300 members of the community. “The film censors take their own views into consideration when classifying the films.” In addition, TELA also keeps revising the censorship standards. Based on a public opinion survey in 1998, last year the authority decided to classify films which advocate the activities or values of Triad societies as Category III. In other words, ordinary people have a say in the classification of films. Moreover, the system is flexible. For example, in 1995, Category II films were further divided into IIA and IIB. “This amendment provides more information for the public to choose and evaluate films,” said Mr. Lee. However, vague classification criteria of the three-tier system has always been the focus of attacks. Said Mr. Wellson Chin, a local director: “The censors judge local films and Western films from different angles. “For the thrillers, the Western producers take advantage of advanced technology to produce special effects. “The film censors usually consider the effects a product of technology. “So they will be classified as Category II, but local films are viewed differently,” said Mr. Chin. Mr. Chan said that while foul language prevails in Western films, it is extremely unfair to ban it in local films. Moreover, the rigid dividing line drawn between Category II and III films incurs lots of criticism. Mr. Chin said there is no use in preventing young people from watching Category III films, especially in Hong Kong, where pornographic materials are easily accessible to them. Mr. Chin cited his latest film, Street Kids Violence, a Category III film, as an example. “We know that films containing foul language are usually considered as Category III. But I would rather reflect a true picture of society.” Agreeing with Mr. Chin, Mr. Chan said that it is not sensible to regard foul language as taboo. “As far as Cageman is concerned, there is no reason for such a film being classified as Category III. “But for films like Raped by an Angel, although the selling point was a rape scene, they are regarded as Category II,” said Mr. Chan. When filming Beastcops Mr. Chan did avoid using foul language. “I have never met people from Triad societies who speak so politely. But in my film, nobody from the Triad societies uses foul language. Isn’t this beautifying Triad societies?” said Mr. Chan. Ms Sam Wong, a Year 1 student at the Chinese University, said that the authorities should consider the whole message rather than the visual images of the films when classifying them. According to her, it is not only the scenes that count, but also the underlying messages. “Nudity can be innocent. It is the idea behind the film that matters,” said Ms Wong. |
The criteria for classifying and assessing
films provoke criticisms from the film industry. (Natalie Siu)
(Natalie Siu)
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