Movie Classifications

What do film classifications mean?

The Films, Videos and Publication's Act 1993 requires all films for public exhibition to be classified. There are six standard classifications which may sometimes have a cautionary note attached. The cautionary note gives important advice about the content of the film regarding offensive language, violence etc.

More information is available at www.censorship.govt.nz or www.dia.govt.nz

All R Restricted Rated films require suitable id to be produced upon request at the box office and or entering the cinema. It is recommended that a birth certificate, driver's license or photo ID which displays a date of birth is used as proof of age for restricted films.If a person is under the restricted age and accompanied by a guardian they are still NOT Exempt from this rule. They will need to wait until they are of suitable age to meet the age requirements of the rating.

M Rated movies are not Restricted Movies and anyone of any age is able to see these films, this classification simply means it is more suitable for viewers over 16 years of age.

Unrestricted -

Anyone can be shown or sold this.

Unrestricted -

Parental guidance may be needed for younger viewers.

Unrestricted -

More suitable for viewers over 16 years.

Restricted -

R means that there is a special restriction. Refer to the words on the right of the label for the full conditions. In most cases it refers to: Restricted to persons over 16 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Restricted -

Restricted to persons over 16 years of age only.

Restricted -

Restricted to persons over 18 years of age only.