QuestionsQuestions (MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 01-03)
Movies are classified as GENERAL AUDIENCE (G), PARENTAL GUIDANCE-13 (PG-13), STRICTLY FOR 13 AND UP (R-13), STRICTLY FOR ADULTS (R), and NOT FOR PUBLIC VIEWING (X).
A G-rated movie contains nothing offensive to parents of young children, is wholesome, uses only common everyday language, minimal violence, no sexually-oriented nudity, and no drug use content that would push it to a PG-13 classification.
PG-13 films may contain material inappropriate for children below 13. Parents are strongly cautioned to give special attention before allowing minors to view the film, who must be accompanied by a parent or adult. These films generally have limited sex or violence and avoid harsh sexually derived words in sexual contexts.
An R-13 movie goes beyond G and PG-13 in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, or content but does not fit the STRICTLY FOR ADULTS (R) classification.
Movies with adult material, vulgar or profane language, considerable sex and violence, sexually oriented nudity, tolerant depiction of aberrational behavior, drug use, or combinations of these are classified R, restricted to viewers 18 and above.
No, R-rated movies are automatically disqualified from exhibition on television unless they are edited to fit G or PG classifications for TV.
A movie classified X is contrary to law, public order, public safety, or legitimate public interest. The MTRCB must find that the movie appeals only to prurient interests or gratuitous sex/violence, depicts lewd or offensive sexual conduct, or lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
No, the MTRCB does not mark X films as obscene or pornographic; these are legal determinations made by courts.
Yes, X-rated movies can be shown in venues not under MTRCB's jurisdiction if they strictly enforce non-admission of minors. Such venues are not compelled to show these films.
The classification system is designed to inform parents and viewers about the content of films, to guide parental decisions on children's movie attendance, and to regulate exhibition based on age-appropriateness and public interest.