Making Movie History

Today's a historic day for Thailand's movie industry as it sees the release of the first two films to come under the new ratings system: Quentin Tarantino's violent "Inglourious Basterds" and Yuthlert Sippapak's blood-soaked horror-comedy "Buppah Rahtree 3.2: Rahtree's Revenge". Both are rated 18+, meaning they are appropriate only for viewers aged 18 and older, though theatre-goers won't be asked to show their IDs.

"Basterds" distributor United International Pictures says that compared to the R rating in the US - restricted to viewers 17 and over - the 18+ in Thailand is acceptable.

"It's really meant more as a guide to the audience as to whether the movie is appropriate for them or not," says UIP sales manager Pannatat Phromsupa.

"Buppah" director Yuthlert is also happy with the rating.

"I'm very okay with it. It helps save me from being attacked for putting violent and offensive language in my films. The rating gives a clear indication of the degree of violence and rude words. It's your call whether it's good for you and your kids," he says.

Yuthlert was hammered under the censorship system for making "socially irresponsible" movies. "I didn't have a way to explain that they weren't appropriate for kids, which to me means anyone under the age of 15. Now the rating makes that clear," he says.

"It eases our social responsibility. Parents can monitor their children's viewing through the ratings."

Symbolic

In the early stages of the system, ID checks will only be mandatory for the 20+ rating. However, it's expected ID checks will be instituted for 15+ and 18+ movies further down the line.

No ratings symbols are yet appearing on the films or promotional materials. They can only be introduced after they are announced in the Royal Gazette.

Indeed, the rating procedure is likely to need adjustment, as there is only one rating board comprised of seven judges from different careers. Time constraints mean they can watch just one movie a day Monday through Friday, with the likely result of a backlog of films waiting to be rated.

"It will affect cinema bookings and also our promotional plans. I hope the procedure will improve and also speed up, but I understand that, for now, they need more time," says Pannatat.

But problems will inevitably be faced with Hollywood films slated for release in Bangkok at the same time or earlier than in the US.

"We only get the film a week or two beforehand," says Pannatat.