MTRCB opens two Pinoy films to wider audiences with PG, R-13 ratings

 

TWO Filipino films will reach a wider audience in cinemas this week after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave them PG (Parental Guidance) and R-13 ratings.

 

The John Arcilla-Elijah Canlas starrer “HB2ME” received an R-13 rating, while “Senior Moments,” featuring veteran actors Nova Villa, Tessie Tomas and Noel Trinidad, was rated PG.

 

MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto welcomed the release of the two locally produced films and encouraged Filipinos to support Philippine cinema.

 

“Masaya kami na mapapanood muli sa pinilakang tabing ang ilan sa ating mga beterano at sikat na artista. Tiyak na mag-eenjoy ang kanilang mga fans at may mapupulot na aral sa kanilang mga kuwento,” she said.

 

“Nais din naming paalalahanan ang mga magulang na tingnan ang ratings ng mga pelikula bago bumili ng tiket at gabayan ang mga anak nila sa panonood ng mga tampok na sine ngayong linggo,” Sotto added. 

 

“HB2ME” is a dark comedy-drama thriller with mature thematic elements involving family conflict, psychological trauma, abusive family dynamics, coercive behavior, the misuse of authority, revenge and criminal activity.

 

The MTRCB said its “scenes of suspense, emotional distress, moderate violence, the use of expletives and dangerous pranks” may constitute imitable behavior if viewed without sufficient maturity or context.

 

“While these elements are integral to the story and are not gratuitous, they require a degree of maturity to fully understand and appreciate,” the Agency said. 

 

“Senior Moments,” a 2024 comedy drama, tells the heart-warming story of three senior citizens navigating the complexities of their twilight years.

 

The MTRCB also assigned ratings to four foreign films.

 

Starring Lin Shaye, Sam Spruell and Amelia Eve, “Insidious: Out of the Further” is the sixth installment in the “Insidious” horror franchise and was given an R-13 rating. 

 

“Although the film may fall within the intensity generally associated with an R-13 classification in some respects, parents should be aware that its frequent supernatural scares, unsettling atmosphere and sustained suspense may be particularly frightening for younger or more sensitive viewers,” the MTRCB said.

 

“Even older children who are accustomed to horror films should be prepared for intense scenes designed to shock and unsettle audiences,” it added.

 

Directed by Stephen Chow of the 2001 hit “Shaolin Soccer,” the action comedy “Kung Fu Soccer” was rated PG for its sports-action and comedy themes involving competition, teamwork, betrayal, perseverance and martial arts-inspired football sequences. 

 

“While the material appears uplifting, humorous, and family-oriented, some scenes may involve stylized action, fantasy martial arts, physical impact, sports-related conflict and some language which may not be suitable for very young audiences,” the Agency said.

 

Younger viewers “may need parental guidance to understand certain elements and scenes depicting imitable behavior,” it added.

 

The 2024 adventure sci-fi, “The End of Days,” received an R-16 rating and will be exclusively screened in Megaworld Cinemas. It tells the story of a young boy living with his father in a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world devastated by a deadly virus. 

 

“There are graphic scenes showing death and destruction, and shots being fired directly by soldiers or by some survivors and even by the young boy, himself, as he navigates his survival after his father’s and friend’s deaths. The film, with its mature themes, is suitable for audiences 16 years old and above,” the MTRCB said. 

 

Meanwhile, “Sacrifice,” an action-adventure comedy with an ensemble cast that includes Chris Evans, Salma Hayek and Anya Taylor-Joy, was rated R-13 for its “mild action violence, shootings, stabbings and bloody injuries.”

 

Its sustained suspense, disturbing ritualistic imagery, frequent use of strong swear words, coarse language and other mature themes may be inappropriate for viewers below 13 years old, the Agency said.

 

A G or General Audience rating means a film is suitable for all ages, while PG or Parental Guidance means a parent or guardian must be present to supervise younger viewers.

 

An R-13 means a film is suitable for viewers aged 13 and up, while an R-16 movie is for 16 years old and above. An R-18 is for adult audiences only.