7 films hurdle MTRCB’s stringent review process

“Songs for Selina,” a Filipino musical drama has been given an R-18 rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), leading a new lineup of films cleared for public viewing by the Board this week.

The film, starring Rachel Alejandro, Mica Javier, Jay R and Rachel Coates, explores mature themes through music and drama, was given an R-18 classification.

An R-18 rating means the film is for adults only and may contain strong themes, language, violence, sex, nudity, horror or drug use not suitable for viewers below 18, according to MTRCB Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Lala Sotto.

This week’s spans multiple genres, including drama, science fiction, horror, animation and fantasy.

Among the other Filipino entries is “The Graduation Day,” starring Jeric Gonzales, Elizabeth Oropesa and Simon Ibarra, which received a PG (Parental Guidance) rating.

A PG rating means the film may include some mature elements but is generally suitable for younger viewers with guidance from parents or adults, Charperson Sotto explained.

International releases include the science fiction film “Project Hail Mary,” led by Ryan Gosling, which was rated PG for its action-driven narrative, and the biographical sports drama “Giant,” starring Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry, also rated PG.

Horror films remain a strong presence in the lineup. “Mudborn,” featuring Cecilia Choi and Yo Yang, and “Mortuary Assistant,” starring Willa Holland, were both classified R-16 due to disturbing scenes and intense imagery.

An R-16 rating means the film may contain stronger themes, violence or disturbing content not suitable for viewers below 16.

Anime title “Gintama on Theatre 2D: Shinsen-Gumi Doukan Arc” was given a PG rating, making it accessible to younger audiences with parental guidance.

For special screenings from March 20 to 22, cinemas will show the extended edition of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom. The film was classified PG for sequences of fantasy violence.

Also set for sneak preview is “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” a horror-comedy starring Shawn Hatosy, Samara Weaving and Sarah Michelle Gellar, which received an R-16 rating for violence, suspense and dark humor.

Chairperson Sotto underscored the role of film classifications in promoting responsible viewing, or responsableng panonood, especially among young audiences.

“The Board ensures that audiences are properly guided on the content and age-appropriateness of films shown in cinemas. We encourage close supervision of parents and guardians,” she said.

“Through Responsableng Panonood, we help families cultivate responsible media consumption by guiding, educating and enabling parents to actively manage their children’s viewing habits and protect them from inappropriate content,” Chairperson Sotto said.