MTRCB assigns ratings to horror, mystery, thriller movies in theaters this week

 

FILM lovers have horror, mystery and thriller flicks to choose from as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) released its ratings for eight films hitting cinemas this week.

 

MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto reminded parents that watching movies together are not just moments for bonding, but also opportunities to guide children in their viewing habits.

 

“Karamihan sa mga pelikula ngayong linggo ay rated PG (Parental Guidance), kaya inaasahan natin na mas maraming pamilya ang dadagsa sa ating mga sinehan,” Sotto said.

 

She went on: “Lagi naming papaalalahanan ang ating mga magulang na tingnan muna ang MTRCB ratings upang makasiguro na ang papanoorin nilang sine ay angkop sa edad at antas ng pag-intindi ng kanilang mga anak.”

 

Two of this week’s movies are produced by Filipino filmmakers.

 

“Poon (The Hallowed),” a mystery drama, was rated R-16. It stars Gina Pareño, Janice de Belen, Lotlot de Leon, Allen Dizon, Kelvin Miranda and Will Ashley.

 

The MTRCB cited its “graphic but non-gratuitous depiction of horror, frightening scenes and gore, graphic but non-gratuitous depiction of violence and gore and non-graphic depiction of sexual activity.”

 

It added that the “over-all theme and messages in the movie – sexual abuse, incest, false religious beliefs, implied suicide, murder, supernatural sequences – require more mature audiences.”

 

“Life After You” stars Bela Padilla and Maricel Soriano. It received a PG rating for its “mature themes and emotionally charged scenes involving family relationships, motherhood, responsibility and conflict,” as well as scenes that may be emotionally intense or distressing to younger viewers.

 

The romantic fantasy film, “Practical Magic 2,” is the much-awaited sequel to the 1998 movie, “Practical Magic.” Rated PG, it stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the magical Owens sisters.

 

The Agency said the movie contains “fantasy violence, supernatural horror elements, magical rituals and emotionally intense scenes that may disturb younger viewers.”

 

It also has mild frightening scenes and supernatural imagery, including fantasy violence during magical confrontations between characters using witchcraft and supernatural abilities.

 

“Imitable behavior is limited to fictional depictions of spell-casting and magical rituals presented within a fantasy context. The suspenseful sequences and mature thematic material are suitable for teenagers and adults but may not be appropriate for younger children,” the MTRCB added.

 

Anime otakus are in for a treat with the latest installment in the “Detective Conan” franchise featuring the fictional high school detective Shinichi Kudo/Conan Edogawa.

 

“Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway” was rated PG and will be exclusively screened in SM Cinemas. It features the voices of Minami Takayama as the boy detective and Wakana Yamazaki as Ran Mori.

 

The Agency said the anime feature explores mystery, crime investigation, grief, loss, responsibility and revenge presented in a manner that can be understood by younger viewers, “although some references to death and bereavement may require parental guidance.”

 

The movie also has frequent action involving high-speed motorcycle and vehicle chases, crashes, explosions, gunfire, threats, weapons and hand-to-hand fighting. The MTRCB reminded parents to advise younger viewers “that these sequences are fictional and performed for entertainment.”

 

The thriller, “Fall 2,” was also rated PG.  It stars Harriet Slater, Arsema Thomas, Virginia Gardner and Tom Brittney. The MTRCB cautioned parents to remind their children not to imitate the peril and daredevil stunts in the movie.

 

“Cahim,” a Turkish horror film, was rated R-13 for its “horrific, fear-inducing scenes, supernatural violence, occult practices, and disturbing thematic elements of witchcraft and curses and demonic entities.”

 

Meanwhile, the Agency assigned an R-13 rating to the 2024 thriller action flick “Run Baby Run,” which stars Catuxa Leira, Cody Cowell and Oscar Foronda. It will be exclusively carried by Megaworld Cinemas.

 

It tells the story of a runner and her conflict with a mysterious killer and other lunatic characters.

 

The MTRCB said the movie’s infrequent and non-graphic depiction of violence and suffering may be unsuitable for children below 13 years old.

 

“It Ends,” a horror flick starring Phinehas Yoon, Akira Jackson, Noah Toth and Mitchell Cole, was rated R-13 and will be exclusively shown in SM Cinemas. It has mature themes and pervasive language, with violence “more psychological than physical” and may be heavy for viewers younger than 13 years old.

 

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 is for 16 years old and above. An R-18 is for adult audiences only.