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Irish Film Classification Office

May 03, 2024

The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) (Irish: Oifig Aicmithe Scannán na hÉireann, OASÉ) is the organisation responsible for films, television programmes, and some video game classification and censorship within Ireland. Where restrictions are placed by the IFCO, they are legally binding.

Irish Film Classification Office
Oifig Aicmithe Scannán na hÉireann
Formation1923; 101 years ago (1923)
PurposeFilm ratings
HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
Director of film classification
Dr. Ciaran Kissane
Websitewww.ifco.ie

Prior to 21 July 2008, the office was branded as the Irish Film Censor's Office, and was previously known as simply the Film Censor's Office, or, in legal references, the office of the Official Censor of Films, which was the official title of the head of the office prior to that date. The head of the office is the Director of Film Classification.

Background edit

 
1965 envelope sent to local office of 20th Century Fox with certifying cachet of the Film Censor's Office

The Irish Film Censor's Office was set up in 1923, under the Censorship of Films Act 1923.[1] This law was amended in 1925, 1930, 1970, and 1992; and a substantial revision of the law occurred in the which extended the remit of the office to the regulation of the video importation and supply industry. On 21 July 2008 the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 came into force. Section 70 changes some of the provisions with regard censorship of films in the State. Section 71 renames the Film Censor as the Director of Film Classification and consequent to this, the Irish Film Censor's Office became the Irish Film Classification Office.

Staff edit

The office consists of 21 staff members:

  • Acting Director of Film Classification – George Sinclair
  • Deputy Director – Vacant
  • 10 Assistant Classifiers
  • Office Manager
  • 6 Civil Servants from the Department of Justice
  • 2 Projectionists

The 10 assistant classifiers are paid €168 per day and are entitled to claim expenses on top of this. According to a freedom of information request granted to the Irish edition of the Sunday Times the assistant classifiers claimed €306,683 in fees and €52,569 of expenses in 2007; €339,608 in fees and €49,898 of expenses in 2008; and €162,263 in fees and €21,401 of expenses for the first half of 2009. This equates to a payment of approximately €60 per film rated.[2]

Certificates edit

Introduction and early history edit

Before 1965, there were no certificates and all films were tailored for a general audience, resulting in several bans and cuts (no doubt also due to extremely conservative societal standards). As of 2004, 2,500 theatrical films had been banned and about 11,000 cut, largely from before the overhaul.[3]

Public controversy over the office's harsh methods came to a head in late 1964 – in 1963 alone, 31 films were rejected and 156 were cut.[4] Critically acclaimed hits were no exception – Dr. Strangelove was cut, including Ripper's reference to Communists trying to "sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids" with fluoridated water, and Irish-shot medical drama Of Human Bondage was banned due to the heroine dying of syphilis.[5] Even after the ban was overturned the following year,[6] it still received an over-18's certificate[7] with cuts[8][9] – nude sculptures made by Auguste Rodin were removed from the background of the title sequence.[10]

In 1964, Brian Lenihan, the newly appointed Minister for Justice, met with the Cinema and Theatre Association in November to consider their views[11] and even proposed to view recently banned films, including Of Human Bondage.[12][13] On 28 November, Lenihan announced he'd be appointing a new Film Appeals Board and would be able to reform censorship without changing existing legislation[12] – film correspondent Fergus Linehan pointed out that the 1923 Act explicitly supported age certification:[5]

If the Official Censor is of opinion that any picture in respect of which an application is made to him under this section is not fit for general exhibition in public but is fit for exhibition in public in certain places in Saorstát Eireann or under special conditions or in the presence of certain classes of persons, he shall grant a certificate that such picture is fit for exhibition in public subject to such restrictions and conditions (which shall be expressed on the certificate) in regard to the places at which or the special conditions under which the picture may be exhibited or the classes of persons who may be admitted to an exhibition of the picture as in the opinion of the Official Censor are necessary to prevent the exhibition of the picture in public being subversive of public morality.

Censorship of Films Act 1923, Section 7, Part 3

Lenihan announced the new Appeals board in January 1965, which came into effect on 18 January.[14] Their main task was to begin enforcing limited certificates (alongside the general certificate).[15] which were as follows, according to the Appeals Board chairman:[16]

  • Over 16
  • Over 18
  • Young persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
  • Educational

In addition, Over-21s certificates were awarded to four films,[17] including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,[17] Alfie,[17] and Marat/Sade.[18]

Cinematic certificates edit

 
An official cinema certificate from 1999, which would've directly preceded the film.[19]

The current cinematic certificates were announced in December 2004 at the European Conference of Film Classifiers in Paris and introduced on 1 January 2005.[20] In November 2005, a public campaign was launched to raise awareness of them, including booklets, posters, stickers and an animated certificate produced by Brown Bag Films which drew attention to their relatively new website.[21][22][23][24]

  • G – General: Suitable for all
  • PG – Parental Guidance: Suitable for children aged eight and older; parents are advised to accompany younger children.
  • 12A – Minimum age for admission is 12, but younger children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult (12PG between 1 June 2001 – 1 January 2005).
  • 15A – Minimum age for admission is 15, but younger children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult (15PG between 1 June 2001 – 1 January 2005).
  • 16 – Minimum age for admission is 16; younger viewers will not be admitted under any circumstance (introduced on 1 January 2005).
  • 18 – Minimum age for admission is 18; younger viewers will not be admitted under any circumstance.
           
   

Home video certificates edit

These were introduced on 1 September 1994:[25]

  • G – Fit for viewing by persons generally
  • 12RA – Fit for viewing by persons generally, but in the case of a child under 12 years, only in the company of a responsible adult.
  • 15 – Fit for viewing by persons aged 15 or more.
  • 18 – Fit for viewing by persons aged 18 or more.

From that date it was an offence to trade uncertified videos, which carried fines of up to £1000 and a maximum sentence of three years.[26] Additional rates came in at £180 per rental title, £80 per sale title and £20 per advert/trailer. This limited the market, especially for London distributors whose releases previously went to Ireland automatically.[27]

In 1996, the 12RA certificate was officially replaced by PG and 12,[28] although releases still used it into the 2000s.[29]

The current certificates for home video formats such as DVD and Blu-ray that are issued are:

  • G – General: Suitable for all
  • PG – Suitable for general viewing, but parents are advised to watch with children younger than 12 years old.
  • 12 – Suitable for people aged 12 and over, and not to be supplied to someone below that age.
  • 15 – Suitable for people aged 15 and over, and not to be supplied to someone below that age.
  • 18 – Suitable for people aged 18 and over, and not to be supplied to someone below that age.
         

A retired certificate only used on home video is:

  • 12RA (no longer issued) Not suitable for people aged younger than 12 unless they view with an adult, and not to be supplied to someone below that age. The "RA" stands for "Responsible Adult". Retired around 2003 (officially replaced in 1996).[30][29]
 

Standard cinematic-home video certification crossover edit

This is the crossover, or change, in a certificate that will happen when a film which has been shown in cinemas, is released on home video, but this only applies if:

  • There is no extra material (bonuses, trailers, etc.) which is not appropriate to the main feature, and would cause it to receive a higher certificate.
  • The film has not been edited (material taken out, etc.) in a way which would cause the main feature to receive a lower certificate.

The standard crossovers are as follows:

Cinema certificate Home video certificate
G G
PG PG
12A 12
15A 15
16 15/18
18 18

Note: The certificate "12RA" did not have a corresponding cinematic certificate, and thus, did not have a standard crossover (certain 12A films received the certificate before it was withdrawn in the mid-2000s).

If the two rules above apply to a film's home video release, then, generally, it will be re-rated completely, but this does not mean certificates will always coincide for all formats, as occasionally (usually the DVD or Blu-ray) one edition will contain extra features while the other does not, causing one to be re-rated, and the other to take a Standard Crossover (for instance, a film which received a 15A certificate in cinemas may have received a 15 certificate on VHS but an 18 certificate on DVD; usually DVDs in these circumstances would carry a label on the reverse, informing viewers of this).

Home video edit

 
A censor's stamp on a 2004 DVD

Until February 2009, the home video certificates were always the certificate surrounded by an octagon, followed by the words "FILM CENSOR'S OFFICE" and "OIFIG SCRÚDÓIR NA SCANNÁN", which were then surrounded by another, larger, octagon. The colours were cyan and white, but the order they appear in varied. Although the Office was renamed in July 2008, these continued to bear the old name until February 2009, when they were altered to read "IRISH FILM CLASSIFICATION OFFICE" and its Irish equivalent.

Video games edit

Unlike the BBFC in the UK, which prior to PEGI ratings becoming legally enforceable in the UK on 30 July 2012 rated video games that met certain criteria (such as very graphic violence), the Irish Film Censor's Office does not usually rate video games, leaving ratings to PEGI, unless the game's content is deemed prohibitable under section 3 (1) of the Act.

IFCO ratings for video games were introduced in 2001 and retired in 2003. Although the Silent Hill Collection was released in 2006, it contained re-releases of the second and third games, which were rated and released in 2001 and 2003 respectively.

Only 9 games have ever been submitted to and rated by the IFCO:

Title Year Certificate
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty[31] 2001 15
Silent Hill 2[31] 2001 15
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[32] 2002 18
Mafia[31] 2002 15
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance[31] 2002 15
Grand Theft Auto III (Xbox version)[32] 2003 18
Rockstar Games Double Pack: Grand Theft Auto (inc. Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City)[32] 2003 18
Manhunt[32] 2003 18
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne[31] 2003 15
Silent Hill 3[32] 2003 18
The Silent Hill Collection (inc. Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3)[32] 2006 18 (overall)

Despite the lack of legally binding ratings, most (if not all) video game retailers attempt to prohibit the sale of PEGI 18+ rated games to people under the age of 18, and prior to PEGI ratings the same was done with BBFC 18 ratings on games (the same packaging is usually used in games sold in Ireland as in the UK).

The only prohibition notice for a video game was issued for Manhunt 2 in 2007.[33]

Appeals edit

All decisions made with regard to certification, may be appealed for up to 6 months after the certificate is initially issued. An appeal is issued to the Classification of Films Appeal Board.

Works may also be submitted for re-classification after seven years since the original certification have passed (not an appeal per se, but rather seen as an update of classification based on current standards).

The most recent example of a (failed) appeal is The First Purge, which received an 18 certificate for strong bloody violence, sustained threat and disturbing scenes.[34] The distributor (Universal Pictures) argued the case for a 16 certificate:

We would contend that the last two films in the franchise, in particular, are similar in tone and viscerality to the current film.A

The First Purge is a thematic continuation of how a group of people must fight to survive a night of government-sanctioned mayhem. Similar to Anarchy and Election Year, The First Purge features intensely depicted violence and some gory imagery but has contextual justification. There are sustained scenes of threat in which the characters are terrorised by masked killers but the guidelines for a 16 classification on the IFCO suggest that strong horror and sustained threat may be acceptable in this category.

The violence is presented in an extremely stylised way in an equivalent manner to the earlier films in the franchise as well as similar titles like Atomic Blonde (16), John Wick (16) and John Wick: Chapter 2 (16).

Direct correspondence between Universal Pictures and the IFCO

A.^ The Purge: Anarchy and The Purge: Election Year both received 16 certificates, for "frequent strong bloody violence, disturbing sequences, strong threat of sexual violence"[35] and "strong bloody violence throughout"[36] respectively. The distributor also mentioned the film's 15 certificate in the UK,[37] which is consistent throughout the franchise.[38]

After first being viewed on 15 June, it was re-viewed on 21 June when the Appeal Board stuck by the original decision.

Ger Connolly wrote back, explaining the decision in greater detail:

This is the fourth film of this particular franchise. As can sometimes be the case with long-running horror franchises, in evolution they become more violent and explicit to maintain the interest of their audience. This is, in my opinion, the case with The Purge series of films. The first instalment, essentially a 'home invasion' thriller, was classified 15A. The next two (The Purge: Anarchy and The Purge: Election Year) broadened out the story and intensified in terms of body count and the graphic way in which some of the violence was depicted. Both were classified 16 on cinema release. The Purge: Election Year was classified 18 on DVD release. In most cases films classified 16 theatrically are classified 15 on DVD release. This classification is more restrictive than 15A. In rarer cases the DVD classification is increased to 18 to reflect the level of content.

The First Purge intensifies the extremely graphic violence – the violence here is brutal and sustained. It also contained a scene of sexual assault as well as scenes of very overt brutal racist violence against African Americans with the attackers in full Ku Klux Klan regalia. These were not present in the other instalments.

I suggest that the context here is not sufficient to warrant a 16 classification due to the extremely brutal and frenzied acts of violence combined with racial hatred and that The First Purge is appropriately classified at 18.

Ger Connolly, in direct correspondence with Universal Pictures

[39]

Previous appeals (excluding bans) edit

Year Title Original certificate Content guidance/Details Appeal results Revised certificate Current certificate
1989 The Karate Kid Part III 15 "Very, very violent" and "an evil influence for young audiences" according to head censor Sheamus Smith.

A spokesperson for Columbia TriStar said, "The first two Karate Kid films had 'under 12' certificates here and the new one has similar certificates in Britain and America. The films are very popular with young audiences".

The appeal viewing took place on 26 July and the decision, which was decided by a 4:1 ratio, pushed the release date back from mid-July to 4 August.[40]

Upheld Under 12's accompanied PG[41]
1989 Ghostbusters II Under 12's accompanied Columbia Tri-Star requested a General certificate.[42] Failed PG[43]
1990 Look Who's Talking 15 Smith objected to the opening, showing sperm swimming in a womb, followed by the mother disclosing an affair with her married boss and that she was artificially inseminated.

The appeal viewing took place on 26 January.[42]

Upheld Under 12's accompanied 15[44]
1990 Gremlins 2: The New Batch 15 Smith objected to the violence, including a gremlin being killed when pushed into a paper shredder.[45] Failed 12[46]
1990 Rocky V 15 Smith objected to the "extreme violence" of the final street fight.

UIP requested an Under 12's accompanied certificate and the decision was made unanimously.[47]

Failed 15[48]
1991 Thelma & Louise 18 Due to "frequent violence".[49] Failed 15[50]
1991 Dead Again 18 [51][52] Upheld 15 18[53]
1991 Toy Soldiers 18 Viewed twice by the Appeal Board.[54] Upheld 15 15[55]
1991 Boyz n the Hood 18 [52] Failed 18[56]
1992 Wayne's World 15 Had to release as a 15 because the new Appeals Board hadn't been appointed at the time. As soon as they were, it was submitted for review.[57][58] Upheld Under 12's accompanied PG[59]
1994 Heaven & Earth 18 After the uncut version received an 18 certificate, Warner Bros. submitted the cut British version, and although Smith initially gave it an 18 too, his decision was overturned.

The appeal viewing took place on 16 February.[60][61]

The British version was cut by 55s to reduce scenes of torture and sexual violence involving a female prisoner, which "left the emphasis on the tragic implications rather than the infliction of pain and degradation", and lowered the certificate from 18 to 15.[62]

Upheld 15 18 (cut British version)[63]
1994 Blown Away 18 Due to violence.

The appeal viewing took place on 10 August.[61]

Failed 18 18[64]
1996 Some Mother's Son 18 [65] Upheld 15 15[66]
1999 Wild Wild West 15 [67] Upheld 12 12[68]
2004 Closer 18[69] Intense, explicit sexual dialogue, strong language, mild nudity. Failed[70]
2008 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 12A[71] Sustained battle sequences, with killing and injury, which while not gory, may still upset younger viewers. Upheld PG
2008 Inkheart 12A[72] Moderate threat/frights and scary fantasy violence, some of which may disturb younger children. Failed[73]
2009 Watchmen 18[72] Contains strong, visceral hyper-realistic violence, including one brutal sexual assault. Upheld 16
2009 Orphan 18[74] Disturbing theme and content, depicted with underlying menace. Strong, gory horror violence. Upheld 16
2009 Law Abiding Citizen 18[75] Vengeance thriller with strong, brutal, sadistic, bloody violence. Upheld 16
2009 The Lovely Bones 15A[76] Child abduction and murder. Strong scenes of violence and its aftermath. Upheld 12A
2010 The Hole 15A[76] Horror involved with confronting fear. Failed[77]
2012 ParaNorman 12A[78] Frequent moderate frightening scenes. Upheld PG
2012 Lawless 18[79] Brutal gory violence. Upheld 16
2012 Taken 2 15A[80] Sustained strong violence and sequences of intense threat. Upheld 12A
2013 Safe Haven 15A[81] Scenes of strong spousal violence. Brief moderate sex scene. Upheld 12A
2017 Free Fire 18[82] Relentless bloody violence. Strong drugs use. Failed
2018 The First Purge 18[83] Strong bloody violence, sustained threat and disturbing scenes. Failed
2018 Bumblebee 12A[84] Moderate violence. Failed
2019 Mid90s 18[85] Strong drugs use. Disturbing scenes and situations. Strong sex references. Upheld 16
2019 Downton Abbey 12A[86] Brief homophobic reference. Upheld PG

Refusals and bans edit

Films may be refused a certificate, e.g. on grounds of obscenity. Such films may not be shown in public cinemas or sold in shops, but are not ipso facto banned and have been shown at film festivals and art house clubs such as the Irish Film Theatre and Irish Film Institute. These may also show films which have not been submitted for certification, as the submission fee may be prohibitive if a film is screened only a few times at a small venue.

Prohibitions and revocations, with justification, are listed in the official gazette, Iris Oifigiúil, under the headings of PROHIBITION ORDER and REVOCATION ORDER.

Despite the recommendations in the 2000 review of certification that no further films be banned, bans are still occasionally issued, although usually overturned on appeal. Boy Eats Girl, a 2005 movie, was initially banned, with the option of a cut being provided to the producers. On appeal, the film was passed uncut, and granted a 15A rating,[87] although the video certificate was raised to 18.[88]

Movies which are never submitted for cinema release in Ireland are occasionally banned on attempted video releases, although only one such order was made in 2004, banning the pornographic Anabolic Initiations 5, with the appeals board upholding the censor's order. One order was issued in 2005, reiterating the ban on Deep Throat. The only order in 2006 banned the pornographic film Steal Runaway.

For a complete list of banned films, see Film censorship in the Republic of Ireland#Notable banned or cut films

Criticism edit

Like many systems of entertainment classification, the IFCO has received criticism for several decisions they have made in the past. The board has been described as too zealous and conservative. Many titles that receive 15 certificates from the BBFC are rated 18 by the IFCO. DVD examples include Kick-Ass[89] and Black Swan.[90] Rarer cinema examples (which bypass the 16 rating) include Free Fire[82] and You Were Never Really Here.[91]

However, the IFCO are more lenient with strong language than the BBFC are, especially with very strong language (e.g. 'cunt'). Examples include Frost/Nixon and The Visitor receiving 15 certificates in the UK[92][93] but PG's in Ireland[94][95] despite the use of the stronger term 'motherfucker', and Gone Girl receiving an 18 in the UK[96] but a 15 (on video) in Ireland[97] despite four aggressive uses of 'cunt'. The 2014 documentary Red Army received a 15 in the UK[98] but a 12A in Ireland[99] for a single use of 'cocksucker' (although the video rating was upgraded to 15).[100]

Three titles in particular drew criticism of the board: Election,[101] But I'm a Cheerleader[102] and Brokeback Mountain.[103] All three were rated 18 in Ireland and 15 in the UK, although Brokeback Mountain was rated 16 for cinema release because the system is different than for video releases (it was only an 18 on video) – But I'm a Cheerleader was re-rated 15 in 2021.[104]

The IFCO is established on a statutory basis and thus the appeals procedure is final. Where a film or video game is banned, there can be no further appeal, but the work may be resubmitted after seven years.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Censorship of Films Act 1923, s. 1: Establishment of office of Official Censor of Films (No. 23 of 1923, s. 1). Enacted on 16 July 1923. Act of the Oireachtas. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book.
  2. ^ Coyle, Colin (10 January 2010). "Ex-politicians paid €40,000 to watch films". Sunday Times. from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  3. ^ Rockett, Kevin. "Irish film censorship – an outline account" (PDF). Irish Film Classification Office. (PDF) from the original on 8 May 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  4. ^ "Censorship of films". The Irish Times. 11 February 1964.
  5. ^ a b "End of "thaw" in film censorship? Too few limited showings". The Irish Times. 21 November 1964.
  6. ^ "Film censor responsible". The Irish Times. 12 March 1965.
  7. ^ O'Brien, E.C. (26 March 1965). "Letters to the editor: Film censorship". The Irish Times.
  8. ^ Cassidy, J (13 January 1966). "Letters to the Editor: Cinema '65". The Irish Times.
  9. ^ Linehan, Fergus (7 February 1966). "Censorship again". The Irish Times.
  10. ^ Keenan, Patrick (31 March 1965). "Letters to the Editor: Rodin Out". The Irish Times.
  11. ^ "Protest over severe film censorship". The Irish Times. 28 November 1964.
  12. ^ a b "Lenihan intervenes in film censorship: Will see banned films". The Irish Times. 30 November 1964.
  13. ^ "Minister to see banned film". The Irish Times. 4 December 1964.
  14. ^ "Films appeal board announced". The Irish Times. 9 January 1965.
  15. ^ Flynn, Roderick; Brereton, Patrick (30 July 2007). Historical Dictionary of Irish Cinema. Scarecrow Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-0810855571.
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  18. ^ "Cinemas". The Irish Times. 16 October 1967. p. 9 col 1. Retrieved 27 March 2024. International— ... 6.25 and 8.45: "Marat Sade" Over 21s
  19. ^ The World Is Not Enough 27 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine. The Prop Store. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
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  102. ^ https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/KC0AAOSwyj5hZw3F/s-l1600.jpg [bare URL image file]
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Sources edit

  • McKittrick, David (6 March 2008). "Confessions of an Irish censor: why Clark Gable, 'Casablanca' and Cliff got the chop". The Independent. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  • Rockett, Kevin (2004). Irish film censorship: a cultural journey from silent cinema to internet pornography. Dublin: Four Courts Press. ISBN 1-85182-844-3.

External links edit

  • Official website  
  • Irish Film Censors' Records – searchable calendar at Trinity College Dublin, mostly from period 1923–38

May 03, 2024
irish, film, classification, office, this, article, needs, additional, citations, verification, please, help, improve, this, article, adding, citations, reliable, sources, unsourced, material, challenged, removed, find, sources, news, newspapers, books, schola. This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Irish Film Classification Office news newspapers books scholar JSTOR February 2012 Learn how and when to remove this message The Irish Film Classification Office IFCO Irish Oifig Aicmithe Scannan na hEireann OASE is the organisation responsible for films television programmes and some video game classification and censorship within Ireland Where restrictions are placed by the IFCO they are legally binding Irish Film Classification OfficeOifig Aicmithe Scannan na hEireannFormation1923 101 years ago 1923 PurposeFilm ratingsHeadquartersDublin IrelandDirector of film classificationDr Ciaran KissaneWebsitewww wbr ifco wbr ie Prior to 21 July 2008 the office was branded as the Irish Film Censor s Office and was previously known as simply the Film Censor s Office or in legal references the office of the Official Censor of Films which was the official title of the head of the office prior to that date The head of the office is the Director of Film Classification Contents 1 Background 2 Staff 3 Certificates 3 1 Introduction and early history 3 2 Cinematic certificates 3 3 Home video certificates 3 4 Standard cinematic home video certification crossover 3 4 1 Home video 3 5 Video games 4 Appeals 4 1 Previous appeals excluding bans 5 Refusals and bans 6 Criticism 7 See also 8 References 9 Sources 10 External linksBackground edit nbsp 1965 envelope sent to local office of 20th Century Fox with certifying cachet of the Film Censor s Office The Irish Film Censor s Office was set up in 1923 under the Censorship of Films Act 1923 1 This law was amended in 1925 1930 1970 and 1992 and a substantial revision of the law occurred in the Video Recordings Act 1989 which extended the remit of the office to the regulation of the video importation and supply industry On 21 July 2008 the Civil Law Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2008 came into force Section 70 changes some of the provisions with regard censorship of films in the State Section 71 renames the Film Censor as the Director of Film Classification and consequent to this the Irish Film Censor s Office became the Irish Film Classification Office Staff editThe office consists of 21 staff members Acting Director of Film Classification George Sinclair Deputy Director Vacant 10 Assistant Classifiers Office Manager 6 Civil Servants from the Department of Justice 2 Projectionists The 10 assistant classifiers are paid 168 per day and are entitled to claim expenses on top of this According to a freedom of information request granted to the Irish edition of the Sunday Times the assistant classifiers claimed 306 683 in fees and 52 569 of expenses in 2007 339 608 in fees and 49 898 of expenses in 2008 and 162 263 in fees and 21 401 of expenses for the first half of 2009 This equates to a payment of approximately 60 per film rated 2 Certificates editIntroduction and early history edit Before 1965 there were no certificates and all films were tailored for a general audience resulting in several bans and cuts no doubt also due to extremely conservative societal standards As of 2004 2 500 theatrical films had been banned and about 11 000 cut largely from before the overhaul 3 Public controversy over the office s harsh methods came to a head in late 1964 in 1963 alone 31 films were rejected and 156 were cut 4 Critically acclaimed hits were no exception Dr Strangelove was cut including Ripper s reference to Communists trying to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids with fluoridated water and Irish shot medical drama Of Human Bondage was banned due to the heroine dying of syphilis 5 Even after the ban was overturned the following year 6 it still received an over 18 s certificate 7 with cuts 8 9 nude sculptures made by Auguste Rodin were removed from the background of the title sequence 10 In 1964 Brian Lenihan the newly appointed Minister for Justice met with the Cinema and Theatre Association in November to consider their views 11 and even proposed to view recently banned films including Of Human Bondage 12 13 On 28 November Lenihan announced he d be appointing a new Film Appeals Board and would be able to reform censorship without changing existing legislation 12 film correspondent Fergus Linehan pointed out that the 1923 Act explicitly supported age certification 5 If the Official Censor is of opinion that any picture in respect of which an application is made to him under this section is not fit for general exhibition in public but is fit for exhibition in public in certain places in Saorstat Eireann or under special conditions or in the presence of certain classes of persons he shall grant a certificate that such picture is fit for exhibition in public subject to such restrictions and conditions which shall be expressed on the certificate in regard to the places at which or the special conditions under which the picture may be exhibited or the classes of persons who may be admitted to an exhibition of the picture as in the opinion of the Official Censor are necessary to prevent the exhibition of the picture in public being subversive of public morality Censorship of Films Act 1923 Section 7 Part 3 Lenihan announced the new Appeals board in January 1965 which came into effect on 18 January 14 Their main task was to begin enforcing limited certificates alongside the general certificate 15 which were as follows according to the Appeals Board chairman 16 Over 16 Over 18 Young persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult Educational In addition Over 21s certificates were awarded to four films 17 including Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf 17 Alfie 17 and Marat Sade 18 Cinematic certificates edit nbsp An official cinema certificate from 1999 which would ve directly preceded the film 19 The current cinematic certificates were announced in December 2004 at the European Conference of Film Classifiers in Paris and introduced on 1 January 2005 20 In November 2005 a public campaign was launched to raise awareness of them including booklets posters stickers and an animated certificate produced by Brown Bag Films which drew attention to their relatively new website 21 22 23 24 G General Suitable for all PG Parental Guidance Suitable for children aged eight and older parents are advised to accompany younger children 12A Minimum age for admission is 12 but younger children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult 12PG between 1 June 2001 1 January 2005 15A Minimum age for admission is 15 but younger children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult 15PG between 1 June 2001 1 January 2005 16 Minimum age for admission is 16 younger viewers will not be admitted under any circumstance introduced on 1 January 2005 18 Minimum age for admission is 18 younger viewers will not be admitted under any circumstance nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Home video certificates edit These were introduced on 1 September 1994 25 G Fit for viewing by persons generally 12RA Fit for viewing by persons generally but in the case of a child under 12 years only in the company of a responsible adult 15 Fit for viewing by persons aged 15 or more 18 Fit for viewing by persons aged 18 or more From that date it was an offence to trade uncertified videos which carried fines of up to 1000 and a maximum sentence of three years 26 Additional rates came in at 180 per rental title 80 per sale title and 20 per advert trailer This limited the market especially for London distributors whose releases previously went to Ireland automatically 27 In 1996 the 12RA certificate was officially replaced by PG and 12 28 although releases still used it into the 2000s 29 The current certificates for home video formats such as DVD and Blu ray that are issued are G General Suitable for all PG Suitable for general viewing but parents are advised to watch with children younger than 12 years old 12 Suitable for people aged 12 and over and not to be supplied to someone below that age 15 Suitable for people aged 15 and over and not to be supplied to someone below that age 18 Suitable for people aged 18 and over and not to be supplied to someone below that age nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp A retired certificate only used on home video is 12RA no longer issued Not suitable for people aged younger than 12 unless they view with an adult and not to be supplied to someone below that age The RA stands for Responsible Adult Retired around 2003 officially replaced in 1996 30 29 nbsp Standard cinematic home video certification crossover edit This is the crossover or change in a certificate that will happen when a film which has been shown in cinemas is released on home video but this only applies if There is no extra material bonuses trailers etc which is not appropriate to the main feature and would cause it to receive a higher certificate The film has not been edited material taken out etc in a way which would cause the main feature to receive a lower certificate The standard crossovers are as follows Cinema certificate Home video certificate G G PG PG 12A 12 15A 15 16 15 18 18 18 Note The certificate 12RA did not have a corresponding cinematic certificate and thus did not have a standard crossover certain 12A films received the certificate before it was withdrawn in the mid 2000s If the two rules above apply to a film s home video release then generally it will be re rated completely but this does not mean certificates will always coincide for all formats as occasionally usually the DVD or Blu ray one edition will contain extra features while the other does not causing one to be re rated and the other to take a Standard Crossover for instance a film which received a 15A certificate in cinemas may have received a 15 certificate on VHS but an 18 certificate on DVD usually DVDs in these circumstances would carry a label on the reverse informing viewers of this Home video edit nbsp A censor s stamp on a 2004 DVD Until February 2009 the home video certificates were always the certificate surrounded by an octagon followed by the words FILM CENSOR S OFFICE and OIFIG SCRUDoIR NA SCANNAN which were then surrounded by another larger octagon The colours were cyan and white but the order they appear in varied Although the Office was renamed in July 2008 these continued to bear the old name until February 2009 when they were altered to read IRISH FILM CLASSIFICATION OFFICE and its Irish equivalent Video games edit Unlike the BBFC in the UK which prior to PEGI ratings becoming legally enforceable in the UK on 30 July 2012 rated video games that met certain criteria such as very graphic violence the Irish Film Censor s Office does not usually rate video games leaving ratings to PEGI unless the game s content is deemed prohibitable under section 3 1 of the Act IFCO ratings for video games were introduced in 2001 and retired in 2003 Although the Silent Hill Collection was released in 2006 it contained re releases of the second and third games which were rated and released in 2001 and 2003 respectively Only 9 games have ever been submitted to and rated by the IFCO Title Year Certificate Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty 31 2001 15 Silent Hill 2 31 2001 15 Grand Theft Auto Vice City 32 2002 18 Mafia 31 2002 15 Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance 31 2002 15 Grand Theft Auto III Xbox version 32 2003 18 Rockstar Games Double Pack Grand Theft Auto inc Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto Vice City 32 2003 18 Manhunt 32 2003 18 Max Payne 2 The Fall of Max Payne 31 2003 15 Silent Hill 3 32 2003 18 The Silent Hill Collection inc Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3 32 2006 18 overall Despite the lack of legally binding ratings most if not all video game retailers attempt to prohibit the sale of PEGI 18 rated games to people under the age of 18 and prior to PEGI ratings the same was done with BBFC 18 ratings on games the same packaging is usually used in games sold in Ireland as in the UK The only prohibition notice for a video game was issued for Manhunt 2 in 2007 33 Appeals editAll decisions made with regard to certification may be appealed for up to 6 months after the certificate is initially issued An appeal is issued to the Classification of Films Appeal Board Works may also be submitted for re classification after seven years since the original certification have passed not an appeal per se but rather seen as an update of classification based on current standards The most recent example of a failed appeal is The First Purge which received an 18 certificate for strong bloody violence sustained threat and disturbing scenes 34 The distributor Universal Pictures argued the case for a 16 certificate We would contend that the last two films in the franchise in particular are similar in tone and viscerality to the current film AThe First Purge is a thematic continuation of how a group of people must fight to survive a night of government sanctioned mayhem Similar to Anarchy and Election Year The First Purge features intensely depicted violence and some gory imagery but has contextual justification There are sustained scenes of threat in which the characters are terrorised by masked killers but the guidelines for a 16 classification on the IFCO suggest that strong horror and sustained threat may be acceptable in this category The violence is presented in an extremely stylised way in an equivalent manner to the earlier films in the franchise as well as similar titles like Atomic Blonde 16 John Wick 16 and John Wick Chapter 2 16 Direct correspondence between Universal Pictures and the IFCO A The Purge Anarchy and The Purge Election Year both received 16 certificates for frequent strong bloody violence disturbing sequences strong threat of sexual violence 35 and strong bloody violence throughout 36 respectively The distributor also mentioned the film s 15 certificate in the UK 37 which is consistent throughout the franchise 38 After first being viewed on 15 June it was re viewed on 21 June when the Appeal Board stuck by the original decision Ger Connolly wrote back explaining the decision in greater detail This is the fourth film of this particular franchise As can sometimes be the case with long running horror franchises in evolution they become more violent and explicit to maintain the interest of their audience This is in my opinion the case with The Purge series of films The first instalment essentially a home invasion thriller was classified 15A The next two The Purge Anarchy and The Purge Election Year broadened out the story and intensified in terms of body count and the graphic way in which some of the violence was depicted Both were classified 16 on cinema release The Purge Election Year was classified 18 on DVD release In most cases films classified 16 theatrically are classified 15 on DVD release This classification is more restrictive than 15A In rarer cases the DVD classification is increased to 18 to reflect the level of content The First Purge intensifies the extremely graphic violence the violence here is brutal and sustained It also contained a scene of sexual assault as well as scenes of very overt brutal racist violence against African Americans with the attackers in full Ku Klux Klan regalia These were not present in the other instalments I suggest that the context here is not sufficient to warrant a 16 classification due to the extremely brutal and frenzied acts of violence combined with racial hatred and that The First Purge is appropriately classified at 18 Ger Connolly in direct correspondence with Universal Pictures 39 Previous appeals excluding bans edit Year Title Original certificate Content guidance Details Appeal results Revised certificate Current certificate 1989 The Karate Kid Part III 15 Very very violent and an evil influence for young audiences according to head censor Sheamus Smith A spokesperson for Columbia TriStar said The first two Karate Kid films had under 12 certificates here and the new one has similar certificates in Britain and America The films are very popular with young audiences The appeal viewing took place on 26 July and the decision which was decided by a 4 1 ratio pushed the release date back from mid July to 4 August 40 Upheld Under 12 s accompanied PG 41 1989 Ghostbusters II Under 12 s accompanied Columbia Tri Star requested a General certificate 42 Failed PG 43 1990 Look Who s Talking 15 Smith objected to the opening showing sperm swimming in a womb followed by the mother disclosing an affair with her married boss and that she was artificially inseminated The appeal viewing took place on 26 January 42 Upheld Under 12 s accompanied 15 44 1990 Gremlins 2 The New Batch 15 Smith objected to the violence including a gremlin being killed when pushed into a paper shredder 45 Failed 12 46 1990 Rocky V 15 Smith objected to the extreme violence of the final street fight UIP requested an Under 12 s accompanied certificate and the decision was made unanimously 47 Failed 15 48 1991 Thelma amp Louise 18 Due to frequent violence 49 Failed 15 50 1991 Dead Again 18 51 52 Upheld 15 18 53 1991 Toy Soldiers 18 Viewed twice by the Appeal Board 54 Upheld 15 15 55 1991 Boyz n the Hood 18 52 Failed 18 56 1992 Wayne s World 15 Had to release as a 15 because the new Appeals Board hadn t been appointed at the time As soon as they were it was submitted for review 57 58 Upheld Under 12 s accompanied PG 59 1994 Heaven amp Earth 18 After the uncut version received an 18 certificate Warner Bros submitted the cut British version and although Smith initially gave it an 18 too his decision was overturned The appeal viewing took place on 16 February 60 61 The British version was cut by 55s to reduce scenes of torture and sexual violence involving a female prisoner which left the emphasis on the tragic implications rather than the infliction of pain and degradation and lowered the certificate from 18 to 15 62 Upheld 15 18 cut British version 63 1994 Blown Away 18 Due to violence The appeal viewing took place on 10 August 61 Failed 18 18 64 1996 Some Mother s Son 18 65 Upheld 15 15 66 1999 Wild Wild West 15 67 Upheld 12 12 68 2004 Closer 18 69 Intense explicit sexual dialogue strong language mild nudity Failed 70 2008 The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian 12A 71 Sustained battle sequences with killing and injury which while not gory may still upset younger viewers Upheld PG 2008 Inkheart 12A 72 Moderate threat frights and scary fantasy violence some of which may disturb younger children Failed 73 2009 Watchmen 18 72 Contains strong visceral hyper realistic violence including one brutal sexual assault Upheld 16 2009 Orphan 18 74 Disturbing theme and content depicted with underlying menace Strong gory horror violence Upheld 16 2009 Law Abiding Citizen 18 75 Vengeance thriller with strong brutal sadistic bloody violence Upheld 16 2009 The Lovely Bones 15A 76 Child abduction and murder Strong scenes of violence and its aftermath Upheld 12A 2010 The Hole 15A 76 Horror involved with confronting fear Failed 77 2012 ParaNorman 12A 78 Frequent moderate frightening scenes Upheld PG 2012 Lawless 18 79 Brutal gory violence Upheld 16 2012 Taken 2 15A 80 Sustained strong violence and sequences of intense threat Upheld 12A 2013 Safe Haven 15A 81 Scenes of strong spousal violence Brief moderate sex scene Upheld 12A 2017 Free Fire 18 82 Relentless bloody violence Strong drugs use Failed 2018 The First Purge 18 83 Strong bloody violence sustained threat and disturbing scenes Failed 2018 Bumblebee 12A 84 Moderate violence Failed 2019 Mid90s 18 85 Strong drugs use Disturbing scenes and situations Strong sex references Upheld 16 2019 Downton Abbey 12A 86 Brief homophobic reference Upheld PGRefusals and bans editFilms may be refused a certificate e g on grounds of obscenity Such films may not be shown in public cinemas or sold in shops but are not ipso facto banned and have been shown at film festivals and art house clubs such as the Irish Film Theatre and Irish Film Institute These may also show films which have not been submitted for certification as the submission fee may be prohibitive if a film is screened only a few times at a small venue Prohibitions and revocations with justification are listed in the official gazette Iris Oifigiuil under the headings of PROHIBITION ORDER and REVOCATION ORDER Despite the recommendations in the 2000 review of certification that no further films be banned bans are still occasionally issued although usually overturned on appeal Boy Eats Girl a 2005 movie was initially banned with the option of a cut being provided to the producers On appeal the film was passed uncut and granted a 15A rating 87 although the video certificate was raised to 18 88 Movies which are never submitted for cinema release in Ireland are occasionally banned on attempted video releases although only one such order was made in 2004 banning the pornographic Anabolic Initiations 5 with the appeals board upholding the censor s order One order was issued in 2005 reiterating the ban on Deep Throat The only order in 2006 banned the pornographic film Steal Runaway For a complete list of banned films see Film censorship in the Republic of Ireland Notable banned or cut filmsCriticism editThis section needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Irish Film Classification Office news newspapers books scholar JSTOR November 2019 Learn how and when to remove this message Like many systems of entertainment classification the IFCO has received criticism for several decisions they have made in the past The board has been described as too zealous and conservative Many titles that receive 15 certificates from the BBFC are rated 18 by the IFCO DVD examples include Kick Ass 89 and Black Swan 90 Rarer cinema examples which bypass the 16 rating include Free Fire 82 and You Were Never Really Here 91 However the IFCO are more lenient with strong language than the BBFC are especially with very strong language e g cunt Examples include Frost Nixon and The Visitor receiving 15 certificates in the UK 92 93 but PG s in Ireland 94 95 despite the use of the stronger term motherfucker and Gone Girl receiving an 18 in the UK 96 but a 15 on video in Ireland 97 despite four aggressive uses of cunt The 2014 documentary Red Army received a 15 in the UK 98 but a 12A in Ireland 99 for a single use of cocksucker although the video rating was upgraded to 15 100 Three titles in particular drew criticism of the board Election 101 But I m a Cheerleader 102 and Brokeback Mountain 103 All three were rated 18 in Ireland and 15 in the UK although Brokeback Mountain was rated 16 for cinema release because the system is different than for video releases it was only an 18 on video But I m a Cheerleader was re rated 15 in 2021 104 The IFCO is established on a statutory basis and thus the appeals procedure is final Where a film or video game is banned there can be no further appeal but the work may be resubmitted after seven years See also editBritish Board of Film Classification the equivalent body to the IFCO in the United Kingdom Censorship in the Republic of Ireland Film censorship in the Republic of Ireland Television content rating systemsReferences edit Censorship of Films Act 1923 s 1 Establishment of office of Official Censor of Films No 23 of 1923 s 1 Enacted on 16 July 1923 Act of the Oireachtas Retrieved from Irish Statute Book Coyle Colin 10 January 2010 Ex politicians paid 40 000 to watch films Sunday Times Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 26 November 2014 Rockett Kevin Irish film censorship an outline account PDF Irish Film Classification Office Archived PDF from the original on 8 May 2018 Retrieved 8 March 2018 Censorship of films The Irish Times 11 February 1964 a b End of thaw in film censorship Too few limited showings The Irish Times 21 November 1964 Film censor responsible The Irish Times 12 March 1965 O Brien E C 26 March 1965 Letters to the editor Film censorship The Irish Times Cassidy J 13 January 1966 Letters to the Editor Cinema 65 The Irish Times Linehan Fergus 7 February 1966 Censorship again The Irish Times Keenan Patrick 31 March 1965 Letters to the Editor Rodin Out The Irish Times Protest over severe film censorship The Irish Times 28 November 1964 a b Lenihan intervenes in film censorship Will see banned films The Irish Times 30 November 1964 Minister to see banned film The Irish Times 4 December 1964 Films appeal board announced The Irish Times 9 January 1965 Flynn Roderick Brereton Patrick 30 July 2007 Historical Dictionary of Irish Cinema Scarecrow Press p 53 ISBN 978 0810855571 Maguire Conor P 12 October 1966 Film censorship in Ireland Appeals chairman s views The Irish Times a b c Rockett 2004 pp 200 203 Cinemas The Irish Times 16 October 1967 p 9 col 1 Retrieved 27 March 2024 International 6 25 and 8 45 Marat Sade Over 21s The World Is Not Enough Archived 27 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine The Prop Store Retrieved 21 October 2020 Dwyer Michael Censor s changes to film certs The Irish Times Archived from the original on 26 September 2018 Retrieved 26 September 2018 News from IFCO Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 26 February 2019 Retrieved 9 February 2019 Animated film certificate to raise ratings awareness Breaking News 15 November 2005 Archived from the original on 10 February 2019 Retrieved 9 February 2019 Film Censor Launches Awareness Campaign IFTN 16 November 2005 Archived from the original on 1 February 2021 Retrieved 7 June 2020 Newsletter 19th November 2005 superannrte ie Archived from the original on 10 February 2019 Retrieved 9 February 2019 Video Recordings Act 1989 Supply Certificate and Labelling Regulations 1994 S I No 134 of 1994 Signed on 12 May 1994 Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland Archived from the original on 9 February 2019 Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 9 February 2019 New labels to show video s suitability The Irish Times 31 August 1994 Foley Michael 27 February 1995 Additional cost limits Ireland s video choice The Irish Times Video Recordings Act 1989 Supply Certificate and Labelling Amendment Regulations 1996 S I No 407 of 1996 Signed on 20 December 1996 Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland Archived from the original on 9 February 2019 Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 9 February 2019 a b Filmogs The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Archived from the original on 1 October 2018 Retrieved 9 February 2019 1686 Film Censors Report 2003 PDF 15 March 2016 Archived from the original PDF on 15 March 2016 a b c d e IFCO Rating 15 Moby Games Archived from the original on 8 March 2018 Retrieved 8 March 2018 a b c d e f IFCO Rating 18 Moby Games Archived from the original on 8 March 2018 Retrieved 8 March 2018 Manhunt 2 video game prohibited Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 20 November 2007 Retrieved 19 June 2007 http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 671B1E91BB983227802582C100301FF2 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 22C5B19D8795AF0180257D0A004CFC3F OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 0CF88647F7AE23F680257FE700504C41 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link THE FIRST PURGE British Board of Film Classification bbfc co uk Archived from the original on 10 November 2019 Retrieved 10 November 2019 Search for releases British Board of Film Classification bbfc co uk Archived from the original on 10 November 2019 Retrieved 10 November 2019 Barry Aoife 16 September 2018 Appeal after brutal and frenzied violence leads to film getting 18 rating TheJournal ie Archived from the original on 10 November 2019 Retrieved 10 November 2019 Dwyer Michael 28 July 1989 Censor gets black eye as Karate Kid passes The Irish Times The Karate Kid Part III BBFC PG IFCO PG Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 15 October 2019 a b Dwyer Michael 2 February 1990 Censorship and certification The Irish Times Ghostbusters II BBFC PG IFCO PG Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Look Who s Talking BBFC 12 IFCO 15 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 27 July 1990 Gremlins lose target audience The Irish Times Gremlins 2 The New Batch BBFC 12 IFCO 12 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 27 July 1990 Censor s ruling on Rocky upheld The Irish Times Rocky V BBFC PG IFCO 15 Imgur Archived from the original on 17 December 2021 Retrieved 11 July 2020 Dwyer Michael 25 July 1991 Over 18 rating for Thelma and Louise The Irish Times Thelma amp Louise BBFC 15 IFCO 15 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 27 September 1991 More work for Appeals Board The Irish Times a b Dwyer Michael 25 October 1991 Branagh does it right again The Irish Times Dead Again BBFC 15 IFCO 18 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 11 October 1991 Such stuff as dreams are made on The Irish Times Toy Soldiers BBFC 15 IFCO 15 Imgur Boyz n the Hood BBFC 15 IFCO 18 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 27 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 24 July 1992 Reel news Funds for five films The Irish Times Dwyer Michael 31 December 1992 Reel news A year to savour in the cinema The Irish Times Wayne s World BBFC PG IFCO PG Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 27 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 18 February 1994 Reel News The Irish Times a b Dwyer Michael 12 August 1994 Over 18 cert for film about Irish bomber The Irish Times Classification Films BBFC Annual Report 1994 95 1994 Heaven amp Earth BBFC 15 IFCO 18 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 27 October 2019 Blown Away BBFC 15 IFCO 18 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 27 October 2019 Dwyer Michael 19 September 1996 Display of film poster restricted The Irish Times Some Mother s Son BBFC 15 IFCO 15 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 27 October 2019 Smith Sheamus 22 September 1999 A movie every day and even the bad ones are fascinating The Irish Times Wild Wild West BBFC 12 IFCO 12 Imgur Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 27 October 2019 http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm E70AFE87161ED2FB80256F8C005899A9 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link Closer Row Rumbles Between Tristar amp Film Censor iftn ie 14 December 2004 Archived from the original on 27 September 2018 Retrieved 26 September 2018 http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm F093FD3073E7AF4480257455003FCED9 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link a b http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 413D9CEF6CF37BDA802574F2004411F0 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link Annual Report Of The Director Of Film Classification 2008 PDF Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original PDF on 14 November 2017 Retrieved 26 September 2018 http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 6A6057FCDBD54933802575FC004B7007 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 51AFE30C4707B4A880257658005505BB OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link a b http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 431581A47525D73A80257687005BCE70 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie ifco ifcoweb nsf lookupreports2 2C9A1587B1BD8C4780257B80003E4C87 File Annual 20Report 202010 20English pdf openelement Archived 26 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 3DB64B26DE08E91C80257A5C0044053E OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 7F017C0A48BE047B80257A5A004C9920 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 02DC8511B166022580257A780049484B OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link http www ifco ie website IFCO ifcoweb nsf SearchViewFilm 6EF6C4C606D0BD7E80257B0F005031C0 OpenDocument amp OpenUp True dead link a b Free Fire 2017 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 May 2019 Retrieved 31 May 2019 The First Purge 2018 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 May 2019 Retrieved 31 May 2019 Bumblebee 2018 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 May 2019 Retrieved 31 May 2019 Mid90s 2019 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 May 2019 Retrieved 31 May 2019 Downton Abbey 2019 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 6 September 2019 Retrieved 6 September 2019 Clarke Donald Boy will get to eat girl after all The Irish Times Archived from the original on 19 December 2021 Retrieved 26 September 2018 Annual Report of the Official Censor of Films for 2005 PDF Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original PDF on 14 November 2017 Retrieved 26 September 2018 Kick Ass 2010 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 Black Swan 2011 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 You Were Never Really Here 2018 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 FROST NIXON British Board of Film Classification Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 THE VISITOR British Board of Film Classification bbfc co uk Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 Frost Nixon 2009 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 Visitor The 2008 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 GONE GIRL British Board of Film Classification bbfc co uk Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 Gone Girl 2014 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 RED ARMY British Board of Film Classification bbfc co uk Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 Red Army 2015 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 Red Army 2015 Irish Film Classification Office Archived from the original on 31 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 https i ebayimg com images g 8QYAAOSwfAtgpTgq s l1600 jpg bare URL image file https i ebayimg com images g KC0AAOSwyj5hZw3F s l1600 jpg bare URL image file https i ebayimg com images g 6f0AAOSw7qdhgT5J s l1600 jpg bare URL image file But I m a Cheerleader Director s Cut 2021 Irish Film Classification Office Sources editMcKittrick David 6 March 2008 Confessions of an Irish censor why Clark Gable Casablanca and Cliff got the chop The Independent Retrieved 14 December 2016 Rockett Kevin 2004 Irish film censorship a cultural journey from silent cinema to internet pornography Dublin Four Courts Press ISBN 1 85182 844 3 External links editOfficial website nbsp Irish Film Censors Records searchable calendar at Trinity College Dublin mostly from period 1923 38 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Irish Film Classification Office amp oldid 1216185222, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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