Archived case studies
In this section you will find case studies shifted here to make room for new studies on the main page.
Films
The Passion of the Christ (R15), 2004
Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ was a hugely controversial depiction of the death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many people wrote to the Classification Office, even before the film had arrived, expressing their views on how it should be classified.
Happy Feet (PG), 2007
The scary scenes in Happy Feet warranted a change of classification from G to PG.
Land of the Lost (M), 2009
After receiving complaints from members of the public about Land of the Lost's PG rating, the Chief Censor decided to call it in for classification.
Saving Private Ryan (R15), 1999
The Film and Literature Board of Review lowered the classification of Saving Private Ryan from R16 to R15.
The Grudge (R16), 1999
After receiving complaints from members of the public about The Grudge, the Chief Censor called it in for examination.
8 Mile (R13), 2002
The distributor of 8 Mile appealed the classification decision to the Film and Literature Board of Review.
Games
Canis Canem Edit: Bully (R13), 2006
Before its arrival in New Zealand, there was already public concern that this game, Canis Canem Edit: Bully, would promote violence and bullying.
More on Canis Canem Edit: Bully
Disaster: Day of Crisis (R13), 2009
This video game was submitted to the Office for classification by the Department of Internal Affairs after concerns were raised that the unrestricted M rating from Australia did not match New Zealand's classification standards.
Music CD/DVD: 50 Cent: The Massacre (R16), 2006
50 Cent: The Massacre was submitted by the Inspectors of Publications at the Censorship Compliance Unit after a complaint about the sexual and violent nature of the lyrics.
