Film case study - Paranormal Activity

Rating changed

Complaints lead to rating change from M to R16.

Paranormal Activity originally came into New Zealand with an unrestricted rating of 'M' and the descriptive note 'contains offensive language'. It had received its rating through the cross-rating process based on the M-rating it had been given in Australia.

Find out more about the cross-rating process

After complaints from members of the public, the Chief Censor called the film in to be classified by the New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification. As a result, the film was classified 'R16: contains horror scenes and offensive language'. This classification also applies to the DVD version of the film.

The plot

The film is presented as 'real footage'.

Micah and Katie, a couple living in a suburban house, become increasingly disturbed by a demonic presence in their home. Micah, a sceptic, decides to run a video camera to capture the demon's activity while they sleep. The activity becomes more frequent and aggressive, and Katie's nocturnal behaviour begins to change.

The film footage comes from hand-held digital cameras (appearing to be shot by Micah or Katie) and the surveillance cameras set up by Micah. This style of filming is called 'found footage' and is often used in horror films.

The film was advertised as one of the scariest of all time. In countries around the world there were reports of people collapsing at cinemas from fear either during or after watching the film.

Article from stuff.co.nz - Paranormal Activity too scary for Italians

Complaints

Members of the public complained to the Classification Office about Paranormal Activity's unrestricted rating. They felt that the film was very frightening and contained highly disturbing themes. One complainant said that her 13-year-old son was extremely disturbed after watching the film.

As a result of the complaints, the Chief Censor decided to call the film in.

Under section 13 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act, the Chief Censor can decide to classify a publication that hasn't previously been seen by the Classification Office, such as a cross-rated film. A copy of the film was sent to the Classification Office to be examined and classified using the criteria set out in section 3 of the Classification Act.

Classification considerations

Paranormal Activity is not your typical horror film.

There is not a lot of blood or violence in this film. Instead, the film-makers use simple but effective techniques to build the sense of fear and tension as the film progresses. A lot of the 'horrific' action happens off screen - the audience experiences what is going on by hearing it and by seeing the characters' reactions.

Classification Office decision

The Classification Office decided the film required a restriction.

After viewing the film and applying the classification criteria, an R16 classification was assigned to the film. In the summary of reasons for the decision, the Classification Office noted that:

The images of horror, the sinister supernatural themes, and the tension and realistic fear the characters experience in the film are likely to be greatly shocking and disturbing to younger teenagers and children.

Although deliberately designed to scare and disturb all viewers, adults and older teenagers will be more likely to be able to put the images and themes of the film into context. Children and young teenagers, on the other hand, are likely to sustain lasting damage from seeing films like this, including nightmares and persistent upsetting thoughts. Therefore, the film is restricted to persons who have attained the age of 16 years.

Classification Office's R16 classification decision for Paranormal Activity (PDF, 162KB)

Want to find out more about the classification of horror films? Check out our Horror genre case study

127 Hours

RP16: graphic content may disturb.
20th Century Fox Film Distribution disagreed with the 'R16 content that may disturb' classification given to the film by the Classification Office and applied to have the decision reviewed. Find out more about 127 Hours

8 Mile

R13: contains violence, offensive language, drug use, and sex scenes.
Initially classified as R16 due to the violent and sexual material, and the depictions of drug use. On appeal by United Pictures this was reviewed and re-classified by the Board of Review.  Find out more about 8 Mile

Disney's A Christmas Carol

M: contains content that may disturb.
Originally cross-rated PG, we received complaints from parents that their children were frightened by the film. They asked the Chief Censor for permission to have the film assessed using our criteria. Find out more about Disney's A Christmas Carol

Happy Feet

PG: some scenes may scare very young children.
Originally cross-rated G, we received complaints from parents that their young children were frightened by the film. As a result, the Chief Censor called the film in to be examined by the Classification Office. Find out more about Happy Feet

Land of the Lost

M: contains offensive language and sexual references.
This film had received its PG rating through the cross-rating process. After complaints from the public, the Chief Censor called the film in to be classified. Find out more about Land of the Lost

Matariki

RP13: contains violence, drug use and offensive language.
The unusual RP classification is used where a film presents ideas or issues that could challenge younger viewers but might still be valuable to them if they have support while watching. Find out more about Matariki

Once Were Warriors

R13: contains violence and offensive language (film).
RP16: contains graphic violence (video).
Different versions of the film have different classifications as the law changed between the release of the film and the subsequent video. Find out more about Once Were Warriors

Out of the Blue

R15: contains violence and content that may disturb.
The film is about the massacre of 13 people at Aramoana - a tragic event in New Zealand's history - and this depiction of real life events required special consideration by the Classification Office. Find out more about Out of the Blue

Paul

R13: contains violence, offensive language and sexual references.
The "highly offensive language, much of it sexual in nature" in the film contributed to the R13 classification, as did the film's "crassly homophobic sentiments". Find out more about Paul

Saving Private Ryan

R15: depicts graphic and realistic war scenes.
This film generated much debate and became a benchmark for NZ film classification. It contains depictions of serious physical harm which are lengthy, frequent, and of a very graphic nature. Find out more about Saving Private Ryan

Slumdog Millionaire

R13: contains violence and offensive language (film).
R16: contains violence, offensive language and content that may disturb (Blu-ray).
The Blu-ray edition has a higher rating as it also includes a short film, Manjha, that has the theme of sexual abuse.
Find out more about Slumdog Millionaire

The Grudge

R16: contains horror scenes.
Members of the public raised concerns about the M rating on the film as anyone, including young children, could potentially watch it. They felt  an age restriction would be more appropriate. The Chief Censor called it in for examination. Find out more about The Grudge

The Passion of the Christ

R15: prolonged sequences of brutal violence, torture and cruelty.
The Office was inundated with letters of complaint and support over its R16 classification, which had included public consultation. On appeal, it was re-classified by the Board of Review. Find out more about The Passion of the Christ

The Princess and the Frog

PG: some scenes may scare very young children.
This G-rated film was called in for classification by the Chief Censor after a number of complaints from parents that their children found the movie frightening and upsetting. Find out more about The Princess and the Frog