R18 rating stuns film community

By PETER CALDER

A new New Zealand movie has been slapped with an R18 rating by censors concerned that its characters drink too much and alarmed by a scene in which a gas cylinder is placed on a bonfire.

The decision has stunned the film's makers, who have appealed against the rating. They say it is out of step with public opinion.

The comedy film, Savage Honeymoon, which opens on March 16, depicts a weekend in the life of a family of "Westies" [West Aucklanders].

The Office of Film and Literature Classification decision takes special exception to "anti-social behaviour, including conspicuous and substantial consumption of alcohol."

"The behaviour of the characters in the film while under the influence of alcohol is commonly presented as comic," says the decision.

"However, actions such as placing a gas cylinder on a bonfire where it could explode ... is extremely foolhardy. Yet it is likely to have an appeal to audiences as a stunt to try."

Ruth Harley, chief executive of the Film Commission, which provided most of the film's finance, said the decision suggested a failure of the sense of humour in the censor's office. "I think the decision is mind-bending. This is a comedy. Comedies are almost always about sacred cows."

She said that TVNZ, which contributed $80,000, planned to screen it in prime time.

The film received an MA rating in Australia, which requires patrons under the age of 15 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The film's writer and director, Mark Beesley, said the R18 rating would encourage patrons to expect something "really heavy."

"But I created a family movie. It's a bit rude, a bit gritty and there's a bit of bad language in it, but it really has a soft heart."

Chief censor Bill Hastings said the decision noted that the approach was comic but legislation did not distinguish between comedy and drama. It focused on the manner in which the content - the irresponsible use of alcohol - was presented. The gas bottle scene was "highly unrealistic but highly imitable."

The appeal will be heard on February 21.