You've seen them at the entrance to movie theatres, in the media, and on the labels of the videos you rent or buy. But do you know exactly how and why films are classified in Québec?

Because forewarned is forearmed — especially when it comes to children — the Régie du cinéma invites you to find the answers to the above question in this text, which will allow you to make informed viewing choices.

Since the mid 1960s, censorship is no longer practised in Québec. The Régie du cinéma does not, therefore, cut any material from films. Instead, it classifies them according to age groups. This system better meets the needs ot our society, protecting young people while ensuring the widest possible access to cinema. The ratings also provide the public with information that can help one decide what films to see.

Overall, films are judged according to general trends in Québec society and in such a way as to be in keeping with the rules of public order. However, when the Régie believes that a film presents a real danger to the public good, especially in terms of obscenity, it reserves the right to refuse classification. In such cases, the showing, sale and rental of the film are prohibited.

Classifiers analyse films as objectively as possible, taking into account both the subject and the treatment.

Themes analysed

violence sexuality controversial issues or subjects (suicide, drugs, incest, disturbing situations, etc.) attacks on persons psychopathological behaviour

Treatment of the themes

images that may be disturbing to young viewers impact of the editing, sound and special effects emphasis on certain unpleasant details type of language used overall tone of the film

The Régie du cinéma is constantly striving to keep track of the ever evolving social consensus, a primary consideration in film classification.

Therefore it takes into account social concerns; it follows the evolution of public opinion on alll matters that can enlighten its decision-making process. It aiso calls on experts for issues that require specialised advice.

The Régie keeps abreast of all new cinematographic developments and it judges the works it receives for classification according to the realities of Québec. It aiso remains informed of the decisions of other similar agencies in North America and elsewhere in the world.

The Régie du cinéma may refuse to classify certain films. These cases, which are quite rare, involve films deemed to interfere with public order. They are usually based on an undue exploitation of sexuality, presented in a context of non-fictional violence, cruelty and dehumanization of the protagonists. It is considered that such exploitation is beyond the threshold of tolerance of contemporary Québec society, and that the film cannot be made public in this form.

Motifs de refus de classement des films dits de sexploitation à la Régie du cinéma

The ratings are sometimes accompanied by specific information pieces which specify the dominant characteristic of the film. These may prove quite useful when the classification alone does not provide sufficient information.

Associated with a "Visa général" rating, this indication means that the film is particularly suitable for young chiidren.

Associated with a "Visa général" rating, this indication warns that the film may be disturbing to children under eight years of age.

Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over," "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication means that the film contains coarse or obscene language.

Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over", "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication specifies that the film contains enough visual elements pertaining to sexuality to make this one of its dominant characteristics.

Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over", "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication means that violence is one of the dominant aspects of the film.

Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over", "16 years and over", or "18 years and over." This indication warns that the film is strongly characterized by scenes aimed at provoking disgust, repulsion or fear, such as those showing mutilated bodies.

Only accompanies the classification of "18 years and over." This indication signifies that the film essentially contains scenes of real and explicit sexual activity. In the retail video industry, the presence of this indication requires the storeowner to place the film in a room reserved for adults.

...Film classification reflects what is seen on the screen, not what is imagined or thought.

The Régie du cinéma's classification is often accompanied by those of other agencies, such as the Canadian Film and Home Video Industry (CHV) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). These two agencies represent the movie and video industries in Canada and the United States. The classification that has the force of law in Québec is, of course, the one from the Régie du cinéma. Nevertheless, in order to avoid confusion, the following is a short presentation of the two other systems that are most commonly seen.

In the United States, there is no law governing the classification of films, and when a rating does appear on a product, viewers are free to disregard it. MPAA classifications are divided into five categories: