Then the distributor has the option of asking what cuts would be needed to get a softer certificate.
The decision rests with the distribution company concerned.
Sadly, as disliked as this practice is, it is commercially effective as a rule.
But now its 007s turn to step into the limelight.
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The latest James Bond adventure,Spectre, also went through this process.
Two recommended snips later, andSpectreis being released this week in the UK with a 12A sticker on it.
By the letter of things, thats true.
And its be fair to say thatSpectrevery much falls into that category.
Spectrehas been given its 12A for moderate violence, threat, and Id argue thats some understatement.
In fact, both of those sequences could have done.
Yet theyre both intense, excellently shot, and chilling.
It is important though that 12A is still 12 at heart.
Furthermore, nobody is suggesting thatSpectreis a childrens film.
Yet thats not the argument, really.
Because 12A means, in the cold light of things, almost universal access.
It uses this too to in part justify how its arrived at its decision.
I might be wrong, but I suspectSpectres 12A certificate may yet cause something of a backlash.
Just in time forThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2in a few weeks time.
