Urumqi rating raises questions on national film policy

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"I fully understand their motive is good," says Zhang Baiqing, head of China Film Critics Society and a member of the movie censorship committee under the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

"However, the move is not recommendable because their ratings are not scientific. If each theater has its own criteria to label movies unsuitable for children, there will be chaos."

He says it is likely that ratings will lead to some losses at the box office, but it will possibly be used as a marketing tool as well.

"If you randomly label a movie as 'unsuitable for children', some people will naturally think the movie has elements of sex or violence, and will probably go to the cinema out of curiosity. You are not losing money at all."

Zhang says movie censorship is only a temporary measure until a uniform national rating system is put in place.

He speculates that the lack of promotion of the policy is based on decision-makers' concern that many "unhealthy" movies will pour into the cinemas via legitimate channels.

"Personally, I strongly support the establishment of a film rating system. However, we need an authoritative standard. Or, I would rather we didn't have one at all."

Personally, I strongly support the establishment of a film rating system. However, we need an authoritative standard. Or, I would rather we didn't have one at all."