Yesterday, the BBFC announced that The Hunger Games would be released in the United Kingdom with a 12A certificate, mirroring the decision of the Irish Board of Classification, and similar to the PG-13 rating that the film received in America. However, it has now been revealed that the low rating was only achieved through cuts to several scenes…

We told you about the rating announcement yesterday, and now we can bring you details of the cuts that were made to the final film. The BBFC website states that:

This work was cut. The cut(s) were made at the request of the distributor to achieve a particular category. To obtain this category cuts of 0m 7s were required., some or all of these cuts were substitutions.
The company chose to make cuts in order to achieve a ’12A’ classification. A number of cuts were made in one scene to reduce an emphasis on blood and injury. These cuts, which were implemented by digitally removing sight of blood splashes and sight of blood on wounds and weapons, were made in accordance with BBFC Guidelines and policy. An uncut ’15’ classification was available. These cuts were made in addition to reductions already made following an earlier ‘advice’ viewing of an incomplete version.

This work was originally seen for advice in an unfinished form. The company was advised that the film was likely to receive a ’15’ certificate but that their preferred ’12A’ classification could be achieved by making a number of cuts and visual reductions. When the finished version of the film was submitted for formal classification, cuts had been made in four scenes of violence and in one scene showing details of injuries. These reductions were implemented by a mixture of visual cuts, visual darkenings and the digital removal of sight of blood. In addition to the reductions already made during the ‘advice’ process, the Board required further reductions in one scene following formal submission of the finished feature (see cuts details above).

So, it seems Lionsgate was willing to reduce the emphasis on violence in order to secure a more accessible 12A rating.

Do you think the cuts could have a negative impact on some of the pivotal scenes of the film? Do you wish the film was released uncut, with a 15 certificate? Or are you glad that
The Hunger Games secured a 12A? Let us know in the comments below!