Near Dark is a 1987 USA horror thriller by Kathryn Bigelow. With Adrian Pasdar, Jenny
Wright and Lance Henriksen.
Passed 18 uncut by the BBFC for cinema release but was cut for VHS. The cuts were waived for DVD. Uncut in the US
Summary Notes
A young man reluctantly joins a travelling
"family" of evil vampires, when the girl he'd tried to seduce is part of that group.
This is a masterpiece of a film from director Kathryn Bigelow. It has been described by Ms Bigelow as a
story of two families, a daylight family and a night family; others have called it a cross between a horror film, an action film and a western. It is a recorded fact that Ms Bigelow had wanted to make a western, but because westerns weren't popular at
the time, it was decided to turn it into a horror film with a basic western feel.
This film is thoroughly enjoyable. One of the greatest vampire movies ever, though interestingly the term vampire is never used in the film
itself.
Diamondback opening and closing a butterfly knife repeatedly before slitting the barmaid's throat
Jesse and Severen putting the barman's body on the bar and smashing bottles of spirits over and around him to fuel the fire while Severen quips
Hey, bartender salad.
Necromancer is a 1988 USA horror by Dusty Nelson Starring Elizabeth Kaitan, John Tyler and Rhonda Dorton
Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated VHS in 1989. The BBFC cuts were waived for 18
rated DVD in 2012. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.
Summary Notes
Julie, a college student, is sexually assaulted by two fellow students. Desperate for revenge, she makes contact
with a necromancer, who begins using her demonic powers to get rid of any guy Julie hates.
Definitely a B movie but plenty of reviewers have enjoyed the film on these terms.
Versions
uncut
run:
88:31s
pal:
84:59s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong violence and
sexual violence with previous cuts waived for:
UK: The Unrated Director's Cut was passed 18 after 19s of BBFC cuts for:
2011 High Fliers video
The BBFC commented:
Cuts required to remove sexualised focus on the torture and sexual assault of a man by inserting a urethral sound into his semi-erect penis causing severe bleeding. Cuts made in line with BBFC Guidelines and policy, and the
Video Recordings Act 1984. [notably not mentioning the Dangerous Pictures Act]
NEKromantik is a 1987 West Germany horror by Jörg Buttgereit. With
Bernd Daktari Lorenz, Beatrice Manowski and Harald Lundt.
Not released in the UK for fear of censorship from 1987-2014. Passed 18 uncut for DVD in May 2014.
Summary Notes:
A German motorway cleaner takes rotting bodies home to a lover who has a necrophilia fetish. This involves the skinning of a rabbit, use of a metal pipe in conjunction with a condom, nudity, and graphic sexual scenes with dead bodies.
Versions
Original Version
run:
74:07s
pal:
71:09s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sex, bloody
violence, sexual violence, necrophilia for:
2020 Arrow Love & Death Special Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad
2015
Arrow Video RB Blu-ray/R2 DVD Combo at UK Amazon
2014 Arrow
Video RB Blu-ray/R2 DVD Combo at UK Amazon
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2016 Cult Epics [Sex Murder Art] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon
NEKromantik 2 is a 1991 Germany horror by Jörg Buttgereit. Starring Monika M, Mark Reeder and Lena Braun.
Not released in the UK for fear of censorship from 1991-2015. Passed 18
uncut for DVD in August 2015. There also exists an extended version that has restored deleted scenes.
Summary Review: Dead Shy
A female nurse desperately tries to hide her feelings of necrophilia from
her new boyfriend, but still has pieces of the corpse of the first movie's hero in her possession.
Versions
Extended Cut
run:
109:25s
pal:
105:02s
Germany
UK: The
Extended Cut is BBFC 18 rated with a trigger warning for strong bloody violence, sex, sexualised violence, suicide:
2024 Arrow Film Blu-ray (rated 26/08/2024)
Germany: An Extended Cut has been released. This is the original version that was later shortened for brevity. Mostly plot, but a few violent scenes are slightly extended.
2015 Arrow Video Limited Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon
The BBFC commented in its Annual Report for 2015:
The 1991 German horror film Nekromantik 2 was passed without cuts at 18, with scenes of sex and sexualized violence, including a scene in which a woman
decapitates a man she is having sex with, meaning that no lower rating could be considered.
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2016 Cult Epics [Sex Murder Art] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon
Nemesis is a 1992 Denmark / USA action Sci-Fi thriller by Albert Pyun. Starring Olivier Gruner, Tim Thomerson and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa.
The Theatrical Version is MPAA R rated and is missing violence found in
several extended versions. The Director's Cut, the Japanese Version and UK Version all feature similar extended violence and a darker alternative ending, but it unclear as to which of these is the definitive version.
Summary Notes
In the future, chaos is rampant as 'information terrorists' threaten to destroy order in society. Alex is a part-man-part-machine LAPD cop who is the best at what he does. When one of the terrorists calls him a
machine, Alex questions his humanity and decides to leave the force. His final assignment is to apprehend an old colleague who has stolen some data. However, there is more than meets the eye and Alex must question his allegiance.
Versions
Director's Cut
92:29s =87:49s
US: The Director's Cut ior Nemesis 2.0 s MPAA Unrated.
2019 MVD Collectors Edition [Theatrical Version + Director's Cut + Extended Japanese versions] (RA) Blu-ray/R1 DVD Combo
at US Amazon
From IMDb. The Director's cut has more blood and violence. It leaves out some of the narration that detrimentally gives away plot details too early.
Japanese Extended Version
95:49s =91:59s
Japan: There exists an extended Japanese Version
From IMDb. The Japanese VHS features an alternate ending, containing an extended
scene with Germaine, and a surprise appearance by Farnsworth at the very end, but also misses the entire stop-motion fight sequence on the plane, even though the sequence with an (inexplicably) badly injured Alex in Einstein's lab is intact.
This cut of the film seems to be a hybrid of the theatrical cut and the extended version of the film,
containing some of the beats and extra action from the extended cut but also including the fight with the endoskeleton at the end of the picture.
US Theatrical Version
92:07s =88:26s
US: The cut Theatrical Version was rated R
v The Neon Demon -
2016 France / USA / Denmark horror thriller by Nicolas Winding Refn.
The Neon Demon is a 2016 France / USA / Denmark horror thriller by Nicolas Winding Refn. Starring Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks and Keanu Reeves.
The Daily Mail tried to stir up a censorial hoo-hah about the film, but to
no avail, the BBFC was untroubled by the international version of the film and passed it 18 uncut. However the film was cut in the US for an MPAA R rating.
Summary Notes
When aspiring
model Jesse moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has.
Versions
cut
cut:
run:
117:03s
pal:
112:22s
UK: A cut version was rated R for disturbing violent content, bloody images, graphic nudity, a scene of aberrant sexuality,
and language:
From IMDb. The theatrical R-rated version and uncut version are different only in the second morgue scene as follows:
(A) Female genital nudity is depicted 1 hour 29 minutes and 0 seconds into the
film. In the R rated version (which played in US theaters), when Ruby was kissing the corpse (played by a female actress), the bottom of the frame showed the upper half of the vulva (inclusive of somewhat blurred labia, due to the camera focus on the
kissing). In the unrated version (NOT the theatrical version or the director's narrative - which both emulate the R rated version seen in US theaters), that same moment depicts VERY clear labial exposure (as in medical clarity, yet artistically
depicted).
(B) Note that the unrated version also shows Ruby's hand brush along the genitalia as it sweeps up to the left breast (R rated version prolongs the cut-away to the Jessie fantasy shot), and also depicts Ruby bouncing on
the corpse as she reaches orgasm (while the R rated version shows only the close up of her face). The foley work and soundtrack during the unrated morgue scene are subtly but noticeably different.
uncut
run:
117:18s
pal:
112:36s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong bloody images, necrophilia, sexual assault:
Never on Tuesday is a 1989 USA comedy drama by Adam Rifkin. Starring Claudia Christian, Andrew Lauer and Peter Berg.
Cut by the BBFC for 15 rated VHS due to to child protection law.
Summary Notes
Matt and Eddie are two young men from the mid-west travelling to California to see the sights - primarily semi-clad women on beaches. They hop into their car and head off through the
desert on their quest. Hours from civilization the two are horsing around inside the car, lose control, and collide with the only car they've seen for miles. The driver of the other car is Tuesday, the most beautiful woman they've ever seen. Stranded in
the desert, Matt and Eddie fantasize about Tuesday while they wait for someone to stop and help them. A motley collection of humanity happen by, but few are willing to help.
Versions
26s
86:33s
submitted 86:59s
UK: Passed 15 after 26s of BBFC cuts for:
1989 CBS/Fox VHS
Thanks to Scott. The BBFC cuts were:
- At 57 mins In fantasy open-air sex scene on bed with little girls dancing around it, remove all sight of girls dancing in same shot as man stroking bare breasts of woman sitting
astride him (Protection of Children Act 1987).
Never Take Sweets From a Stranger is a 1960 UK horror mystery thriller by Cyril Frankel. Starring Gwen Watford, Patrick Allen and Felix Aylmer.
Uncut by the BBFC for an X rated cinema release in 1960. Later uncut and 12 rated on 2017 Blu-ray. The US Theatrical Version was cut for dialogue.
Summary Notes
Jean Carter,
nine-year-old daughter of the town's newly-appointed school principal, Peter Carter and his wife Sally, is playing in the woods with her 11-year-old friend Lucille, when Jean discovers she has lost her purse containing her "candy" money. Lucille tells
her she knows where they can get sweets for nothing, and leads her to an imposing mansion, from which the owner, Clarence Olderberry, Sr., a tall, gaunt man of 70 has been watching the girls from a window.
Versions
uncut
run:
84:27s
pal:
81:04s
UK: A short version was passed 12 uncut
for child abuse theme and references, moderate threat for:
The Never Ending Story is a 1984 West Germany/US children's adventure drama by Wolfgang Petersen Starring Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver and Tami Stronach
There exists an English Language International Version and a German Version.
Summary Notes
A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a
mysterious book.
Versions
German Version
run:
100:47s
pal:
96:45s
Germany
Germany: There exists an extended German Version
International Version
run:
94:03s
pal:
90:17s
UK: Uncut and BBFC U
rated with a trigger warning for mild scary and emotional scenes:
2014 Warner DVD (NEVERENDING STORY 30TH rated 06/10/2014) titled The Neverending Story
2008 Warner DVD (rated 28/07/2008) titled The Neverending Story at
UK Amazon
UK: Uncut and BBFC U rated
2002 Warner DVD (rated 03/01/2002) titled The Neverending Story
1986 Warner VHS (rated 15/10/1986) titled The Neverending Story
Cut
when resubmitted for the 2007 Abbey DVD with the following BBFC comment:
Distributor chose to remove several [ie 5] uses of the word 'bleedin', used as an expletive, in order to gain a U. A PG uncut was available to the
distributor.
The New Boy is a 2023 Australia historical fantasy drama by Warwick Thornton Starring
Cate Blanchett, Aswan Reid and Deborah Mailman
There are no censorship issues beyond noting that the BBFC made a mistake in noting the occurrence of the word 'cunt' requiring a 15 rating. When asked to listen again the BBFC changed its mind and noted just moderate language for a 12A
rating.
Summary Notes
A nine-year-old Aboriginal Australian orphan boy arrives in the dead of night at a remote monastery run by a renegade nun.
Versions
uncut
run:
96:03s
pal:
92:12s
UK: Uncut and BBFC 12A rated with a trigger warning for moderate violence, language, bloody images, discrimination:
2024 Signature Entertainment cinema release (rated 23/02/2024)
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for infrequent very strong language:
2024 Signature Entertainment cinema release (rated 23/02/2024)
Thanks to Scott:
This Australian film originally appeared on the BBFC's website last month as a 15 for infrequent very strong language. I noticed that it was only a 12A in Ireland and an M (completely
unrestricted) in Aus, with no mention of anything higher than moderate language from either, so emailed the BBFC to let them know they'd probably misheard a c-word. Sure enough, a week or two later, the cert was revised to 12A for moderate violence,
language, bloody images, discrimination. They subsequently replied to my email: With regard to New Boy, we have already been in conversation with the producers and have since revised the age rating to 12A.
Ireland: Uncut and IFCO 12A rated for an aboriginal boy is taken to a christian monastery in 1940`s australia - contains moderate violence with brief injury detail, moderate language:
2024 Signature cinema release (rated 14/02/2024)
New Face in Hell - 1968 USA action mystery drama by John Guillermin. See P.J.
New Fist of Fury is a 1976 Hong Kong / Taiwan action drama by Wei Lo. Starring Jackie Chan, Nora Miao and Sing Chen.
Cut by the BBFC for X rated cinema release in 1978, Cut again for 18 rated
VHS. The BBFC cuts were waived for DVD from 2002. There are also several shortened versions.
Summary Notes
A young man sets out to avenge his grandfather's death and prove his
martial arts mastery.
Versions
Original Version
run:
120m
pal:
115m
UK: BBFC details have not been published for the Original Version:
2020 88 Films [Original Version + Cantonese Version] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
#ad
2020 88 Films [Original Version + Cantonese Version] R2 DVD at
UK Amazon #ad
Shortened Version
run:
109:52s
pal:
105:28s
UK: A shortened version/Re-edited Version was passed 15
with previous BBFC cuts waived for:
2020 88 Films [Original Version + Cantonese Version] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon
#ad
2020 88 Films [Original Version + Cantonese Version] R2 DVD at
UK Amazon #ad
2012 15 rated Showbox/Cine Asia Special Collector's Edition R2 DVD at
UK Amazon
2007 15 rated Contender DVD
UK: The same version was passed 18 for:
2002 18 rated Eastern Heroes DVD
This version is shortened of about 6 minutes of dialogue.
Cantonese Versions
run:
82:23s
pal:
79:05s
2007 Contender DVD
cut
cut:
2:58s
run:
111:07s
pal:
106:40s
UK: Passed 18 after 2:58s of BBFC cuts for:
1989 Videosino VHS
More material was excised than that required by BBFC to remove the sight of nunchakus
cut
cut:
1:01s
run:
110:49s
pal:
106:23s
UK: An abridged version was passed 18 after 1:01s of BBFC cuts for:
1988 Squarecape VHS
The BBFC cuts were reduced just to remove the sight of nunchakus
cut
cut:
run:
110:49s
pal:
106:23s
UK: Passed X (18) after BBFC cuts for:
1978 cinema release
From IMDb. The cuts were:
The film suffered extensive cuts which removed footage of nunchakus and fighting staff plus numerous edits to groin kicks, punches and an ear clap.
The BBFC cut the 2009 cinema release by 8s for a 12A. Distributor
chose to cut sight of blood spurting in slow motion as a man and a woman are gunned down. An uncut '15' was available.
New York New York is a 1977 USA musical music drama by Martin Scorsese. Starring Liza Minnelli, Robert De Niro and Lionel Stander.
All UK releases seem to include the full length version which has been 'A'
or PG rated. There are also two shortened versions running at at 136 and 153 minutes.
Summary Notes
The day WWII ends, Jimmy, a selfish and smooth-talking musician, meets Francine, a
lounge singer. From that moment on, their relationship grows into love as they struggle with their careers and aim for the top.
Versions
uncut
run:
162:59s
pal:
156:28s
UK: Passed PG uncut for mild language and emotional
intensity:
2005 MGM [Special Edition + US Theatrical Version] R2 DVD at UK Amazon
The New York Ripper is a 1982 Italian horror by Lucio Fulci. With Jack Hedley, Almanta Suska and Howard Ross.
Famously banned by the BBFC for 1984 cinema release. Subsequent UK VHS/DVD
releases are cut by about 30s. Cut for an MPAA R rating in the US but also released uncut and MPAA Unrated.
The New York Ripper was a great Italian horror film from Lucio Fulci, the film was filled with plenty of gruesome death scenes and lots of sleaze, sex and
nudity in fact its probably one of the sleaziest Italian horror flicks ever seen.
When an old man finds a prostitute's severed hand under the Brooklyn Bridge the police decide to do a little investigating. It seems that
the victim was heard speaking to a strange duck-voiced man. As the murders add up the police detective who's investigating the case recruits a psychology professor to help find out who this Donald Duck voiced maniac could be
This is a typical Fulci flick which means that the plot gets thinner during the course of the film and the bad acting which was adequate especially for this type of film could have been better but that's not important, if your a
hardcore Fulci or exploitation fan then you'll obviously love this as the death scenes were quite brutal and very nasty.
One of Fulci's best.
Extended Version
Original version
run:
93m
pal:
89m
US: A restored version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2020 Blue Underground R0 4K Blu-ray/R0 Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon
2019 Blue
Underground Limited Edition R0 Blu-ray/R0 DVD Combo at US Amazon
From IMDb. Two scenes are present in this extended version that have generally been omitted for editorial reasons from previous releases. However it has been mentioned that the restored scene outside the hospital is misplaced and
just ends up adding confusion
A brief conversation between Dr Davis and his secretary, and
a shot of Davis turning and watching Lt Williams driving off in his car outside the hospital.
cut
cut:
29s
run:
94:11s
pal:
90:25s
UK: An extended version was passed 18 after 29s of BBFC cuts for
2020 Argent/Shameless R2 DVD
2020 Argent/Shameless VoD
2011 Argent/Shameless R0 Blu-ray
The BBFC commented:
Compulsory cuts were required to remove sexualised violence (a naked and bound woman's stomach and breasts being mutilated with a razor blade)
Shameless commented:
The version includes 3 minutes of footage not in the previous Shameless release and 15 seconds of footage not in the Blue Underground Blu-Ray. The BBFC cuts have been implemented by substitution and do not effect the running time.
Shameless have made great attempts to mask the cut best that they can. The still-offensive scene that the BBFC refuses to budge on, the death of the prostitute Kitty, is fairly apparent, but Shameless has done an admirable job in editing it so that
it doesn't stand out too sorely from the rest of the film.
The R-Rated lacks all of the sex scenes and shots of the genital area. The R Rated version retains the violence though.
cut
cut:
34s
run:
90:45s
pal:
87:07s
UK: The shorter version was passed 18 after 34s of BBFC cuts for:
2007 Argent/Shameless R0 DVD
The BBFC commented:
Cuts were required to remove sexualised violence (a naked and bound woman's stomach and breasts being mutilated with a razor)
From IMDb & Mercury:
The BBFC did not ask for any additional cuts above those implemented in 22s for the 2002 release. In fact Shameless reckon that 19s were cut on BBFC instructions.
cut
cut:
22s
run:
90:13s
pal:
86:36s
UK: The shorter version was passed 18 after 22s of BBFC cuts for:
2002 Protected/Vipco VHS
The BBFC commented:
Cuts required to detailed, close up sight of a woman's stomach, breast and nipple being cut with a razor blade
banned \
run:
91:06s
pal:
87:27s
UK: The shorter version was banned by the BBFC for:
1984 cinema release
It was not only banned but all prints were famously escorted out of the country. At least that is the romantic notion of events. The BBFC explain the events that led up to this story in a more pragmatic way. See
case study from bbfc.co.uk :
If Ferman had merely written to the distributor confirming the decision to refuse a BBFC
classification, The New York Ripper may have simply been another work denied a release during the video nasties era. However, what Ferman did next meant The New York Ripper became something of an urban legend (which persists in cult and horror film
circles to this day).
The fact the UK distributor of Nightmares in a Damaged Brain had just received a prison sentence for his role in distributing his film made the potential for the distributor of The New York Ripper to become
embroiled in an obscenity case seem very real. Therefore Ferman decided it would be unwise for the BBFC to return the film to its distributor. Ferman was aware that the distributor could still release The New York Ripper on video tape (or seek local
authority approval for local cinema exhibition), in spite of the BBFC's judgement that any release of the film was at risk of comprising an obscene publication. To do so would not only risk the distributor being vulnerable to a charge of being found in
possession of an obscene work with intent to commercially supply, but could also potentially put the BBFC in the difficult position of having facilitated that supply.
Accordingly, Ferman took the unusual step of informing the UK
distributor that the BBFC would be re-exporting the submitted print to the original rights holders in Italy, also advising him that he should similarly dispose of any further copies of the film in his possession. The BBFC's actions took place in a time
and climate in which UK distributors were being convicted and even sent to jail for their involvement with similar films. However, it is easy to see how the legend developed that The New York Ripper was so uniquely powerful and offensive that every print
had to be escorted from the country. Some stories go so far as to suggest the film had been removed under armed guard.
The BBFC also notes that there was a debate at the BBFC about whether the film cut be cut instead of banned:
The title of The New York Ripper and the film's theme were also unfortunate given the UK planned release also coincided with heightened public sensitivity following the conviction of serial murderer Peter Sutcliffe (the
so-called Yorkshire Ripper').
Opinion was divided between the five Examiners who undertook the film's initial viewing, on 14 December 1983. Three argued the film could be cut for 18, while two felt it should be refused a
classification outright. Those who argued the film should be rejected, or refused a classification, did so for two reasons. Partly, they believed the level of cuts required would leave no viable product for the company to release, and partly because they
were concerned that the film's perceived misogyny might have a corrupting effect on viewers. There were further viewings, during December 1983 and January 1984, but no greater consensus emerged amongst examiners.
As a result, the
BBFC's Director, James Ferman - who himself favoured refusal of classification - referred the film to the BBFC's President, Lord Harlech. Lord Harlech concluded that:
Two years ago it might have been worth trying to
cut this very heavily for 18. But now, the law of obscenity would seem to catch this material squarely.
Next Goal Wins is a 2023 UK/US comedy drama by Taika Waititi Starring Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley and Kaimana
Originally rated PG-13 by the MPA for strong language and some crude material. It was then cut and resubmitted prior to release to achieve a PG-13 rating for some strong language and crude material. Presumably it was some strong language that
had been removed. The Australian PG rated cinema release was also cut so presumably the cut US version was used.
Summary Notes
The story of the infamously terrible American Samoa
soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0.
Versions
uncut
run:
103:46s
pal:
99:37s
UK: Uncut and BBFC 12A rated with a trigger warning for injury detail,
discrimination, sex references, infrequent strong language:
2023 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK cinema release (rated 17/11/2023)
Thanks to Scott. The short insight has been altered to change the original wording of 'transphobia' to simply 'discrimination'. I can only assume this was done at the request of the distributor who didn't want transphobia associated with
their film.
Ireland: Uncut and IFCO 12A rated with a trigger warning for very infrequent strong language, some discriminatory language:
2023 Disney cinema release (rated 14/11/2023)
US: Uncut and PG-13 by the MPA for strong language and some crude material. Unreleased as a cut version was preferred for theatrical release
Australia: Uncut and ACB M rated for occasional coarse language:
2023 Walt Disney Studios Motion cinema release (rated 27/10/2023) Unreleased as a cut version was preferred for theatrical release
cut
run:
104m
pal:
100m
US: Cut and PG-13
by the MPA for some strong language and some crude material.
A little strong language has been removed, the word 'fuck'.
Australia: Cut and ACB PG rated for mild themes and coarse language:
2023 Walt Disney Studios Motion cinema release (rated 23/11/2023)
Presumably this was based on the cut US version.
v Nf713
- 2009 UK crime horror thriller by China Hamilton
Nf713 is a 2009 UK crime horror thriller by China Hamilton Starring Niki Flynn and China Hamilton
Banned by the BBFC for 2009 video release.
Summary Notes
An extended sequence in which a man tortures a woman psychologically, physically and sexually. The woman is bound and restrained throughout and the man in question is in a position
of absolute power and control over her. The man tortures the woman in order to make her confess her crimes against an unnamed 'State' but his ultimate aim is to break her down and make her fully compliant, eradicating her individuality and making her a
mere number, 'NF713.
Versions
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC:
2009 Mista Solutions video
The BBFC commented:
NF713 takes the form of an extended sequence in which a man tortures a woman psychologically, physically and sexually. The woman is bound and restrained throughout and the man in
question is in a position of absolute power and control over her. The man tortures the woman in order to make her confess her crimes against an unnamed 'State' but his ultimate aim is to break her down and make her fully compliant, eradicating her
individuality and making her a mere number, 'NF713'. The man employs a variety of techniques ranging from invasive questioning about her body and her sexual life to genital torture with forceps and electricity, makeshift waterboarding, beatings and
forced urination. The torture is unremitting and takes up the majority of the work's 73 minute running time. Throughout large sections the woman is naked or semi-naked and her nudity is focussed upon, particularly in the later portions of the work. The
work concludes with a series of black and white stills of the woman, bound and restrained.
In the BBFC's view, the primary purpose of NF713 is to sexually arouse the viewer at the sight of a woman being sexually humiliated, tortured and abused.
As such it constitutes a 'sex work', which is defined by the BBFC's Guidelines as a work whose 'primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation'. The focus on the woman's naked, humiliated body together with the conventional BDSM aspects of the later
part of the work lend credence to the view that sexual arousal is its primary intent, as do the closing series of black and white stills which strongly resemble conventional erotic fetish photography. The BBFC operates a strict policy on sex works and
does not issue classification to such works if they depict non consensual sexual activity (whether real or simulated), the infliction of pain or physical harm (whether real or simulated) or sexual threats, humiliation or abuse that do not form part of a
clearly consenting role-playing game. NF713focuses exclusively on these elements of non-consensual activity, pain, humiliation and abuse and takes the form of a dramatic scenario in which the viewer is invited to believe that what is being shown is
'real'. Unlike many BDSM works it is not apparent that what is occurring is part of a consensual role play where the roles are clearly set out and, in any case, the Guidelines preclude the kind of strong abuse on offer here, even if consent is
established.
Even if one were to take the view that the primary purpose of NF713 is to explore the nature of torture in dramatic form, the work would still be in clear breach of the BBFC's Guidelines and policies on sexual violence. The
unbroken sequence of sexual torture and humiliation means that the work runs the risk (whether intentionally or unintentionally) of eroticising sexual violence and thereby causing harm to viewers. The work invites the audience to relish sight of – and be
sexually aroused by - a restrained and helpless woman being sexually molested, humiliated and tortured. Such a complete focus on sexual violence, together with the elements of eroticism provided by the nudity and semi-nudity of the female victim, runs a
real risk of eroticising sexual violence in a potentially harmful and dangerous manner.
The BBFC considered the possibility of cuts. However, given the extent of unacceptable material and the pervasive theme of sexual violence and sexual threat,
cuts were not considered a viable option on this occasion.
I've just spent the
last few days being tortured and interrogated for Control & Reform Productions. The film is called Enemy of the State [Since renamed to NF713] and it's the dark brainchild of China Hamilton and me.
It's somewhere between Closet Land
and 1984 - but with no faking of the torture scenes. It's set in a non-specific police state and I've been arrested for distributing anti-State pamphlets. As such, I no longer warrant a name; I'm simply NF-713. My soft-spoken
interrogator gradually convinces me to cooperate through various kind and caring methods, as he only wants to help me. Help comes in various forms, as does corrective treatment:
Bastinado, back whipping, breast whipping,
electric shocks, hydrotherapy , medical torture, brainwashing, force-feeding… Except for the use of a small whip in one scene, my bottom was actually spared. (How's that for a first?) I was wrecked by the end of the shoot, still crying after the
cameras stopped rolling.
Niki Flynn also speaks at length about the BBFC rejection notice: R is for "rejected"
The British Board of Film Censors has just examined my naked, humiliated
body in exhaustive detail and declared it potentially harmful and dangerous.
While I'm not too surprised the film didn't get an 18 certificate, I'm actually fairly disturbed by some of the alarmist language in the rejection note.
The note describes the unremitting torture inflicted throughout the film, making it sound far worse and more graphic than it actually is. Frankly, in the cut submitted to the BBFC there is very little actual abuse
shown and the focus is mostly on the psychological aspects of interrogation and the resulting Stockholm Syndrome. But they felt its primary intent was to sexually arouse the viewer and as such it's a sex work and the non-consensuality makes it
unsuitable for the British public, who are apparently likely to become rapists and torturers after viewing such a dangerous film.
NGK: Nandha Gopalan
Kumaran is a 2019 action thriller by Selva Ragavan. Starring Suriya, Rakul Preet Singh and Sai Pallavi.
BBFC category cuts were required for a 12A rated cinema release in 2019.
Versions
category cuts
cut:
3:26s
run:
144:19s
pal:
138:33s
sub:
147:45s
UK: Passed 12A for moderate violence, sexual violence references, infrequent strong language after 3:26s of BBFC category cuts:
2019 cinema release
The BBFC commented:
The distributor requested cuts to achieve a 12A classification. Cuts were made to scenes of violence in accordance with BBFC Guidelines and policy. An uncut 15 classification was available.
