A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board has unanimously determined that the film Bumblebee is classified PG (Parental Guidance) with the consumer advice ‘Mild science fiction violence, mild themes, some scenes may scare young children’.

The National Classification Code and Classification Guidelines requires the treatment of mild themes to be justified by context at the PG level. In the Classification Review Board’s opinion Bumblebee warrants a PG classification because the overall impact of the classifiable elements in the film was no higher than mild.

Films classified PG may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians. For this reason, PG films are not recommended for persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians. Consumer advice is additional information about the main content of a computer game which is intended to help consumers decide if they want to view this type of material.

The Review Board convened today in response to an application from Paramount Pictures Australia, to review the decision made by the Classification Board on 4 December 2018 to classify Bumblebee PG (Parental Guidance).

In reviewing the classification, the Review Board worked within the framework of the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films. This is the same framework used by the Classification Board.

The Review Board is an independent merits review body. It makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.

The Review Board’s reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification website when finalised.

Statement authorised by Fiona Jolly, Convenor, Classification Review Board.