A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board has unanimously determined that the film Embrace is classified M (Mature) with the consumer advice 'Nudity'.
The National Classification Code and Classification Guidelines allows for nudity to occur at the M level if it is justified by context. In the Classification Review Board's opinion Embrace warrants an M classification because the scenes of nudity and of women’s breasts and genitals in the film are justified by the context of the documentary approach to women’s body image and their impact is no higher than moderate.
The overall impact of the classifiable elements in the film was no higher than moderate.
Films classified M are not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions on access. The impact of the classifiable elements for material classified M should be no higher than moderate. Consumer advice is additional information about the main content of a film which is intended to help consumers decide if they want to view this type of material.
The Classification Review Board convened today in response to an application from the original applicant, Transmission Films to review the decision made by the Classification Board on 7 July 2016 to classify Embrace MA 15+ with the consumer advice 'Strong nudity'.
In reviewing the classification, the Classification 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 and Computer Games. This is the same framework used by the Classification Board.
The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. It makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Classification Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.
The Classification Review Board’s reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification website when finalised.
Statement authorised by Fiona Jolly, Acting Convenor, Classification Review Board
