A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board has unanimously determined that the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is classified PG (Parental Guidance) with the consumer advice 'Fantasy violence'.
The National Classification Code and Classification Guidelines allows for violence to occur at the PG level if it is mild, infrequent and justified by context. In the Classification Review Board's opinion Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows warrants a PG classification because the violence in the film is fantasy violence that is appropriate to the context of the film.
The lack of blood and detailed permanent injury contributed to the Review Board's decision that the violence could be accommodated at the PG level. The film also deals with various themes, including world domination by an evil force and collaborative initiatives and team work, which give the violence a fantasy context
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 viewing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians. 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, Paramount Pictures Australia to review the decision made by the Classification Board on 30 May 2016 to classify Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows M with the consumer advice 'Action violence'.
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 Peter Attard, Classification Review Board
