Censor Makes Hannibal R18

Office of Film and Literature Classification

Today the Classification Office restricted the film Hannibal to people 18 years of age and over, with a warning that it contains graphic violence.

The overriding concern for the Classification Office was the film’s portrayal of sadistic and gratuitous violence. The Classification Office said that it recognised the artistic and technical merit of the film. However, it was these very elements that may desensitise viewers to the cruel violence Hannibal inflicts.

In order to gauge how closely in touch the Classification Office was with public views on violence, parents of teenagers and people aged 18 to 20 were selected to share their views on the film.

Chief Censor Bill Hastings said, "the group was concerned with the normalisation of high level violence in film, desensitisation and the disturbing effect the film could have on younger viewers. This feedback was invaluable in assisting us to reach our decision."

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