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‘Closer,’ the five time Golden Globe nominated film, has been awarded and 18’s certificate by the Irish Film Censor, John Kelleher, despite an appeal by distributors Columbia Tristar Films asking for a reduction to the newly introduced 16’s cert.
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‘Closer’ is directed by Mike Nichols (Primary Colours, The Birdcage) and star’s Julia Roberts (Notting Hill), Clive Owen (King Arthur), Jude Law (Cold Mountain) and Natalie Portman (Garden State). It is described as an ‘uncompromisingly honest look at modern relationships’ and has caused a stir in the US after it’s release earlier this month.
In the UK the film has received a 15 certificate, with the following advice: "Contains very strong language and sex references." In the US the movie has been awarded a stringent R rating for "sequences of graphic sexual dialogue, nudity/sexuality and language."
Tristar were hoping to receive a 16’s certificate by appeal, under the new film certificate categories that will take effect from 1st January 2005. The newly announced film certification changes include the introduction of the new 16’s certificate and the existing ‘12PG’ and ‘15PG’ certificates will be re-designated ‘12A’ and ‘15A’, where the ‘A’ denotes adult. The changes have been made following consultations with parents, educators, the public, film distributors and cinema managers.
The IFCO says they also take account of findings of the nationwide survey of parents published last September, which was carried out for Irish Film Censor’s Office (IFCO) by Lansdowne Market Research.
The results of a further national survey, this time of more than a thousand adolescents, will be published early in the New Year.
‘Closer’ is in cinemas from January 21st
For further info on the Irish Film Censor go to: www.ifco.ie
