Caged Fury

Dir Bill Milling / 1989 / USA

Home Cinema Group then picked up the rights and presented the OFLC with a 92min (v) version. This was Refused Classification on April 22nd 1996. It was censored down to 81mins (v) (80:37 to be exact), and passed with an R18+ rating on March 10th 1997.  The censors list the consumer advice as 'Medium Level Violence', whilst the Home Cinema Group VHS has 'Frequent Coarse Language, Sex Scenes and Medium Level Violence' on the cover. 

Thanks to Simon for this excellent description of the huge amount of missing footage.

This is one stupid film! However it is quite fun as it has all the usual WIP elements of shower scenes, cavity searches, and lesbian wardens. Also being an 80's film it has lots of big hair. I had no idea that the Aussie tape was cut by quite so much until I read your site. I had to see what was missing and finally tracked down an uncut US version which runs 94:50 (including the 21st Century Picture card). I didn't do a side by side comparison of the two versions, but this is a good overview of what is censored. I'm sure there may be a few more that I missed.

I'm certain that the film didn't need to be cut by quite so much. The censors would have definitely let most of this stuff through and probably only objected to a few scenes. Instead Home Cinema Group seem to have gone wild and removed every scene where a woman is even slightly hurt or even threatened. They also seem to have been very sloppy removing the footage, often taking out much more than they needed to, rather than just cutting the graphic stuff. There are no explicit sexual violence scenes, instead there are only a few attempted rapes that seem to end up with the man in pain or getting the shit kicked out of him. These descriptions may sound bad, but believe me that the film is so stupid that it is not half as graphic as it sounds.

Here is the long list of scenes that are missing footage. All time are from the uncut US version and are the approximate point of the start of the cut scene.

02:00 - A prisoner (played by porn star Kascha) is trying to escape. A the black guard slowly pursues her and pushes her to the ground.

03:00 - Shot of the Head Guard's face with Kascha's screams playing over the top.

09:15 - Rhonda's face is pulled towards the crotch of the driver. She grabs the cigarette lighter and burns his crotch.

18:30 - Kathie is approached whilst on the phone to her Father. She begs not to be hurt.

19:15 - Kathie is pinned down by the bikers as they prepare to rape her.

40:30 - The fat female prison wardens bend the girls over and performs cavity searches on them.

44:30 - Kathie is pushed to the floor of the Warden's office by the Head Guard.

46:30 - Kathie is put back screaming into her cell.

50:00 - Spider drags the girls away with his arms around her neck.

53:00 - Tracy struggles as Buck attempts to rape her.

56:00 - A prisoner is taken to see the Warden who is in the bath. This is followed by some girls being taken to room 101, and then another shot of the warden and the girl.

62:00 - Gloria is released from the prison by Spider.

66:00 - Warden kissing Tracey and then slapping her as she attempts to escape.

70:00 - Tracey being carried away by two guards and being put in a cell. Kathie finding the other prisoners bodies, and Spider dragging Tracy away.

74:30 -  Girl being attacked just before Dirk saves her.

76:00 - Tracy crying and being threatened by Spider with a stun gun.

77:30 - Girl being attacked in cell by guard.

80:30 - Warden telling guards to kill all the prisoners. Guards begin shooting girls in their cells.

82:45 - More of the girls shooting the girls.

83:00 - Dirk beats the prison guard (played by Ron Jeremy) to death. Missing is him getting his arm broken, his head smashed into the cell door, and finally Dirk stamping on his head. 

84:45 - More of the guards shooting the girls.

90:00 - A whole scene is missing where Kathie goes back into the prison to find Rhonda. Spider is still alive. He pulls the object from his eye as the threatens Kathie. Rhonda eventually stabs him in the stomach with a pole. The scene ends with Tracy being taken away in an ambulance screaming.

Simon lists a running time of 94:50 NTSC for the uncut version. Presuming the Home Cinema Group VHS is an NTSC dub then that is over fourteen minutes of missing footage. More likely is was PAL, which would equal over ten minutes of missing footage. Whatever the story this is a very censored tape. 

Not to be confused with Ciro.H.Santiago's 1983 film also called CAGED FURY which was released on tape in Australia on the K-Tel video label.

Caged Women  

aka Barbed Wire Dolls

Dir Jess Franco / 1975 / Switzerland

For reasons of indecency and excessive violence, between 1976 and 77 Blake Films had to cut this Franco WIP movie from 82 to 74 mins for an R rated cinema release.  An appeal was lodged against the original ban, but was upheld by the Review Board. 25 years on, and with the sexual violence guidelines tighter than ever, there is still no way that this would see an uncut release here. Never released on video in Australia.

DVD Comparisons

Calamity of Snakes

Dir William Chang / 1982 / Hong Kong

June 1983 saw Golden Reel Films Pty Ltd submit a 2276.69mtr (83m 13s) print to the censors. Cuts totalling 140mtr (5m 06s) were required due to:
Violence
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

The censored version received an R-rating for:
Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous
Other: Horror

This version went on to have a Chinese language theatrical release. Although not listed as such, it would be fair to guess that most of these cuts were made to remove footage of animal cruelty. The uncut film contains numerous scenes of real snakes being killed. 

In 1985, footage from CALAMITY OF SNAKES was taken and edited into a bizarre U.S. film called THE SERPENT WARRIORS. This was picked-up for distribution in Australia by the Taft Hardie Group who submitted it to the censors in August 1987. The 89m videotape was rated M for:
Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

The CIC-TAFT Video/THG Video that followed actually runs 84m 23s. Approximately the first 20m and the final 30m is made up of footage from CALAMITY OF SNAKES. The middle portion consists of newly shot U.S. footage. As you can expect, the two films do not mix at all, and the final movie is a mess. At the time it's fair to guess that the Classification Board would have had no idea that the majority of the footage came from CALAMITY OF SNAKES. A film they had insisted on five minutes of cuts to just four years earlier. 

Caligula-The Untold Story   

Dir Joe D'Amato / 1981 / Italy

The missing footage discussed for this film is not the work of the OFLC!

Video Classics had a 2605mtr (95min 13sec) passed with an R18+ rating in February 1984. They had a 95min (v) again awarded an R18+ in May 1984. The Video Classics tape that followed is the soft-version of the film and actually runs 90min 49sec. There was obviously no way that the films hardcore sex, and bestiality footage of a horse would find its way onto tape here. 

DVD Comparisons

Campus

Prod Shiyuuta Biwajima - Chikara Niki - Digital Works / 2002 / Japan

The missing footage discussed for this film is not the work of the OFLC. However, the distributor pre-cut before submission in anticipation of Oflc problems.

Siren Visual Entertainment had a DVD rated R18+ (High Level Sex Scenes) on December 18th 2003.

Despite being listed as the ORIGINAL version, the DVD had actually been pre-cut prior to submission. According to Siren, minor cuts were made, but only in relation to any sexual violence connotations, which would not pass under any circumstances.

This was eventually released on DVD in 2004 on a double-bill with the similarly censored GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Siren re-released the film as a single feature in May 2007 as part of their Hentai Collection.

Full marks to Siren for admitting the cuts. Unfortunately, the OFLC statistics now record these as never having had censorship problems. This situation is widespread in the X18+ category.

Cannibal Apocalypse  

Dir Anthony.M.Dawson / 1980 / Italy

The exact running time is 91min 11sec, and the only cut that I noticed occurs around the 62min mark. Charlie is shown picking up a power saw, but the subsequent cutting of the guys leg is missing. Released uncut on video in the UK by Replay (92min 06sec), this went on to become another video nasty.

A modified version of this played late at night on one of Sydney's commercial TV stations around 1992-93.

DVD Comparisons

Cannibal Ferox

aka Woman from Deep River

Dir Umberto Lenzi / 1981 / Italy

Superstar International Films received an R rating for a 2454.14mtr (89min 42Sec) print in March 1982. The film was retitled WOMAN FROM DEEP RIVER in Australia to cash in on Lenzi's Man from Deep River. Although it is not listed as being pre-cut before submission, I would very much doubt that this was a complete version. The censors had no problems with the print that was submitted, and gave the reason for their decision as:

Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Other
Drugs

Violence that is described as Medium in Explicitness/Intensity does not sound like an uncut CANNIBAL FEROX!

***

Released cut on tape by Video Classics, this was reviewed by the censors in 1984, when they confirmed it as an R at 90mins (v). The actual runtime is 85min 59sec, around three minutes shorter than the uncut film. Scenes missing from the Video Classics tape are as follows.

43min 04sec- Close up of a natives eye being cut out by Mike.

51min 46sec- Natives opening up Joe's stomach, eating his intestines, then turning and walking away.

54min 35sec- Shot of Mike's penis being cut off.

54min 56sec- Shot of Salvation Army Band playing in New York. Shot of car pulling up next to Mike's girlfriend, and two men getting out. 
MG "Why do you want to meet out here?" "Did Mike send you?" 
"Where is Mike?"
M1 "Don't worry Honey, you know very well where that son of a bitch is, and you're going to tell us"
M2 "Come on bitch, where's your stud?" He then hits her face twice.
MG "I don't know where Mike is"
M2 "Wrong answer" He then kicks her in the face.
MG "Lay off me you bastards"

75min 04sec- Close up shot of the hook entering Pat's breast, and a shot of her face screaming.

77min 57sec- Slow zoom into a shot of Pat hanging with the hooks through her breasts.

78min 51sec- Shot of Mike under the table with the top of his head missing. Two cannibals then take pieces of his brain.

There is a second Australian VHS of this on a 1995 'No Name Label'. Thanks to Ben for checking out this. He says that the tape runs around 88mins and not the 95min as listed on the box. Although it is still censored, it is not a dub of the Video Classics tape as it contains the scene cut at 54min 56sec from that release.

***

One report from 2005 of a customs confiscation of the Austrian Sazuma Productions Ultrabit Edition DVD. The reason given was:

"under subsection 203B(2) being goods suspected on reasonable grounds to be  special fortified goods."

"[a]n authorised person believes person believes on reasonable grounds that the said goods are forfeited to the Crown pursuant to Section 229 of the Customs Act 1901. The above DVD is deemed to breach Regulation 4A(1A)(a) of the customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.

***

Siren Visual Entertainment gave the film a DVD release in February 2005. This version is uncut at 88min 57sec, and contains all of the above scenes.

DVD Comparisons

Cannibal Holocaust  

Dir Ruggero Deodato / 1979 / Italy

In November 2002 the OFLC banned the debut DVD release of US Death Metal band Necrophagia. Titled Through The Eyes Of The Dead , it contains their tribute to CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. This Jim Van Bebber directed clip contains actual footage from the movie. This may have been one of the reasons for the disc being refused classification.

***

This title has been constantly targeted by customs. 

1992: I have a report of a video tape being forwarded to the OFLC who confirmed that it was banned. 

1998: A copy of the Dutch Cult Epics Laserdisc was confiscated. 

2002: The Dutch EC Entertainment DVD was taken, the reason given was:
"The above items are prohibited and subject to regulation 4A(1A)(A) of the customs (Prohibited Imports) regulations 1956"

2004: Another copy of the Dutch EC Entertainment DVD, the reason given was:
An authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the said goods are forfeited to the crown pursuant to sub-section 229(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901 as a prohibited import.

Regulation 4A of the Customs (prohibited imports) Regulations provides that the importation of goods specified in Regulation 4A is prohibited unless the permission in writing of the minister or an authorised person to import the goods has been granted.

200?: DVD confiscated, label unknown. The reason given was:
One DVD titled CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST depicting sexual violence.

***

In October 2005, 23 years after the first submission, it was finally passed for public exhibition in Australia. Siren Visual Entertainment were awarded an R18+ (High Level Sexual Violence, High Level Violence, Animal Cruelty) rating. The Australian Premiere took place in April 2006 when the uncut DVD was finally released.

Siren Newsletter April 2006
Cannibal Holocaust
Collectors edition: 2 Disc set featuring LOADS of special features, presented in a deluxe digipack & slipcase

Banned in Australia since the early 80's, for years reviled as one of the most repugnant and morally questionable films ever made, and possibly the most horrifying ever. A very original piece, later to be stolen by the writers of The Blair Witch Project, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST stands the test of time as the most brutal film ever made.

The two-disc Siren DVD was banned by the New Zealand OFLC in July 2006. It was deemed to be 'Objectionable'.

DVD Comparisons

Cartel  

Dir John Stewart / 1990 / USA     

This also ran into problems in the UK. The BBFC database list this as being submitted at 94min 9sec, and being cut to 92min 37sec for an 18 certificate.

Released on DVD in the US by Simitar.

Color Me Blood Red  

Dir Herschell Gordon Lewis / 1965 / USA

No video release ever appeared. Quite why this was refused, and the other two titles passed is a bit of a mystery. This would have to be the tamest (and most boring) of the trilogy.

It is possible that the presence of clips from this movie also contributed to the banning of the compilation video Terror on Tape.

A DVD was finally passed R18+ (Medium Level Violence) in February 2005. The applicant was Siren Visual Entertainment who gave the film it's belated Australian premiere soon after. A few days later the OFLC showed how little has really changed when they reconfirmed a ban on H.G. Lewis's final film, THE GORE GORE GIRLS.

DVD Comparisons

Classes in Seduction

aka Professor Shino's Classes In Seduction

Dir Yuichiro Miyake 2004 / Japan

Siren Visual had this DVD rated R18+ (High level animated sex scenes) on May 1st 2007. It was released as part of the Siren Hentai Collection in July 2007. 

Thanks to Geoff W for this review of Siren's CLASSES OF SEDUCTION DVD.

My first thoughts on viewing the DVD was that Siren must have removed an entire episode. However, after checking various reviews, it would seem that even the US DVD only contains a single OVA. Siren's disc runs 30:50 and is titled FIRST PERIOD-ATOMIC BONDING. The good news is that the disc does not show any obvious signs of censorship. What you get is a standard Hentai feature with hardcore scenes of fellatio, cum shots, anal, and vaginal sex. Depending on your views, then the plot of a Professor teaching her pupils about sex may be a bit controversial. However the students are portrayed as being college age. There is one scene between 21-24min where Kayama and two of his gang rape Professor Shino. No violence is shown, and in the next scene the Professor is shown reviewing Kayama's performance and showing him how it could be improved.

Extras include a trailer, outtakes,  slide show, and trailers for HOT FOR TEACHER, DRAGON PINK, and ANYTHING YOU CAN DO I CAN DO BETTER.

On July 23rd 2008 it was announced that Bob Debus, the Minister for Home Affairs, had called for this, and three other hentai DVD's to be looked at by the Classification Review Board. 

Australian Government
Classification Review Board
 23 July 2008 
MEDIA RELEASE 

Review announced for the anime films Classes in Seduction, T & A Teacher, Holy Virgins and Bondage Mansion 

The Classification Review Board has received four applications to review the classification of the anime films Classes in Seduction, T & A Teacher, Holy Virgins and Bondage Mansion. 

Classes in Seduction was classified R 18+ (Restricted) with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes’ by the Classification Board on 1 May 2007. 

T & A Teacher was classified R 18+ (Restricted) with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes, Violence’ by the Classification Board on 21 February 2008. 

Holy Virgins was classified R 18+ (Restricted) with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes’ by the Classification Board on 11 March 2008. 

Bondage Mansion was classified R 18+ (Restricted) with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes and themes’ by the Classification Board on 9 April 2008. 

The reviews are in response to applications from the Minister for Home Affairs. Under the Commonwealth Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the Minister for Home Affairs may make an application for a review at any time. 

The Classification Review Board will meet on Wednesday 30 July 2008 to consider the applications. 

The Classification Review Board has invited the Australian Family Association and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties to apply for standing as interested parties at the reviews. 

The Classification Review Board’s decisions and reasons for its decisions will appear on the Classification website once the reviews have been finalised.

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, it makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. The Classification Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.

***

The Review Board met on July 30th to consider the ratings of four titles, with no result being issued on that day. On August 1st the following media release was on the Classification Board's site, though by the end of the day it had disappeared. 

Australian Government
Classification Review Board
30 July 2008 
MEDIA RELEASE 

Four anime films classified upon review A six-member panel of the Classification Review Board convened today to classify four anime films. 

The Classification Review Board in a majority decision determined that the film T & A Teacher is classified R 18+ with the consumer advice, ‘High level animated sex scenes and sexualised violence’. 

The Classification Review Board unanimously determined that the film Classes in Seduction is classified R 18+ with the consumer advice, ‘High level animated sex scenes’. 

The Classification Review Board in a majority decision determined that the film Bondage Mansion is classified RC (Refused Classification). 

The Classification Review Board in a majority decision that the film Holy Virgins is classified RC (Refused Classification). 

In the Classification Review Board’s opinion, T & A Teacher and Classes in Seduction both warrant an R 18+ classification because while the sex scenes have a high level of impact, the Classification Review Board Convenor, Maureen Shelley said “the anime genre and the fact that the characters appear 18 or older means the film can be accommodated in this legally restricted category”. 

With regards to the RC classifications of Holy Virgins and Bondage Mansion, the Convenor said that “Holy Virgins was refused classification because of the sexual depictions of characters who appear to be under 18. Similarly, Bondage Mansion is RC because of a trailer depicting a character, who appears to be under 18, engaged in an explicit sexual act and there is no context for this depiction.” 

Films classified R 18+ are legally restricted to adults. Persons aged under 18 years cannot be admitted to films classified R 18+. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community. Films that are classified RC are immediately banned throughout Australia. They cannot be sold, hired or imported into the country. 

The reviews were in response to four applications from the Minister for Home Affairs to review the R 18+ classifications given to each of the four anime films by the Classification Board. 

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. 

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, 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.

***

On August 13th 2008 the following media release appeared on the censor's website. 

Australian Government
Classification Review Board
13 August 2008 
MEDIA RELEASE 

Four anime films classified upon review 

On 13 August 2008, a three-member panel of the Classification Review Board unanimously determined that the film Bondage Mansion is classified R 18+, with the consumer advice, 'High level animated sex scenes and themes.

' In the Classification Review Board’s opinion, Bondage Mansion warrants an R 18+ classification because while the sex scenes have a high level of impact, the Classification Review Board Convenor, Maureen Shelley said “the anime genre and that the characters appear 18 or older means the film can be accommodated in this legally restricted category. However, the connection between sexual activity and the themes remains a concern. Restricting this material to adult audiences will ensure that children under 18 will not legally have access to the material”. 

Films classified R 18+ are legally restricted to adults. Persons aged under 18 years cannot be admitted to films classified R 18+. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community. 

A six-member panel of the Classification Review Board convened on 30 July 2008 to classify three anime films. 

The Classification Review Board in a majority decision determined that the film T & A Teacher is classified R 18+ with the consumer advice, ‘High level animated sex scenes and sexualised violence’. 

The Classification Review Board unanimously determined that the film Classes in Seduction is classified R 18+ with the consumer advice, ‘High level animated sex scenes’. Similarly, the high level animated sex scenes means that this film, while having a high impact, can be accommodated to a restricted category that cannot legally be accessed by people under the age of 18. “The Review Board noted the high level theme of sexual induction of students by teachers,” Ms Shelley said. “Whilst themes with a high impact can be accommodated in the R18+ category, it is important that minors do not have legal access to material that may be disturbing to them. The classification does not indicate approval of the theme but that in an animated feature, adults should have the mature perspective required to evaluate the scenes depicted.” 

The Classification Review Board in a majority decision determined that the film Holy Virgins is classified RC (Refused Classification). 

With regards to the RC classification of Holy Virgins, the Convenor said that “Holy Virgins was refused classification because of the sexual depictions of characters who appear to be under 18.” Films that are classified RC are immediately banned throughout Australia. They cannot be sold, hired or imported into the country. 

The reviews were in response to four applications from the Minister for Home Affairs to review the R 18+ classifications given to each of the four anime films by the Classification Board. 

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. 

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, 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 these decisions will appear on the Classification website when finalised. 

***

The July 30th release stated that a six member panel of the Classification Review Board had found that CLASSES OF SEDUCTION should retain its R18+ rating. It states:

The Classification Review Board unanimously determined that the film Classes in Seduction is classified R 18+ with the consumer advice, ‘High level animated sex scenes’. 

In the Classification Review Board’s opinion, T & A Teacher and Classes in Seduction both warrant an R 18+ classification because while the sex scenes have a high level of impact, the Classification Review Board Convenor, Maureen Shelley said “the anime genre and the fact that the characters appear 18 or older means the film can be accommodated in this legally restricted category”. 

The August 13th media release also mentions the July 30th result.

The Classification Review Board unanimously determined that the film Classes in Seduction is classified R 18+ with the consumer advice, ‘High level animated sex scenes’. Similarly, the high level animated sex scenes means that this film, while having a high impact, can be accommodated to a restricted category that cannot legally be accessed by people under the age of 18. “The Review Board noted the high level theme of sexual induction of students by teachers,” Ms Shelley said. “Whilst themes with a high impact can be accommodated in the R18+ category, it is important that minors do not have legal access to material that may be disturbing to them. The classification does not indicate approval of the theme but that in an animated feature, adults should have the mature perspective required to evaluate the scenes depicted.” 

***

The full Review Board report was released soon after.

Australian Government
Classification Review Board

30 July 2008 
23-33 MARY STREET 
SURRY HILLS, NSW 

MEMBERS: Ms Maureen Shelley (Convenor) The Hon Trevor Griffin (Deputy Convenor) Mrs Gillian Groom Mr Rob Shilkin Ms Kathryn Smith Ms Ann Stark

APPLICANT The Hon Robert Debus, Minister for Home Affairs

INTERESTED PARTIES Australian Family Association (AFA) represented by Ms Angela Conway and Mr Damien Tudehope; and NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSW CCL) represented by Mr Stephen Blanks and Dr Brent Waters 

BUSINESS To review the Classification Board’s decision to classify the film Classes in Seduction R 18+ with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes’. 

DECISION AND REASONS FOR DECISION 

1. Decision The Classification Review Board (the Review Board) classified the film R 18+ with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes’. 

2. Legislative provisions 

The Classification (Publications, Film and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act) governs the classification of films and the review of classification decisions. Section 9 provides that films are to be classified in accordance with the National Classification Code (the Code) and the classification guidelines. Relevantly, the Code in paragraph 5 of the Table under the heading ‘Films’ provides that: 

Films that: 

(a) depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified; or 

(b) describe or depict in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not); or 

(c) promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence, are to be classified ‘RC’, and Films (except RC films and X 18+ films) that are unsuitable for a minor to see are to be classified R 18+. 

The Code also sets out various principles to which classification decisions should give effect, as far as possible. 

Section 11 of the Act requires that the matters to be taken into account in making a decision on the classification of a film include: 

(a) the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults; and 

(b) the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the film; and 

(c) the general character of the film, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character; and 

(d) the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published. Three essential principles underlie the use of the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2005 (the Guidelines), determined under s 12 of the Act: ·

 the importance of context 

· the assessment of impact, and 

· the six classifiable elements – themes, violence, sex, language, drug use and nudity. 

3. Procedure 

Prior to the review meeting, the Convenor determined that given the provision of Regulation 21 (2) (d) the application was of sufficient complexity that a decision would be not likely to be completed within 20 business days as more than one application of a similar nature had been received at the one time and that the Convenor had agreed to hear submissions from interested parties namely the NSW CCL and the AFA. 

The Review Board met on 30 July 2008 in response to the receipt of an application from the Minister for Home Affairs on 18 July 2008 to determine its validity. 

The Review Board determined that it had received a valid application from the Minister and noted the Convenor’s decision regarding the complexity of the application and that it would be likely to be processed within 40 business days. 

The Minister had advised in writing on 18 July that he would not be making written or oral submissions on the application for review. The original applicant made an undated written submission received by the Convenor on 25 July 2008 and distributed to the Review Board prior to the review meeting. 

Six members of the Review Board viewed the film prior to the meeting on 30 July 2008. Arrangements were made for the NSW CCL and the AFA to view the film prior to the meeting on 30 July 2008. 

The Review Board heard oral submissions from Dr Brent Waters and Mr Stephen Blanks representing the NSW CCL and from Mr Damien Tudehope and Ms Angela Conway from the AFA. No written submissions were made by the NSW CCL or the AFA. 

The Review Board then considered the matter. 

4. Evidence and other material taken into account 

In reaching its decision the Review Board had regard to the following: 

(i) The Minister’s application for review 

(ii) The original applicant’s written submissions 

(iii) The oral submissions from the NSW CCL and the AFA 

(iv) the relevant provisions in the Act, the Code and the Guidelines, and 

(v) the Classification Board’s report 

5. Synopsis 

The animated film in the anime genre depicts Professor Shino instructing students, mostly in sexual activity. She guides two students through their first sexual experiences, participating herself at times. She implicitly masturbates a third student during a martial arts class. She participates in sex with other students. 

6. Findings on material questions of fact 

The Review Board found that the film contains aspects or scenes of importance under various classifiable elements: 

(a) Themes – the theme of the use of positional power is depicted through the professor’s interaction with her students. 

(b) Violence – there is little depiction of violence in the film. 

(c) Language – there is little use of coarse language in the film. 

(d) Sex – there are numerous depictions of sexual activity during the film including masturbation, cunnilingus, fellatio, vaginal intercourse and ejaculation. Animated sex scenes, in the anime style, include the Professor fellating a male while he mouths her breasts. 

At 13 minutes a prolonged sexual scene is depicted whereby the Professor guides two students through their first sexual experience. The scene includes the Professor guiding the students through masturbation, fellatio and rear entry vaginal intercourse. The Professor participates by digitally stimulating the female student’s vagina and fellating the male student. 

At 21 minutes the Professor is depicted participating in a sex scene with three male students. She fellates one, digitally masturbates a second while engaging in vaginal intercourse with a third. Two male students ejaculate on her buttocks and the third ejaculates on her face. 

(e) Drug Use – there is little drug use depicted in the film. 

(f) Nudity – there is male and female full and partial animated nudity depicted in the film mostly in relation to sex scenes. 

7. Reasons for the decision 

The Review Board noted the conflicting submissions of the NSW CCL and the AFA in regard to the classification of the film and took into account the views expressed. While the submission of the NSW CCL did not provide much assistance to the Review Board, the Review Board noted the very real offence taken by the AFA regarding the content of the film, particularly in relation to the teacher-student relationship. 

While some adults would find the depictions within the film offensive, the Review Board unanimously determined that the film could be accommodated by the R 18+ classification because the impact of the sex scenes was greatly diminished by the animated nature of the film and the stylisation. 

Further, while the film depicts “students” with a “professor” the context was such that it appeared that they were young adults rather than school-age students. 

8. Summary 

The Review Board unanimously determined that the film is classified R18+ with the consumer advice of “high level animated sex scenes”.

***

Re-released in January 2009 as part of Siren's box set titled THE TEACHER COLLECTION.  It also includes T&A TEACHER, and MAPLE COLORS.

Combat Shock  

Dir Buddy Giovinazzo / 1986 / USA

This was first passed in October 1986 when a 93min 'Edited Version' was rated R. The following month a 100min tape was Refused Classification. Both were submitted by Delta Home Video. The reason given for the ban was violence, which was described as:

Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

We have only seen two versions on Delta Home Video one runs 93m 40s, and the other 95m 13s. Both have exactly the same cover art. However, in his review of the film that appeared in the issue 7 of FATAL VISIONS magazine, Michael Helms states:

"This film has been released here in three versions. Lookout for the 105min tape"

Can anyone confirm the existence of a third 105min version? Note that both the other versions list 105min on the spine of the cover.

Confessions of a Blue Movie Star

aka Evolution of Snuff

Dir Andrzej Kostenko and Karl Martine / 1977/ Germany

ANY missing footage discussed for this film is not the work of the OFLC!

Released in the UK uncut on tape in the early 80's by Intervision, running 79min 08sec.  In the mid 90's a local video distributor began importing UK prints of films, packaging them as adult titles, and releasing them with fake R ratings. These were put out on labels such as Blue Climax, Private and Colour Climax (See also Naked Werewolf Woman).  All are very tame affairs; cut by the British censors, some even have their 18 rating before the movie. Confessions of a Blue Movie Star was one such title, put out on the Private label and running 71min 27sec. The missing footage included the entire end sequence featuring the Last House on the Left clips.

Confessions of a Serial Killer

Dir Mark Blair / 1985 / USA

In 1994 Eagle Entertainment had to cut this from 89 to 87mins (v) in order to secure an R rating. This cut version is on video from Eagle Entertainment and runs 87min 11sec. Although the film is undoubtedly censored, it is not obvious from which scenes footage has been removed.

There is a UK DVD from Addictive Films. This particular release was passed in 2002 with a runtime of 95min 34sec. A US DVD was issued in 2004 on the New Concorde Home Entertainment label.

Convoy of Women

Dir Pierre Chevalier / 1974 / France-Italy

Palace had an 86min version of this Eurocine trash banned in 1986 for gratuitous sexual violence.

Cool Devices 

Dir Kan Matsuda, Yuma Nakamura, Jiroh Hijikata, Yukihiro Makino / 1995 / Japan

A DVD box set of all eleven episodes of this Adult Japanese anime was seized by customs in 2001.  Disc one (episode 1-4) and Disc three (episode 9-11) were released. Disc two, containing episodes 5-8 was Refused Classification due to sexual violence.

The individual episodes (called Operations) are titled, OPERATION 5: SEEK 1, OPERATION 6: SEEK 2 (SM QUEEN SAKI), OPERATION 7: YELLOW STAR, OPERATION 8: SLAVE WARRIOR MAYA 1. NuTech Digital, the US distributors describe this volume as the most notorious of the entire series.

Siren Visual Entertainment had a DVD titled COOL DEVICES rated R18+ (High level animated sex scenes, High level themes) on July 19th 2007. It was released as COOL DEVICES VOLUME 1 in October 2007, and contains:

OPERATION 1 - CURIOUS FRUIT (title on program)
Dir Osamu Shimokawa
27m 45s

OPERATION 2 - SACRED GIRL (title on program)
Dir Megumi Saki
25m 22s

Siren Visual Entertainment also had COOL DEVICES PART 2 - EPISODES 3 TO 6 (this is the title in the OFLC records) rated R18+ (High level animated sex scenes, high level themes) on August 28th 2007. It was released as COOL DEVICES VOLUME 2 in November 2007, and contains:

OPERATION 3A - LOVER DOLL
LOVE DOLL (title on DVD menu)
On the actual program no title is given.
Dir Hiroshi Matsuda
07m 18s

OPERATION 3B - WINTER SWIMSUIT
SWIMSUIT (title on DVD menu)
On the actual program only the words FUYUNO MIZUGI are shown.
Dir none given
05m 12s

OPERATION 10 - BINDING
BINDING (title on DVD menu and Program)
Dir Hiro Asano
23m 55s

OPERATION 11 - FALLEN ANGEL RINA
FALLEN ANGEL (title on DVD menu)
IDOL FALLEN ANGEL RINA (title on program)
Dir Kouji Yoshikawa
24m 09s

Note that Siren's website gives the following warning for their HENTAI COLLECTION.

The Siren Hentai Collection is the best Hentai anime sourced from around the world. Wherever possible titles have been presented uncut, but due to the graphic nature of the content, sometimes cuts have been made in order to comply with local government laws.

So despite COOL DEVICES being passed in their 'Original Versions', this does not mean that Siren did not pre-cut them before submission. 

What we can say with certainty is that Siren has not released any of the following. These include some of the most notorious episodes in the series.

OPERATION 3C: ENEMA
OPERATION 4: KIREI
OPERATION 5: SEEK 1
OPERATION 6: SEEK 2 (SM QUEEN SAKI)
OPERATION 7: YELLOW STAR
OPERATION 8: SLAVE WARRIOR MAYA 1
OPERATION 9: SLAVE WARRIOR MAYA 2

Corruption

Dir Robert Hartford-Davis / 1967 / UK

ANY missing footage discussed for this film is not the work of the OFLC!

Shot in two versions, a harder European cut, and a softer one, released here on the RCA/Columbia label. The harder print shows Peter Cushing stabbing a topless prostitute, then smearing her blood over her breasts with his hands. In the Australian release she is fully clothed. 

The European version, titled Laser Killer can be found on tape in France on the GIFM Colombus label.

Country Cuzzins  

Dir Bethel G. Buckalew / 1970 / USA

Filmways had this Box Office International title banned in 1973. It was finally passed with an R rating in 1976 after being cut from 94min (f) to 79min (f). A cinema release followed.

It was again refused in 1981 when K&C Video presented a 90min (v) print. The running time would seem to indicate that this version was uncut. Reasons given for the ban were infrequent, but gratuitous highly explicit sex. It's worth noting that the sex is softcore in nature. As far as I know the K&C tape was never released.

Now available on DVD in the US from Something Weird Video. It is double billed with MIDNIGHT PLOWBOY, another Bethel G. Buckalew picture. This second feature can be found on  Starbase Video (part of K&C Video) in Australia. 

Criminally Insane

Dir Steve Millard / 1975 / USA

In April 1980 Astral Distributing removed 45 seconds to gain a 62min (f) cinema run. The cuts were required to remove gratuitous, infrequent, high intensity violence. No Australian video release.

Crying Freeman: Chapter 5 - The Impersonator

Crying Freeman: Chapter 6 - The Russian Connection

Dir Shigeru Yamachui / 1992 / Japan

More Manga problems at the OFLC. In 1995 Siren Entertainment had to cut this double-bill from 101 to 100min (v) in order to gain an R18+ (Medium Level Violence and Sex Scenes) rating. 

The actual running time for both chapters is 99min 46sec. Individually, The Impersonator runs 49min 24sec, and THE RUSSIAN CONNECTION 50min 22sec.

It's unclear what was cut, and if footage was removed from one or both episodes. According to Melon Farmers, in the UK the BBFC objected to the scene in THE RUSSIAN CONNECTION where Tsuaike masturbates Tanya with a gun. The scene appears in the Australian tape at around the 20min point and does not appear to be toned down.

This cut version is out in Australia on the Manga Video label.

Cry of a Prostitute

Dir Adelchi Bianchi / 1974 / Italy

House of Dare had a  a 2246.5mtr 82.07s (f) Refused Registration in December 1980. The reason given for the ban was violence, which were described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

A reconstructed pre-censor cut version running 2377.00mtr (86m 53s) (f) was passed with an R-rating in July 1981. The reason given was violence which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Thanks to Matt G for this brief review of the film:

I recently watched the Joseph Brenner release of CRY OF A PROSTITUTE which I assume was the same version that was submitted to the Australian censors. The 82m 31s print was a bit choppy during the credits (the title was missing), but all the violence was intact. The film contains various scenes of guys getting shot in the head, and stomach, which involve lots of blood squibs. At one point (36m) Tony bashes a guys head in with a rock then runs over him with a road roller (non graphically). The Australian Censors would definitely not have liked the scene at 44m when Tony rapes Margie, or at 59m where he beats her with a belt then rapes her. The violence was probably RC back in 1981, but would easily get passed these days.

Cut and Run  

Dir Ruggero Deodato / Italy / 1985

In October 1985 CBS/FOX had a 90min version of this banned, the following year it was cut to 85min (v) and rated R. I can only presume that the original 90 min print was the soft version. This means audiences in Australia were presented with the soft print minus 5 mins of footage! The exact running time of the cut version that made it onto tape from CBS FOX is 83min 48sec.

Schnittberichte.com has pictures of some of the scenes from the alternative harder version of the film. 

DVD Comparisons

Continue...

   http://www.refused-classification.com

refusedclassification@gmail.com