Take Me   

Dir Cha Chuen Yee / 1991 / Hong Kong

This Hong Kong sex-comedy was Refused Classification on February 3rd 1992. The OFLC explained why in their 1991-1992 Report on Activities.

"For 'Take Me', the sequence of sexual violence at issue was considered to offer viewers the message that violence and protests enhance the sexual experience and women are turned on by this behaviour. The scene perpetuates the myth that women want to be, and enjoy being raped." 

The Chinatown Cinema censored the 90m print down to 86m and were awarded an R18+ (Medium Level Sex Scenes, Nudity) rating on February 5th 1992. This print went on to have a Chinese language theatrical run.

Thanks to Matt for this review.

TAKE ME is a standard early 90's Hong Kong CAT3 film that features lots of very lame juvenile comedy. Although there is no full frontal female nudity, Veronica Yip does at least go topless. It is very obvious which scene the censors objected to as it does not sit easily with the rest of the comedy tone of the film. The set up for the scene is that Milk's painter boyfriend is locked in a room by a girl who is attempting to have sex with him as he resists and tries to escape. The ghost of Milk's dead husband watches on and decides to possess him to do bad things. The offending sequence starts at around 65:30 with the now possessed painter looking to the girl with an evil look on his face and saying "let's play raping, it's funny, you like this". He then picks up a knife and walks towards her. She laughs and thinks it is a joke until he begins to get rough. She attempts to escape, but he pins her to the ground, cuts off her bra, runs the knife over her breasts, and cuts a hole in her underwear. Around the 67:30 point the tone shifts and the girl is shown licking the knife and enjoying it. She then gets naked on all fours as he runs the knife over her body before they have sex. The scene ends at approximately 69:15. So the total running time for the sequence is around 03:45 which corresponds exactly to the reduced running time that you report of 90m to 86m. It looks like the Chinatown Cinema removed this scene in its entirety. To be honest the film would not have missed it because as I mentioned it does not fit the comedy tone of the story. The Ocean Shores DVD runs 88:40.

T&A Teacher

Dir Hideki Araki / 2004 / Japan

Siren Visual had this DVD rated R18+ (High level animated sex scenes, Violence) on February 21st 2008. It was released as part of the Siren Hentai Collection in May 2008. 

Thanks to Geoff for this review in which he reveals the Siren DVD has been pre-censored.

It looks like once again Siren were scared of an RC rating and removed a potentially problematic scene.  I am basing the evidence for the cuts on a great review that can be found at www.animetric.com.

The reviewer states that the opening credits play out over Yuuki getting raped by at least five guys. In the Siren DVD the 01:30 opening credits do play out with Yuuki having sex, though it is not clear with how many guys, or even if it is a rape. It just looks like a dream sequence. So in this case I can't say either way if it has been censored.

What is definitely missing is the final gang rape scene that has supposedly been played over the opening credits.

Yuuki says "Hey I want you to explain these pictures to me right now", the guy replies "Explain, that is what I think you should be doing". It ends at 23:33 with a close-up of Yuuki's face as she drops the pictures. It should then continue on to the rape scene.

The slide show is included as an extra and consists of a series of pics from the feature. The second one shows a topless Yuuki with a guy either side, and one guy with his hand under her chin. This must be from the start of the rape scene that has been removed. 

Apart from the slide show, the only other extras are trailers for CLASSES IN SEDUCTION, I LOVE YOU, and SEX WARD. Only one episode of T&A TEACHER was ever made, and in Australia even that is cut! Siren have not attempted to sweeten the deal so this censored 26:39 feature represents very poor value.

***

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 T&A TEACHER should retain its R18+ rating. Only the consumer advice was changed from:

High level animated sex scenes, Violence

to

High level animated sex scenes and sexualised violence

The reason given was: 

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 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 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 Water

BUSINESS 
To review the Classification Board’s decision to classify the film T &A Teacher R 18+ with the consumer advice ‘High level animated sex scenes, Violence’. 

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 and sexualised violence’. 

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 

A teacher, who is proficient in martial arts, expresses bewilderment by her almost uncontrollable sexual urges that result in her masturbating on school premises, digitally stimulating a male student’s penis through his clothes during his martial arts class and engaging in sexual activity with another student. 

The teacher also strikes out impulsively injuring a student following his sexual harassment of another teacher and injures a further student following a consensual sexual experience. This student is hospitalised and she visits him in hospital and engages in sexual activity with him while he is wearing a neck brace. 

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 abuse of positional power is depicted. The teacher is also depicted in a sexually provocative pose in front of the principal, who is also her father. 

(b) Violence – There are several violent scenes, two that result in injury to students following sexual behaviour or activity thus sexualising the violence.

(c) Language – There is little use of coarse language. 

(d) Sex – There are detailed and graphic depictions of sexual activity including masturbation, cunnilingus, fellatio, digital and penile anal and vaginal penetration, and ejaculation. The depictions of male and female genitalia are anatomically correct and are presented in close up and are present as part of sex scenes. 

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

(f) Nudity – There are animated depictions of male and female full and partial nudity including frontal and rear nudity mostly involving sexual 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. 

Whilst some adults may find the themes and sexual depictions offensive, the Review Board unanimously determined that the film could be accommodated by the R18+ classification because the impact of the sex scenes and sexualised violence was greatly diminished by the animated character of the film. 

However, given the community’s concerns regarding sex violence, the Review Board determined that the film should carry consumer advice regarding the impact of the sexualised violence as well as the high impact of the sex scenes. 

8. Summary 

The Review Board unanimously determined that the film should be classified R18+ with the consumer advice “high impact animated sex scenes and sexualised violence”

***

Re-released in January 2009 as part of Siren's box set titled THE TEACHER COLLECTION.  It also includes CLASSES IN SEDUCTION, and MAPLE COLORS.

***

Note that the New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification gave this an Objectionable (banned) rating on May 14th 2008. 

Taste for Fear, A

Dir Piccio Raffanini / 1988 / Italy

Palace Home Video had an 88min (v) version of this banned in 1988. The following year it was cut to 86mins (85min 47sec) and awarded an R18+ rating. It is missing the following scenes:

TEAGAN'S MURDER

Before - "I prefer other instruments". He then presses play.

CENSORED AT 54min 22sec (20sec approx missing) - Teagan is shown on the TV screen tied to a chair and being stabbed. This is mixed with some reaction shots of those watching the tape.

After - Dianne turns her head away from the screen and says "Urgh!"

KIM'S MURDER

Before - The killer shows the same sign as before. Dianne says "It's the same dedication" "Who's it to?"

CENSORED AT 68min 06sec (43sec approx missing) - Kim is shown on the screen getting her throat cut. This is mixed with reaction shots of those watching. One line of dialogue has been removed. "Stop, take it back to the red-head"

After - Laura says "You really think it was George behind all this?"

Taste of Kiwi, A

Dir Peter Wells / 1991 / New Zealand

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney had this short 28min video rated RC in 1992. An appeal against the decision was made to the Review Board but was unsuccessful.

Applicant: Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney

Decision Reviewed: Refuse to register by the Film Censorship Board

Decision: This short film, depicting footballers leaving the
field and scenes of male sexual activity, was intended for presentation in a program of films at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

The Chairman declared an interest in the Museum of Contemporary Art, through its association with the NSW Ministry of the Arts, of which he is the Secretary, and withdrew. from the discussion.

The Deputy Chairman, Mr Keith Connolly, took the chair.  The members of the Review Board were in unanimous agreement with the Censorship Board that A Taste of Kiwi contains indecent scenes, and accordingly confirmed the decision of the Censorship Board to refuse to register the film. 18 June 1992.

OFLC and Film and Literature Board of Review - Report on Activities 1991-92

Taxi Zum Klo

aka Taxi to the Toilet

Dir Frank Ripploh / 1981 / West Germany

Crystal Film Corporation Pty Ltd had this title Refused Registration in May 1982. The 2632.70mtr (96m 13s) print was banned due to:
Sex
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

August 1982 saw a 'Reconstructed Version' submitted missing around five minutes of footage. The 2496.13mtr (91m 14s) print was passed with an R-rating for:
Sex
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Justified
Other: Adult Concepts

It is this heavily censored version that went on to have an Australian theatrical release.

The film was no doubt cut to remove, amongst other things, footage of real gay sex, as well a golden shower scene.

Tender and Perverse Emanuelle

Dir Jess Franco / 1973 / France

In September 1981 Filmways had to remove 1min 45sec to gain an R rating. Reasons for the cuts were infrequent medium level gratuitous sex. A 83min (f) print went on to a cinema run, no Australian video release followed.

Tendres Cousines

Dir David Hamilton / 1980 / France-West Germany

In 1981 Roadshow had a 90min (f) print banned for reasons of the sexual exploitation of a minor.

In 1984,Consolidated Exhibitors tried again with a 92min (f) print; this was once again banned. An appeal to the Film Board of Review was unsuccessful.

Terror

Dir Franco Prosperi / 1978 / Italy

Applicant IE International/Cinehollywood had two tapes passed in August 1983. The first is listed as an Italian Language Version, and the second an English Language, Greek subtitled version. Both list a running time of 87mins.

The Cinehollywood tape could be found during the 80's and 90's in many Australian stores that rented Italian Language videos. The running time was presumably uncut at 85min 24sec. 

In 1985 Thorn Emi picked the film up for a an English Language release. Despite passing it a year or two earlier, the censors now banned this 86min print. The reason given was 'Gratuitous Sexual Violence'. No cut release followed. 

DVD Comparisons

Terror

Dir Norman J Warren / 1979 / UK

In April 1980 Penda Investments removed 19 seconds to gain an 84min (f) R rated cinema run. The cuts were required to remove gratuitous, frequent, medium intensity violence. No Australian video release.

DVD Comparisons

Terror on Tape

Dir Robert Worms / 1983 / USA

In 1985 Hoyts Distribution had this 85min (v) made for video horror film compilation banned due to excessive violence. I assume that amongst the gory clips, the censors were particularly concerned about scenes from the banned films Color Me Blood Red & Nightmare.

Thou Shalt not Kill… Except  

aka Sgt Stryker's War

Dir Josh Becker / 1985 / USA

The Dutch tape issued by Video For Pleasure is uncut at 82min 27sec.

DVD Comparisons

Three Kings

Dir David.O.Russel / 1999 / USA

Roadshow have released the full R rated print on DVD and tape.

DVD Comparisons

Thriller: A Cruel Picture

Dir Bo Arne Vibenius / 1974 / Sweden

This was passed for theatrical release in November 1976 with an R18+ rating. The print submitted ran 2523mtr (92min 13sec), from which 12.3mtr (27sec) of 'excessive violence' was removed at the insistence of the Australian censors. 

In September 2004 the film made its world DVD premiere on the U.S. Synapse label. So far there has been three confirmed customs confiscations of this title, and rumours of several more. 

Details from one letter give the reason only as:

"DVD Entitled "Thriller " depicting SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE."
"....subject to regulation 4A(1A)(a) of customs (prohibited imports) reg 1956"

One U.S. based DVD company includes this warning to those in Australia thinking of ordering the film.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMERS - WE HAVE HAD SOME OF THESE DVDS CONFISCATED BY CUSTOMS. SOME HAVE MADE IT THROUGH BUT SOME HAVE BEEN STOPPED. ORDER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

DVD Comparisons

Thundering Mantis, The  

Dir Yip Wing-Cho / Prod Chou Fu-Liang  / 1980 / Hong Kong

In July 1980 W.Yau submitted a 2565.7mtr (93min 47sec) print for classification. It lost 16.4mtrs (36sec) of footage before an R rating was eventually awarded. The reason given for the deletions was violence, which was described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

With the cuts made the R rating was awarded on the grounds of violence which was now described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

In February 1981 it was back before the censors, this time submitted by Joe Sui International Film Co. The (pre-cut?) 2534.30mtr (92min 38sec) print was passed with an R, again due to violence which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

September 1982 saw the film again being rated by the censors. This time the applicant was Comfort Film Enterprises. The 2499.00mtr (91min 20sec) print lost 16.4mtr (36sec). Again the R rating was for violence, which was once again thought to be:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

All of the above submissions would have been for local Chinese Language cinema releases. 

In June 1985 Gold Seal Video were awarded an R rating for an 80min print. Despite having an 80min running time on the cover, the actual tape clocks in at 89min 14sec (v). It is unclear if this is uncut. Once more the rating was awarded on the grounds that the violence was:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

The IMDb claims that the film had been released in Australia as MANTIS FIST BOXER. Presumably this is the 2004 RBC Entertainment DVD that was issued as part of their Kung Fu Theatre series. It needs to be confirmed if this is indeed the same film, and if so, how complete it is.

DVD Comparisons

To All A Goodnight

Dir Davis Hess / 1980 / USA

In November 1982  a 2331.55m (85m 13s) print lost 4.7m (10s) of footage. 

The reason given for the deletions was violence, which were described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Following this censorship it was awarded an R-rating for violence which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

This censored print was released on VHS by Media Home Entertainment-Video Classics.

In June 1983 an 85m reconstructed version was listed as a 'Film/Tape Registered Not Classified', whilst a 90m tape was Refused Registration. In both cases the applicant was Video Classics. The reason for the ban was once again violence, which were described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

In February 1984 it became law for all video tapes to be classified. The censors began the slow task of reviewing all the titles that had been released up until that time. They finally got to the TO ALL A GOODNIGHT in July 1984. An 85m (v) print was confirmed with an R-rating for violence which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Thanks to Matt for this info regarding the cuts.

I noticed that you have TO ALL A GOODNIGHT listed as having early 80's censorship problems here in Australia. I've always thought the print looked cut. I finally tracked down a copy of the uncut U.S. release, also from Media Home Entertainment, and can confirm the cuts as follows. 

20m approx- Trisha has her throat cut by the killer Santa. The Aussie version looses around two seconds from the end of this scene which shows Trisha's head being pulled back which exposes the wound. It also misses another close-up of her eyes.

68m approx - T.J's death is the only other cut, and by far the longest at around 15 seconds of missing footage. We see the start of the garrotting in the Aussie version, it then cuts and we miss the garrotte being pulled tight, and it cutting into his throat. This is interspersed with shots of Melody screaming, and the killer Santa pulling the garrotte.

So there you have it. Two censored throat violence scenes and approximately 17s of missing footage. Overall this is a strictly by numbers slasher movie which would definitely not trouble the censors in 2009. Indeed it is hard to see why they were even bothered by it back in 1982!

The Aussie version looks to be an NTSC -PAL conversion as apart from the cuts, the times are the same. The running times for both versions are:

Media Home Entertainment (USA): 83:27
Media Home Entertainment/Video Classics (Australia): 83:11

These times include the Intercontinental Releasing Corporation (IRC) title card.

Tobacco Roody

Dir Bethel G. Buckalew / 1970 / USA

Regent Trading were originally refused a rating in 1975 with a running time of 86min (f). 14th Mandolin had to remove 4mins before an R rated cinema release could take place in 1979. Two years later K&C Video had an 85min (v) print refused for infrequent, but gratuitous highly explicit sex. Advertisements for King of Video that appeared in early 80's video trade magazines listed this as one of their titles. It needs to be conformed if this was indeed released by them.

Thanks to Carlos for this review.

The 2002 U.S. DVD from Something Weird runs 84:47 and is uncut. You mention that the censors banned it for "infrequent, but gratuitous highly explicit sex" however I think this may not be the full story. The sex is not exactly graphic, and I have definitely seen worse on some of the other K&C Video releases. There is no frontal male nudity, and everything is purely soft-core. Much more likely a reason for the ban is the incest theme. This involves the scene between 27-39mins where the two sisters are shown having sex. Also the relationship between Mose and Tootie could have been an issue. She has grown up calling him Pa even though she is actually his niece. He has been waiting until she has turned eighteen so he can tell her the truth and take her virginity. 

Tokyo Decadence 

Dir Ryu Murakami / 1992 / Japan

Image were this first US company to issue a DVD, this was re-released by First Run Features in 2003. Be warned though, this release, although rated NC17 is missing 26mins of footage that were present in the original Japanese print. See here for details of what is missing. Cult Video in Holland offers the full Directors cut on tape, with English subtitles.

It's best to avoid the 2003 UK DVD on the Blue Light label, as it runs under 90mins!

Toolbox Murders, The  

Dir Dennis Donnelly / 1978 / USA 

This was due to screen on July 17th 2004 at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival. It is rumoured that the OFLC became aware of this and contacted the organisers who pulled it, and three other features from the program. If anyone has any further information on this then please send it in.

The Melbourne Underground Film Festival issued the following press release on July 12th 2004.

The following films have been banned from MUFF by the O.F.L.C:

The following description of the film is taken from the MUFF website.

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS

1977 | USA | 94 min

A cheapjack, sleazy, serial-killer thriller that has Cameron Mitchell running amok with power tools and a moonlighting porn star in one of many deadly encounters. Mitchell who’s idea for playing a serial killer seems to have been hatched by observing the guys from the other end of the bar that he was drinking in before coming to work, is allowed to chew the scenery in an unbelievable manic turn that’ll have you shuddering in disbelief and that’s not even considering the amazing and prolonged moments of violence, general non-acting and super surprise ‘sicko’ ending.

Saturday July 17th 3pm | George Cinemas

******

As far as we know this has never been picked up for Australian distribution. If it had been presented to the OFLC in the 70's or 80's then it would have probably have ran into problems. It is however strange that the OFLC picked on this in 2004. Maybe if they had viewed it then it would now pass it R18+ uncut. The milder 2003 remake, available on DVD from 21st Century Pictures, was passed in 2004 with an MA15+ rating.

DVD Compare

Torture Train

Dir Ferdinando Baldi / 1979 / Italy

In 1986 JEF Films presented, and were refused (for gratuitous sexual violence) a rating for a 79min print. No cut release followed.

Total Recall  

Dir Paul Verhoeven / 1990 / USA

Applicant: Hoyts Fox Columbia Tri-Star Films Pty Ltd 
Decision Reviewed: Classify 'R' by the Film Censorship Board

Decision: Total Recall, a futuristic science-fiction adventure starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was classified 'R' by the Film Censorship Board because of its violence. A modified version was submitted by the film's Australian distributors and classified 'M'. It was subsequently discovered that contractual agreements between the director and the producers of the film prevented any version being screened with cuts or modifications. The modified version was therefore withdrawn and an appeal lodged against the original 'R' classification. This appeal was considered by the Film and Literature Board of Review. The distributors contended in a submission to the Board that the film's violence was "tongue-in-cheek" and not to be taken seriously; that the film was pure fantasy in keeping with the comic-strip characters usually portrayed by Schwarzenegger; and that the violence was no more likely to seem real than that of many cartoons.

Total Recall is an expensive film. The special effects are elaborate. The production values are impressive. It is true that the story has a comic-strip flavour, but its tone is by no means light-hearted. The film depicts a fashionably pessimistic view of the future - a world of greater greed and violence unmitigated by greater technological prowess. The action is menacing rather than escapist, and there is a message of sorts at the end. To say that the film is in no way to be regarded as a serious work seemed to us disingenuous; the director presumably took the film seriously enough to forbid any cuts. But even if Total Recall were a manifestly frivolous film its violence would still have formidable impact. It is frequent, intense, and calculated.

Members of the Board of Review were in no doubt that it exceeded the limits of an 'M' classification. All of it was explicit; much of it was highly detailed, and some of it at least was relished. Both individually and cumulatively the violent sequences contributed to a prevailing tone of ruthlessness and savagery. Some of us felt - though such judgements, of course, are ones for the director - that the film would have been no less successful if the violence had been less pronounced. Others of us who enjoyed Total Recall for its spectacle and technical accomplishment, and might have been tempted to treat such a commercially ambitious and potentially popular film with greater indulgence, were nevertheless mindful of the film's power to disturb and its possible effects on young audiences. All of us agreed that Total Recall, in its uncut version, had been properly classified 'R' by the Film Censorship Board, and accordingly we affirmed the 'R' classification. 28 June 1990.

With the appeal unsuccessful, Hoyts cut the film for a more commercial M rating (this was in the days before MA), and released it to cinemas. For a description of some of the cuts see here

Released to tape the following year, in both uncut R and cut M prints. It goes without saying which one to choose. Now out on R4 DVD, in the full R18+ version only. 

DVD Comparisons

Tough Guns

aka  Tramp Women

Dir Godfrey Daniels / 1972 / USA

Under the title TRAMP WOMEN, a 1673.18mtr (61m 09s) print was submitted to the Censorship Board in May 1980 by SHS Box Office Gold. It was passed only after 44.1mtr (96s) of sex and violence was removed. This was described as:

Sex and Violence
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

With the cuts made the film was awarded an R18+ for sex and violence, which was now described as:

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

In 1994 Peacock Films attempted to give the film a video release under the title TOUGH GUNS. The 73min print was Refused Classification, and  no cut release followed.

Traces of Death (1993) 

Traces of Death 2 (1994) 

Traces of Death 3 (1995) 

Traces of Death IV: Resurrected (1996) 

Traces of Death V: Back in Action (2000) 

aka Traces of Death 9th Anniversary Collectors Edition Box Set

Prod Dead Alive Producations / 1993 - 2000 / USA

A DVD box set of the first five episodes in this shockumentary series was confiscated by customs in 2003.

The reason given was:

1x Box Set of 5 DVD's titled "Traces of Death Volume 1 to 5 were seized under subsection 203B(2) being goods suspected on reasonable grounds to be special  forfeited goods.

An authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the said goods are forfeited to the Crown pursuant to Section 229 of the Customs Act 1901.

The DVD's titled "Traces of Death Volume 1 to 5" are deemed to contravene Regulation 4A(1A)(a) of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.

Train Station Pick-ups

Dir Walter Boos / 1979 / West Germany

A 2628.60mtr (96:04) print of this softcore sex-comedy was Refused Registration in December 1979. Filmways cut it down to 2593.29mtr (94:47)  and resubmitted the film in April 1980. It was passed R18+ only after the removal of a further 26mtr (00:57).

No Australian Video release. 

Thanks to Michael for this review of the Japanese DVD.

Thought you may like to know that the Japanese DVD released by JVD is cut. It only runs 83:51 which is ten minutes shorter than what you say on your site. The funny thing is that I didn't notice any obvious censorship, however none of the sex scenes go on for very long which made me suspect something.  Being a Japanese release it is also optically fogged. I thought they did this to remove pubic hair, however here this is not the case. There are plenty of shots of full frontal female nudity including pubic hair. However when the camera gets a little too close then it is fogged. I noticed this four times at 05:05, 21:27, 43:07, and 44:38. The print has the same title as it was released here in Germany, although it is dubbed into English.

Troma's War  

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

Dir Michael Herz - Lloyd Kaufman / 1988 / USA

In July 1989 Roadshow Home Video had a 90 min (v) print passed with an M15+ (Violence, Some coarse language, Sexual scenes) rating. This heavily censored U.S R rated version was eventually released by Applause Video. 

Troma have issued an unrated DVD in the US.

Continue...

   www.refused-classification.com

| Online Since April 2002