Crimes and Misdemeanors- why the hell is this rated 18?

[Paul Lynock]

I've never really watched any Woody Allen films, but over the past couple of days I've seen three (the excellent Annie Hall, Small Time Crooks and Crimes and Misdemeanors), with a lot more to follow. I've found them very enjoyable, and I love the one-liners that crop up from time to time :D

What puzzles me though, is why this R2 MGM copy of Crimes and Misdemeanors is rated 18? There was no violence, no sex and very little swearing (if any at all)- so it makes no sense :confused: Looking on the BBFC website, it seems that this was rated 15 in 2001 (Even that is steep in my opinion- I would say a 12 at the very most to be honest). So, what- did MGM screw up?

...Unless of course, there are some easter eggs that I don't know about :)

[DavidMcGowan]

I believe it's to do with Woody Allen's speech to his sister (?) in the film - she talks about her husband/boyfriend's perversions, tying her to the bed and defecating on her.
Sorry my knowledge of the characters are vague but it's been a while since I've seen it. I think the BBFC guidelines were recently changed to prohibit the portrayal of such acts on lower certificate films and it appears discussion of it has also qualified the film for an 18 certificate.
Definitely weird because the rest of the film is certainly not 18-rated material. I think MGM even originally had cover art with a PG certificate at one point - although their original release date was pushed back at the last minute so I guess it took them by surprise as much as anyone.

[Paul Lynock]

Originally posted by DavidMcGowan
I believe it's to do with Woody Allen's speech to his sister (?) in the film - she talks about her husband/boyfriend's perversions, tying her to the bed and defecating on her.
Sorry my knowledge of the characters are vague but it's been a while since I've seen it. I think the BBFC guidelines were recently changed to prohibit the portrayal of such acts on lower certificate films and it appears discussion of it has also qualified the film for an 18 certificate.
Definitely weird because the rest of the film is certainly not 18-rated material. I think MGM even originally had cover art with a PG certificate at one point - although their original release date was pushed back at the last minute so I guess it took them by surprise as much as anyone.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that part ! It still didn't give much away, all she says is "he went to the bathroom" :nuts: It's one of those nudge-nudge wink-wink things that kids wouldn't understand...