Even so often in the UK, movies are resubmitted to the British Board of Film Classification so their ratings can be reviewed. Sometimes, the films reviewed can have their ratings decreased and increased in line with current guidelines set out by the board. In 2023, the likes of Enter The Dragon and Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, had their ratings moved from the adults-only 18 certificate to the much more accessible ’15’ rating, meaning people aged 15 and over can view it. Today, a new Mary Poppins BBFC rating has seen the classic 1960s movie moved from a U certificate to a ‘PG’.
The Walt Disney classic has had its certificate move in the other direction, from a ‘U’ certificate to one of a ‘PG” (parental guidance). The film, which has seen its previous certificate removed for a recent theatrical resubmission, says it has moved from the ‘U’ – “no material likely to offend or harm” – to the new ‘PG’ for “discriminatory language.”
The 1964 movie with Julie Andrews as the titular character, revolves around a magical nanny who brings fun and adventure into the lives of two children who feel neglected by their parents.
It says of the Mary Poppins BBFC rating on its website: “A few scary moments are quickly resolved and the tone is light and fun.” It has had the ‘U’ classification listed from the original release up until now.
A Variety article says that a BBFC spokesperson made a statement to them stating that the film “includes two uses of the discriminatory term ‘hottentots’. While ‘Mary Poppins’ has a historical context, the use of discriminatory language is not condemned, and ultimately exceeds our guidelines for acceptable language at U. We therefore classified the film PG for discriminatory language.”
Related: Mary Poppins Returns review
The film is the latest in a line of movies seeing their ratings increased in the last 12 months. In 2003 Jurassic Park was moved from a PG to a 12 rating, presumably for its tense scenes of peril. Star Wars movie ‘Return of the Jedi’ also had its rating moved to the 12 certificate for scenes of violence.
Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence was also raised to a ’12’ certificate from a ‘U’ in the past due to its language.
You can read more about the Mary Poppins BBFC rating at the end of the links above.
