Bid to re-ban SALO fails

5 May 2010
MEDIA RELEASE - Classification Review Board

Salo classified R 18+ upon review

A five-member panel of the Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has in a majority decision determined that the film Salo is classified R 18+ (Restricted) with the consumer advice ‘Scenes of torture and degradation, sexual violence and nudity’.

In the Review Board’s majority opinion Salo warrants this classification because the inclusion of additional material on the DVD facilitates wider consideration of the context of the film which results in the impact being no more than high.

The minority were of the view that the film should be Refused Classification.

The Review Board strongly advises consumers to consider whether this is a film they wish to see as it contains scenes of torture, degradation, cruelty and sexual violence that may offend some sections of the community.

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. Consumer advice is additional information which is intended to help consumers decide if they want to view this type of material.

The Review Board convened today in response to an application from the Minister for Home Affairs to review the decision made by the Classification Board to classify Salo R 18+ with the consumer advice ‘Scenes of torture and degradation, sexual violence and nudity’.

In reviewing the classification, the 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. This is the same framework used by the Classification Board.

The Review Board is an independent merits review body. It makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board. The Review Board’s reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification website when finalised.

Note: Screening this film in a cinema without the additional material would constitute a breach of classification laws.

Statement authorised by Victoria Rubensohn, Convenor, Classification Review Board