MOVIE buffs have an interesting line-up of films to choose from – including a popular superhero movie and a Filipino artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted animated feature – that were recently approved for public exhibition by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto called on the public to support local talent who worked on two animated movies showing in theaters this week. Also showing this week is an extended version of “Avengers: Endgame.”
“Tampok ang galing ng mga Pilipino sa dalawang animated features na ginawaran namin ng G and PG rating, kayat suportahan natin ang kanilang mga likha. Hinihikayat din namin kayo na panoorin ang mga action, adventure at horror na pelikula na palabas ngayong linggo,” she said.
“At dahil iba-iba ang rating ng ating mga pelikula, i-check muna natin ang rating at tiyakin na puwede ito sa ating mga anak bago tayo bumili ng tiket,” Sotto added.
The Agency gave a G (General Audience) rating to the Filipino-produced “Plump Blossom,” an AI-assisted animated musical that tells the story of a kind and brave princess.
Deemed “suitable for all audiences,” the movie features the voices of Candice Tan, Don Puno, Gutch Gutierrez, Chad Williams, Yeng Her and Audie Gemora.
Another film featuring Filipino talent is “Forgotten Island,” an American fantasy adventure animated movie. It was rated PG (Parental Guidance).
Featuring the voices of H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Lea Salonga, it is the story of two best friends stranded in Nakali, a mystical world that feeds on the memories of its inhabitants.
The Agency said it has positive themes of friendship and “brings Filipino mythology to life through vibrant animation while showcasing aspects of everyday Filipino life, culture and traditions.”
Its mild fantasy violence and some frightening scenes involving mythical creatures may require parental guidance for children below 13 years old.
“Avengers: Endgame Encore” – an extended version of the 2019 hit superhero film – was rated PG. It will be released in anticipation of its two sequels, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
The action-adventure movie “Heart of the Beast,” which stars Brad Pitt, got an R-13 rating. It is about a Special Forces officer and his combat dog who survive a plane crash and find themselves stranded in the Alaskan wilderness.
The MTRCB said it contains wilderness adventure, reminiscing war scenes, intense animal violence and occasional gore that can be frightening for young kids.
The premiere cut of “Z Zone,” a Mongolian action horror feature, was rated R-13 and will be exclusively shown in Megaworld Cinemas. It tells the story of a group of young delinquents who were transferred to a remote military base for rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the Agency gave an R-13 rating to the special version of “Uranus 2324,” a Thai science-fiction drama centered on two women whose relationship transcends space, time and parallel universes.
“The film combines emotional romance-with disaster, war, and space exploration sequences, while exploring themes of loss, sacrifice and hope,” the MTRCB said.
A G or General Audience rating means a film is suitable for all ages, while PG or Parental Guidance means a parent or guardian must be present to supervise younger viewers.
An R-13 means a film is suitable for viewers aged 13 and up, while an R-16 is for 16 years old and above. An R-18 is for adult audiences only.