Love, Simonwon't be seen in cinemas by anyone under 21 in Singapore.
Greg Berlanti's delightful gay teen rom-com has been rated R21 by the country's Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), meaning unless you're over 21, you can't see it in a theater.
SEE ALSO:Twitter explains why 'Love, Simon' is so meaningful and why we all need to see itDubbed a triumphantly relatable tale for members of the LGBTQ communities,Love, Simonfollows the story of teenager Simon Spier, who comes out in high school to his family and friends.
The IMDA delivered the R21 rating with an advisory of "Homosexual Theme." For context, there is no legal protection against LGBTQ discrimination in Singapore, in fact, it is considered against the law in the country for two men to "commit" what the Penal Code viciously calls "gross indecency" — the maximum penalty is two years in prison.
Here's the IMDA statement (heads up, spoilers):
The theme of homosexuality, therefore, forms the main narrative of the film as the protagonist is portrayed to overcome his fear of being rejected as a gay male; and coupled with the support of his friends, gradually gains confidence to seek out the real identity of his love interest. According to the R21 Classification Guidelines “stronger and more explicit portrayal and exploration of mature themes are allowed."The film also contains some verbal sexual references. These include scenes such as, a man who barges into his son’s room and apologises for interrupting the latter’s attempt at masturbating; a teenage boy who gives a verbal account of his first sexual encounter; and verbal exchanges that make reference to the male and female genitalia.
More than a few people aren't satisfied with the decision, especially one Thasha Monique Dharmendra, whose Change.org petition has clocked up over 13,000 signatures at the time of writing.
Dharmendra is campaigning for one thing: Give Love, Simonan NC16 rating in Singapore, so teenagers will be able to see theteenfilm.
"[The R21 rating] is ridiculous as there is no sexual intercourse or violence involved," she wrote in the petition schpiel. "It's just a harmless coming of age movie where the main character happens to be gay."
"I understand that the older generations are hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community thus leading to some younger generations to just follow suit," she continues. "However, a young Singaporean teen struggling with their sexuality might find themself relating and finding comfort in this movie.
"By making Love, SimonNC16, I am positive that it will have a huge impact on young teenagers struggling to find acceptance from family and friends. It will also educate people that being free and accepted is just what everyone in this extensive community wants. Hopefully, it will also change people’s negative perception of the LGBTQ+ community."
Support for the film's reclassification has flowed over into Twitter.
Tweet may have been deleted
Tweet may have been deleted
Love, Simonis currently rated PG-13 (13 years and up) in the U.S., Canada, Malaysia and the Philippines. The UK, Ireland and Brazil has rated it for 12 years and over, while in South Korea and Australia it's rated 15+. The film has no age restriction in Finland, the Netherlands or Germany.
Love, Simonisn't the first film to face homophobic classification in Singapore. Barry Jenkins' Best Picture winner Moonlightwas "Passed Clean" with an M18 rating, but with an advisory of “Some Homosexual Content."
IMDA's classification information justified their rating with the film's use of editing. "The film contains a scene where the protagonist is seen sharing a passionate kiss with his male friend, before the latter is implied to perform a sexual act on him. The act is depicted discreetly through a series of cut-away shots to suggest that the protagonist is deriving sexual gratification, and is therefore contained within the M18 Classification Guidelines."
The petition to change Singapore's classification for Love, Simonis here. It's worth signing.
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