If Malaysia banned "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie from being screened in its theaters for being 'too sadistic,' France just did the exact opposite. If you are in this European country hoping to watch this movie based on the novel of the same name by EL James, don't be surprised if you see a 12-year old kid sitting next to you. Le Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC) gave the erotic romance movie a PG-12 rating because according to them, it only portrays casual sadomasochism.
"Fifty Shades of Grey is really a romance, we could even call it a bleuette - a sentimental tale," he said.
"The director handled the sex scenes very skilfully and limited them to the bare minimum. It's more the subject itself, this S&M relationship, which pushed us to restrict the movie for audiences under 12."
It is not just the conservatives who opposed the 12-rating given by the French film body, even the stars of "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie themselves. For Dakota Johnson, who plays the lead female cast Anastasia, PG-12 rating is a bit young.
"Whoa ... I think 12 is a bit young, but I don't know. Maybe there are some precocious 12 year olds in the world. It depends on the person."
Abuse claims
When it comes to the allegations her film is promoting sexual abuse and violence, Johnson insisted "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie and novels are doing the opposite.
"I know that a lot of people, before seeing the movie, were thinking that it's promoting abuse and violence, but I think it's actually doing the opposite," Johnson told Digital Spy today.
"I really don't think Anastasia is a weak, submissive victim. I think she's a strong woman who is fearlessly exploring herself emotionally and sexually."
"Fifty Shades of Grey" is showing right now in theaters worldwide and is on its way to become the highest grossing R-Rated movie of all time with more than $40 million earnings in two days, according to Box Office Mojo.
