The latest installment in the beloved “Doraemon” franchise is heading to Philippine cinemas this week after receiving a General Audience (G) rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
“Doraemon The Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil,” which runs for one hour, 41 minutes and 27 seconds, will be shown exclusively at SM Cinemas.
The 45th feature film in the long-running franchise features the voices of Mizuta Wasabi as the iconic Doraemon and Ohara Megumi as Nobita.
In granting the film a G rating, the MTRCB described it as an adventure that introduces children to the undersea world and its creatures while encouraging environmental awareness, compassion, and kindness toward others.
“The film promotes positive values and is appropriate for audiences of all ages,” the Board said.
The MTRCB also classified three other films opening this week with an R-13 rating.
Leading the list is the epic fantasy action film “The Odyssey,” which received the classification for its “infrequent and non-graphic depiction of violence and suffering” and mature themes that may not be suitable for viewers below 13 years old.
Starring Matt Damon as the Greek hero Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, the film is adapted from Homer’s classic epic poem and follows Odysseus’ long journey home after the Trojan War. It runs for two hours, 52 minutes and 24 seconds and also features Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron.
Also rated R-13 is the South Korean horror-mystery film “The Second Child,” starring Lim Soo-jung, Park So-yi and Yuna.
Running for one hour, 44 minutes and 40 seconds, the film tackles mature themes involving depression and suicide and contains infrequent horror and frightening scenes deemed unsuitable for children below 13 years old.
Meanwhile, the sci-fi action thriller “Superhuman,” starring Christopher Mark, also received an R-13 rating. The one-hour, 17-minute film will be shown exclusively at Megaworld Cinemas.
According to the MTRCB, the film contains “infrequent and non-graphic depiction of violence and suffering, prolonged violent fight sequences, and mature themes involving mind alterations,” making it unsuitable for viewers younger than 13.
Under the MTRCB’s classification system, a G rating means a film is suitable for all ages, while PG or Parental Guidance advises that younger viewers should watch with the guidance of a parent or guardian.
An R-13 rating is intended for viewers aged 13 and above, while R-16 and R-18 classifications are reserved for audiences aged 16 and 18, respectively.
MTRCB Chairman and CEO Lala Sotto reminded parents and guardians to use the Board’s classifications as a guide when choosing films for their children.
“While most of this week’s movies are suitable for young audiences, we still encourage parents to carefully guide their children based on their age and level of understanding,” Sotto said.
“We want our children to learn from what they watch in theaters — not only about culture, but also about values and good behavior,” she added.
