Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 28 Feb 2024, 03:20 am Print
British Board of Film Classification lifts age rating of 1964-released Mary Poppins from U to PG. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Julie Andrew's Mary Poppins, a 1964-released cult classic which has been loved by moviegoers for generations, recently had its age rating lifted from U to PG because it contains 'discriminatory language'.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) now considers the film to be unsuitable for children to watch alone.
Why did BBFC make the change?
BBFC lifted the age rating of the movie due to the use of the word Hottentots.
The dated term was historically used by Europeans to refer to the Khoekhoe, a group of nomadic herders in South Africa, but is now regarded as racially offensive, reported Daily Mail.
The BBFC was quoted as saying by Daily Mail: "We understand from our racism and discrimination research... that a key concern for... parents is the potential to expose children to discriminatory language or behaviour which they may find distressing or repeat without realising the potential offence."
About the movie
Mary Poppins was directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney.
The film, which combines live-action and animation, stars Julie Andrews in her feature film debut as Mary Poppins, who visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family's dynamic. Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns are featured in supporting roles.
It became the highest-grossing film of 1964 in the United States.
The cult classic had won five Oscars.
- New 'Superman' trailer unveiled, David Corenswet to play new 'Man of Steel'
- South Korean actor Park Min-jae dies at 32 after suffering cardiac arrest
- Socialite Kim Kardashian plays 'rock-paper-scissors' with humanoid Optimus
- Mattel apologises after porn website link misprinted on Wicked movie doll packaging
- James Cameron unveils new look of Pandora from upcoming Avatar sequel