Film board rules against banning Irreversible

The Film and Literature Board of Review today ruled against banning controversial French film, Irreversible, which features graphic scenes of sexual violence.

The High Court last month asked the board to consider making an interim banning order after the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards asked for its R18 classification to be reconsidered.

But board president, Claudia Elliott, said in a statement today it would not be in the public interest to ban the film.

The decision means Irreversible could be shown until late October, when the board meets to consider re-classification of the film.

However, Ms Elliott said it had already stopped playing in New Zealand.

- NZPA