9 Songs to be released uncut

17-10-2004 23:00

The sexually explicit movie 9 Songs is to be released uncut in the UK next year after being given an 18 certificate.

The film, directed by Michael Winterbottom, consists of scenes of real sex between two actors.

The movie was passed by the British Board of Film Classification because the sexual content was as described by the BBFC as "exceptionally justified by context".

The movie courted controversy at the Cannes film festival this year with its explicit sexual content.

The main characters in the film, Kieran O'Brien and Margo Stilley, are seen performing explicit acts including oral sex, though the film's distributor’s, Optimum Releasing, say the film is "sensual, not sexual".

The BBFC explaining the certificate said that some people may find such explicit images shocking or unexpected in a cinema film. The board further stated that it is sensitive to public concerns, but its guidelines were based on extensive consultation.

Director Winterbottom describes the film as a reaction to "prudish" films currently being made.

9 Songs will have preview screenings on Valentine's Day next year, followed by nationwide release.

"We have been talking to all the major chains as well as the independents," said Optimum managing director Will Clarke."If they decide to censor it, then we will accept their decision - but I can't see them doing that, adding "Our job is to persuade the British public to take the film seriously as a piece of art, and I think they will."