Holy Week movies: MTRCB rates 5 ‘family-friendly’ films

As Filipinos prepare for the solemn observance of Holy Week, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has unveiled its ratings for eight films slated to grace cinema screens. Moviegoers seeking reflective or entertaining content during the break will have a range of options, carefully categorized for different age groups.

For families looking for viewing options suitable for all ages, five films have earned the PG, or "Parental Guidance" rating. These "family-friendly" movies, appropriate for children under 13 with adult supervision, include The King of Kings, an animated tale inspired by Charles Dickens' depiction of Jesus' life, and Sneaks, an adventure centered around a pair of stolen designer sneakers. Also included in the PG category are Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing, a cinematic adaptation of a Japanese rhythm game, ZEROBASEONE: The First Tour (Timeless World), a documentary capturing the K-pop group's recent world tour, and Fatherland, a Filipino drama directed by Joel Lamangan exploring family secrets and identity.

Moving into the teenage and older audiences, one film received an R-13 rating, indicating it's suitable for viewers aged 13 and above. This film, Samahan ng Mga Makasalanan, follows a church deacon's efforts to guide individuals away from sin.

For mature audiences, two films have been classified as R-16, restricted to viewers aged 16 and older. These include Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, which delves into the dangerous lives of twins confronting their past, and Warfare, a British-American action film depicting a "true-to-life" portrayal of the US army in the Iraq War, directed by a war veteran.

In its announcement, the MTRCB emphasized its call to Filipino viewers to prioritize and support movies that are "age-appropriate," especially during the Holy Week period, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable cinematic experience for everyone.