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Jennifer Lawrence's Red Sparrow and Peter Rabbit were the most complained about movies of 2018

Photo credit: Fox
Photo credit: Fox

From Digital Spy

The British Board of Film Classification have released their annual report, revealing that Red Sparrow and Peter Rabbit were the most complained about films of 2018.

Spy thriller Red Sparrow starred Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, and received 64 complaints due to the film's 15 classification.

According to the BBFC, the complainants felt the movie should have carried an 18 certificate, due to "elements of violence and sexual violence in the film".

Photo credit: Fox
Photo credit: Fox

However, the BBFC said that the correct changes to scenes were made in post-production to allow the 15 certificate and "given the lack of aggravating factors such as strong nudity and eroticisation in these scenes, they are permissible at 15".

More surprisingly, the James Corden-led Peter Rabbit adaptation received 50 complaints, due to a controversial food allergy scene.

In the scene the rabbits try to evade Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) by throwing blackberries at him, knowing he's allergic.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures
Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

At the time of the film's release, the scene was criticised by President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Kenneth Mendez, prompting Sony Pictures to issue an apology.

In response to the complaints the BBFC wrote: "The scene in question does not feature any bullying but is instead part of an ongoing battle between the rabbits and the owner of a vegetable garden.

"The pelting with fruit is simply one of the ploys the rabbits use in order to overcome their nemesis in response to his attempts to trap them, electrocute them, drown them and blow them up."

They also noted that they received no complaints about the scene after the film was released and that the complaints were "in response to press coverage that started in the US".


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