BBFC rejects Japanese horror film

The British Board of Film Classification has refused an 18 certificate to the Japanese horror film Grotesque.

The rejection effectively bans the release of the movie, as its sale, distribution or supply is now illegal.

BBFC Director David Cooke said: "Unlike other recent 'torture'-themed horror works, such as the Saw and Hostel series, Grotesque features minimal narrative or character development and presents the audience with little more than an unrelenting and escalating scenario of humiliation, brutality and sadism.

"The chief pleasure on offer seems to be in the spectacle of sadism (including sexual sadism) for its own sake."

He added: "Rejecting a work outright is a serious matter and the board considered whether the issue could be dealt with through cuts.

"However, given the unacceptable content featured throughout, cutting the work is not a viable option in this case and the work is therefore refused a classification."

Last year, the BBFC refused to grant certification to 2004's Murder Set Pieces and in 2005, it denied an 18 rating to Terrorists, Killers And Other Wackos, which contains clips of real-life torture and executions.