The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

It started with a pretty lame response to my email, but when I wrote back I got a more intelligent answer. Probably because she realized then I wasn't some nutbar just looking to flame somebody. Bottom line: Not much can be done.

As per Gary DeMers comments, we do not have an adult category therefore these DVDs have a "R or 18A" classification.
We cannot ban or censor movies here in Ontario, it is against the law, we do not censor books, music or art, so why should we deprive an audience of adults their right to view a movie that is uncomfortable to a few.
There is plenty of info on the DVD that when purchasing or renting you would be aware of the contents and therefore not select this for your viewing.

Any questions please call

Regards


-----Original Message-----
From: Sean Ben Patrick [mailto:olsbp@rogers.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:12 PM
To: Robinson, Janet (MGS)
Subject: Re: Ghetto Fights 2 and Wildest Street Brawls


Hello Ms. Robinson,

Thank you for your response. If the 'R' rating is as restrictive a rating the OFRB can give, I guess there's not much else that can be done. It sounds like though, you may not have viewed the titles I discussed in my email. I say this because these titles aren't "movies" as you described, but rather an assortment of real-life video footage, captured by thugs and criminals depicting real-life crime. Imagine for a second, that your son or daughter was unexpectedly dragged from their car, beaten to the point of being unconscious, and then their valuables and possessions stolen from them. This entire act was caught on camera by these criminals. These crooks then send the footage of this crime to a production company, and get paid for it. This production company in turn makes thousands of DVD copies and sells them to the general public and profit from this crime. Your son and daughter, in the meantime, are not seeing one cent in compensation, but simply recovering in hospital from the injuries sustained. You would rightfully be appalled, and so would I. And that's what's happening. Is this a situation that is just "uncomfortable to a few"?

You mention Ontario does not censor books, music or art, but we do not, in fact, allow video sales of snuff films or films showing sexual acts with a minor. "Ghetto Fights 2" and "Wildest Street Brawls" may be at this level, and that is why I decided to write to the OFRB.

Thank you for your time,
Sean Benjamin Patrick

----- Original Message -----
From: Robinson, Janet (MGS)
To: olsbp@rogers.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 11:24 AM
Subject: FW: Ghetto Fights 2 and Wildest Street Brawls


The OFRB has the right of Approval/Nonapproval over adult product, if it contravenes the Criminal Code of Canada. we also follow the criteria for Obscenity, but do not define what is obscene as that is a judicial function.
I understood what you saying about the real life films, it is a sorry commentary on our youth who gratify in being in these films and enjoying watching their peers being beaten.
Perhaps you should lodge a complaint with the police, I assume they are as disturbed about these gangs as we are.
Thank you for your concern; it will be noted.

Regards

Janet Robinson
Chair
Ontario Film Review Board
1075 Millwood Road
Toronto On. M1K 4A6
Tel: 416-314-3631
Fax: 416-3143632
E-mail: janet.robinson@mgs.gov.on.ca