MTRCB gives ‘Bliss’ an R-18 on second review

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave Jerrold Tarog’s “Bliss” a “unanimous” rating of R-18, without cuts, on its second review.

The MTRCB had earlier rated the horror flick X, for “prolonged and realistic depiction of aberrant sexual activity, sexually oriented dialogue, profanity, gory violence.”

The news was confirmed by MTRCB Chair Rachel Arenas.

The second panel was composed of director Joey Romero, scriptwriter Bibeth Orteza, actress Gladys Reyes, former board chief Marissa Laguardia and lawyer Ogie Jaro.

Tarog previously directed the historical epic “Heneral Luna.”

The film, which topbills Iza Calzado and Ian Veneracion, opens nationwide on May 10.

Calzado won the Yakushi Pearl best performer award at the 12th Osaka Asian Film Festival for her work in “Bliss.”

According to Noel Ferrer, Calzado’s manager, Tarog “may be preparing an R-16 version…to accommodate more audiences and more theaters. So there will be two versions of the film, depending on your age group.”

The film, which contains mature themes, language and images, is suitable to audiences 18 years old and above.

Eduardo Rocha and Fernando Ortigas, the film’s executive producers, expressed their excitement regarding the new rating. “We are delighted that the Filipino audience can finally see ‘Bliss’ in its integral version. We hope the public would continue to show the same passion and support for this film once it comes out in the cinemas. We can’t wait for everyone to experience ‘Bliss’!”

“Bliss” also stars TJ Trinidad, Adrienne Vergara, Michael de Mesa, Shamaine Buencamino, Audie Gemora and Stephanie Sol.