Lightyear, a new animated film from Disney, has been given an NC16 rating for its “overt homosexual depictions” by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
However, Hollywood A-lister Chris Evans, who provided the voice for Buzz Lightyear in the movie, has been defending the film, calling it an “honor” to be part of a film that takes steps to make “representation across the board” the norm. IMDA said in a June 14 statement that Lightyear had been rated NC16 [Some Mature Content].
“A spin-off from the children’s film franchise Toy Story, Lightyear contains some depictions of a female lead character and her partner starting a family and going through different milestones of their lives, and they are also seen sharing a kiss.
Lightyear is the first commercial children’s animation to feature overt homosexual depictions.”
The statement also said that IMDA had requested Disney to consider releasing two versions of the film, but this request was turned down.
It quoted Ms Cheryl Ng, the Chairperson of IMDA’s Films Consultative Panel (FCP) as saying that the NC16 rating would be “appropriate” for the film.
“While it is an excellent animated film set in the US context, Singapore is a diverse society where we have multiple sensibilities and viewpoints. This being a children’s cartoon, a significant number of FCP members felt that the overt depiction of same-gender marriage would warrant a higher rating.
It would have been good if Disney had released dual versions of the film. Then younger audiences would be able to catch the film in the cinemas.”
Due to the same-sex kiss, Lightyear was banned in Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Kuwait.
Evans, who is best known for his portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel universe, told Variety that he has been asked about Disney’s stance to keep the scene with the kiss in the movie.
“It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of ‘news.’
The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is. That representation across the board is how we make films. Look, it’s an honor to be a part of something that is taking those steps, but the goal is to look back on this time and just be shocked that it took us this long to get there.”
In a June 15 Reuters piece, the actor got even more blunt in talking about those who reacted negatively to the gay couple in the film.
“The real truth is those people are idiots. Every time there’s been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and that’s what makes us good.
There’s always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before. But those people die off like dinosaurs. I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human,” Evans was quoted as saying. /TISG
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