Search

A Comparative Analysis of Film Regulatory Systems in CN

Author(s)

Huayu Liao1, Lio IpWang2

Affiliation(s)

1Faculty of Law, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China 2The Institute for Social and Cultural Research, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China

Abstract

The film industry of CN has a vast market and has become the second-largest box office market in the global film industry. This paper aims to provide a new perspective for related research fields by analyzing the film regulatory systems in CN. The film regulatory systems of CN exhibit differences. CN adopts an official-led pre-release approval model, which effectively maintains ideological security, comprehensively regulates the industry, and supports industrial development. However, the significant discretionary power of the authorities somewhat restricts creative freedom. HK and MO share the same goal by adopting a non-public personnel participation model for film classification review. This not only improves measures to protect minors and enhances social governance efficiency but also balances creative freedom, though it lacks industrial support measures. Comparative studies show that, compared to the pre-release approval model, the classification review model has greater advantages in clarifying review standards and improving relief measures, and can more effectively promote the diversified development of the film market. This conclusion deepens the discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of different film regulatory systems and provides important references to learn from and improve relevant laws and regulations.

Keywords

Film Censorship; Film Classification; Comparative Analysis; Regulatory Systems

References

[1] Yu Guanghua. Economic Growth and the Role of the Formal Legal System. Peking University Law Journal, 2011, 23(01):176. [2] Liu Fangqi. Thoughts on the Legal Regulation of Film Regulatory Systems. Film Studies, 2023, (04):23. [3] Yan Qiuping. Analysis of CN Film Supervision System. CN Economist, 2021, (03):50. [4] Pan Jie. Film Censorship from the Perspective of Administrative Law. CN University of Political Science and Law, 2010. [5] Zhang Qian. Research on CN Film Supervision System from the Perspective of Administrative Licensing. Legal System and Society, 2021, (02):187. [6] Fang, J. The Culture of Censorship: State Intervention and Complicit Creativity in Global Film Production. American Sociological Review, 2024, 89(3):488. [7] Gao Zhihong. Serving a stir-fry of market, culture and politics – on globalisation and film policy. Policy Studies, 2009, 30(4): 423. [8] Huang Xin and Zhu Jinhua. Construction of the Film Rating System. Journal of Xiangnan University, 2022, 43(04): 35. [9] Zhang Yao and Huang Xianrong. Research on the Issues of Government Regulation in CN Film Industry. Publishing Journal, 2017, (11): 11. [10] Wang Qian. Legal Reflections on the Formulation Subject of the Film Rating System. Regional Governance, 2020, (03): 147. [11] Hu Xihui. A Commentary on HK Film Censorship System. CN University of Political Science and Law, 2010. [12] Zhang Shuoguo. Research on Film Censorship in CN in the Early Days of ROC. Journalism Bimonthly, 2011, (02): 113. [13] Chen Xihe and Liu Yuqing. HK Cinema in the New Pattern of Chinese-language Cinema — and a Reconsideration of Post-colonial Theory. Literary Review, 2007, (11): 14. [14] Li Shuai. A Study on HK Motion Picture Rating System and Its Referential Significance. Southwest University, 2018. [15] Luo Le and Deng Tao. The Earliest Rating System and Film Myths in CN — Film Screenings in MO in the 1970s, Journal of Beijing Film Academy, 2023, (07): 120. [16] Xiao Jinming. Positioning, Principles and System of Cultural Law. Legal Forum, 2012, 27(01): 26. [17] Chen Duanhong. On the Implementation of the Constitution in the HK and MO Special Administrative Regions. Peking University Journal of Legal Studies, 2025, 37(04): 845. [18] Fu Jing. A Constitutional Reflection on the Film Censorship and Film Rating System in the United States — Centering on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Journal of Beijing Film Academy, 2019, (11): 95. [19] Zhang Jieying. A Comparative Study on the Film Rating Systems of HK, MO and TW from the PEST Perspective. MO University of Science and Technology, 2025.