According to the British Board of Film Classification, the upcoming Lionsgate feature "The Hunger Games", based on the 'young adult' novel trilogy by author Suzanne Collins, was forced to edit down director Gary Ross' final cut of the film, in order to receive a '12A' rating in England,
The 12A rating means fans of the book, under the age of 12 can only see the film in British theaters when accompanied by an adult (to reassure them it is only a movie.)
At the request of the film board, four violent scenes and one scene depicting injuries were toned down, through darkening and the "digital removal of blood".
When that wasn't enough to satisfy the Board, more digital changes were demanded including an additional seven seconds, "to remove an emphasis on blood and injury" from wounds and weapons.
Screenplay For "The Hunger Games" is by Billy Ray ("Shattered Glass").
Premise of the film focuses on 'Katniss Everdeen', a teenage girl forced to represent her 'region' in an annual 'Hunger Games' event, where participants must fight to the death :
"...In this futuristic world, traditional government has gone by the wayside and America is split into 12 regions, each of which must send contestants to this deadly battle each year." 
"The Hunger Games" opens March 23, 2012.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Hunger Games"...
