Julie Andrew’s Mary Poppins, a 1964-released cult classic which has been loved by moviegoers for generations, recently had its age rating updated from U to PG because it contains ‘discriminatory language’.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) now considers the film to be unsuitable for children to watch alone.
Why did BBFC make the change?
BBFC lifted the age rating of the movie due to the use of the word Hottentots.
The dated term was historically used by Europeans to refer to the Khoekhoe, a group of nomadic herders in South Africa, but is now regarded as racially offensive, reported Daily Mail.
The BBFC was quoted as saying by Daily Mail: “We understand from our racism and discrimination research… that a key concern for… parents is the potential to expose children to discriminatory language or behaviour which they may find distressing or repeat without realising the potential offence.”
About the movie
Mary Poppins was directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney.
The film, which combines live-action and animation, stars Julie Andrews in her feature film debut as Mary Poppins, who visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family’s dynamic. Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns are featured in supporting roles.
It became the highest-grossing film of 1964 in the United States.
The cult classic had won five Oscars.
