‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Slapped with Strict U.K. Rating

Moviegoers under 18 won’t be allowed to see the film adaptation of E.L. James’ steamy novel

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U.K. moviegoers under the age of 18 won’t be allowed to see “Fifty of Shades of Grey” when the film is released there next week.

The British Board of Film Classification slapped it with an “18” rating, restricting anyone under the age from seeing the Universal Pictures film in theaters. The board noted the film as having “strong sex.”

Universal Pictures didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

On the other hand, the Motion Picture Association of America rated the erotic love story “R.” A much softer rating, “R” requires anyone under the age of 17 to be accompanied by a parent.

MPAA described the film as having, “strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity and for language.”

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the film stars Dakota Johnson as the naive Anastasia Steele who falls for businessman Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), who practices BDSM — bondage, discipline, sex and masochism.

In its first week of availability for ticket sales, the film became the fastest-selling R-rated movie in the 15-year history of Fandango, TheWrap previously reported.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” hits theaters Feb. 13 in both the U.S. and U.K.

View the global trailer here.

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