Chinese parents and film critics are appealing for a system of film classification alongside the development of home-grown cinema, which contains more adult content than ever before. "Legendary Amazons," a costume heroine-themed movie produced by Jackie Chan, was said to be the bloodiest film in recent years by a cinema manager after it was screened in Kunming Lijiang, Yunnan province, last weekend.

The special screening event attracted over a hundred cinema managers to view the new release prior to nationwide screening. The reviews of those in attendance were strikingly similar – the movie certainly has the makings of a blockbuster, but the content is too violent and features far too much blood. Other members of the audience member were also shocked on the night, saying, "No male actors have ever fought like that in a Chinese film before. So, seeing a group of women killing others in such a way was beyond our imagination."

As was alluded to in a promotional trailer released earlier this year, scenes of exploding heads, people being stabbed by spears, and bodies hacked into pieces all featured in the movie. Some netizens commented on the trailer, stating that "Women nowadays are too cruel to control", while another surprised viewer said, "How can these scenes pass the strict censorship system of the Film Bureau."

A system which would classify the content and suitability of movies has been one of the most talked about topics among Chinese film makers and movie-goers in recent years. Many parents have taken their children to cinemas in the past and have had to endure awkward moments as they are asked by innocent children, "Why is that man showing parts of his body?", or, "What are the man and woman doing with their shirts off?" The call for a classification system has been audible for years. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the implementation of such a system in the Chinese film industry.

Regardless of whether there is a rating or not, Chinese parents should think twice about taking their children with them when they go to watch the action-packed "Legendary Amazons," which will be released nationwide on November 18.

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