RARE EXPORTS

RARE EXPORTS is a Finnish fantasy film, in which scientists believe they have discovered the frozen body of Santa Claus inside a mountain. However, it turns out that the Santa Claus they have unearthed is not as benign or harmless as his traditional reputation suggests. The film was classified '15' for frequent moderate threat.

RARE EXPORTS contains frequent moderate threat with characters in regular danger of attack by both human and fantastical enemies. One long sequence features a blood-stained old man with a ghoulish appearance and glowing eyes being held captive by the locals. There is a particular sense of threat towards children from this sinister and frightening character. At '12A'/'12' the BBFC's Guidelines state that 'Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained'. The sequences in RARE EXPORTS possess a sinister, menacing tone and are relatively frequent and sustained. By contrast, the Guidelines at '15' state that 'Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised'.

RARE EXPORTS also features some sight of blood and bloody injuries, including a field full of slaughtered reindeer. However none of these injuries are dwelt upon or seen in close-up. The film also includes a sequence in which a hunter uses his cleaver to hack up a pig carcass. Although the scene occurs within the context of legitimate butchery, it is given a slightly sinister quality by the foregrounding of various bloody instruments and hooks and sight of blood on the man's apron. Violence in the film is infrequent but includes sight of an axe landing in the back of a man's head, although this is shown without any gory detail. There is also some natural nudity in the latter half of the film, when both the mysterious old man and similar supernatural characters are seen fully naked. There is no sexualised element to the nudity, however. RARE EXPORTS also contains two uses of strong language, one of which is aggressive and directed.