TESS (1979)

TESS is Roman Polanski's adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'. It tells the story of a young woman who finds herself caught between two men when the love of her life refuses to accept her after discovering her history with another man. It was originally classified A for cinema release in 1980 (broadly equivalent to the modern PG classification) and was subsequently classified PG for video release in 1987, before the 12 certificate was introduced. This cinema re-release is rated 12 for a discreet scene of sexual violence.

In a key scene Tess is raped by her cousin Alec, with whom she goes on to have a reluctant but consensual relationship. Tess tries to fight Alec off as he kisses her, starts to unbutton her dress and then lies on top of her. However, the scene cuts away and no further detail is shown. The scene exceeds the terms of the PG Guidelines today and is more appropriately rated 12 where the Guidelines state sexual violence may be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated. The scene has a strong contextual justification in terms of the film's narrative.

There are also some verbal sex references, including "He took advantage of me" and "You weren't too proud to cock a leg for him". Some characters refer to Tess as a 'hussy' and a 'trollop'.

No-one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video or DVD.