The HKSAR government revisioned on 11 June 2021, the Film Censorship Ordinance guidelines for censors. In 1995, the ratings were amended, creating three levels of main ratings, and two sub-ratings for one level. The ratings were previously issued by the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA), and initially provided three levels of ratings, which led the slang term 'three-tier ratings' (Chinese: 三級制) to popular usage. The purpose behind the law was to provide parents of minors a chance to prevent their children from being exposed to inappropriate materials, as well as to allow people to watch movies with content aimed towards adults.

As a result, the Hong Kong motion picture rating system was established under the Movie Screening Ordinance Cap.392 on 10 November 1988. In 1986, with the release of John Woo's violent gangster movie A Better Tomorrow (later rated IIB), the general public became concerned about the influence films had on children.

For instance, movie characters were not allowed to get away with crimes, and sex scenes were not permitted. At the beginning of the film industry in Hong Kong, when the viewing of movies had no age restrictions, films were made under strict guidelines.

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