The Weinstein Company’s (TWC) latest ratings battle has resulted in a victory after the MPAA overturned Philomena’s R classification.

TWC and litigator Bert Fields argued at a formal appeal on November 13 that while the awards contender had triggered the R rating because it contained more than one use of a sexual expletive, its subject matter and context merited the more lenient rating.

The film’s producer, co-screenwriter and star Steve Coogan attended the Los Angeles hearing to speak in favour of the PG-13 rating.

In the days leading up to the hearing Coogan and co-star Judi Dench had appeared in a spoof James Bond clip posted on the Funny Or Die website urging the MPAA to reverse its rating decsion.

“We owe this victory to Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond series, Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes who because of their relationship with Judi Dench gave permission to spoof the ratings system using the M character,” said Harvey Weinstein.

“We know that went a long way into shedding light on the themes of the movie and the fact that the PG-13 rating was correct. We are glad the MPAA has a good sense of humour and with the cooperation of Barbara and her team it was proven once again no one does it better than James Bond. And my sincerest congratulations to Steve Coogan, who went to the MPAA and defended the case personally.”

Stephen Frears directed Philomena. TWC will release the film on November 22.

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