`Quantum of Solace` rated 12A in the UK, running time 105 minutes

15-Oct-2008 • Quantum Of Solace

"Quantum of Solace" has officially received its classification for exhibition in UK cinemas - 12A. The news will come as no surprise to MI6 readers, as it was reported last month that the film would likely receive this rating. The film has already received its PG-13 rating in the USA.

The 22nd James Bond film "passed with no cuts made", but as is usual for major motion pictures these days, an early cut was viewed by the BBFC to advise the production on how to secure the rating.

The BBFC statement on the classification reads:
This film was originally seen by the BBFC in an unfinished version, for advice as to the film's suitability at '12A'. The BBFC advised the company that the film would most likely receive a '12A' as it was, but that care should be taken when finishing the film not to increase the intensity of certain scenes. When the completed version of the film was submitted for classification, reductions to one of those scenes had been made and the film was passed '12A' without cuts.

When submitted to the BBFC, the work had a running time of 105m 58s, making it the shortest 007 movie in the series 46 year history. MI6 reported last month that the film was expected to clock in around 106 minutes.

For fans, the film may feel especially short following on from "Casino Royale", which was the longest film in the James Bond franchise - running for 144 minutes.

The last Bond film to sneak under the 2 hour mark was Pierce Brosnan's second outing as 007 in 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies" which ran for 116 minutes. The shortest Bond film to date is 1964's "Goldfinger", which ran for only 110 minutes.

An often over-looked effect of a movie's run time is the box office. As "Quantum of Solace" is set to be around 30 minutes shorter than "Casino Royale", it may squeeze some extra daily showings at theatres.

Contrary to popular belief, the 12A certificate was not introduced for the film Spider-Man, and the first film that got the certificate was actually The Bourne Identity. However, Spider-Man and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Die Another Day (2002) was the first Bond film to be classified 12A.