Censors split on Bruno

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jun 21, 2009 | by THOMAS CONNOLLY

IRISH teens will be exposed to a string of Xrated scenes in Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen's new movie Bruno.

The movie about a gay Austrian fashion reporter features a series of gay sex scenes - including a swingers party.

British film censors gave it an 18 certificate - but Ireland's Film Classification Office only gave it a 16 rating.

According to IFCO, films with a 16 rating contain sexual themes which are acceptable and have a moderate sexual context.

The film follows the fictional adventures of a gay Austrian fashion journalist called Bruno played by the Ali G star.

David Kosse, president of Universal Pictures International, said the company was left with no option but to look for an 18 certificate from the board in Britain.

Mr Kosse said: "They requested cuts that were some of the funniest bits of the movie.

"Ultimately you know what you are going to get.

"We clearly wanted it to be a 15 in the United Kingdom. In Ireland it is 16, in the Netherlands a 12 and in America an R. "It is absurd that you can see it as an 17-year-old in Dublin but not in London."

Baron Cohen's previous film Borat also received a 16 rating in Ireland when it was released in 2006.