For the very first time in the history of Philippine cinema, The Healing, a film directed by Chito S. Roño and stars Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Pokwang, Janice de Belen and Martin del Rosario was awarded by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) by two ratings: R-18 and R-13. During the blogger conference it was announced by Direk Chito and explained that it will give everyone the freedom the watch the treatment they wanted on the film.
With the R-13 rating it will be now available in all cinemas particularly in SM Cinemas that is known to be sensitive on what films they offer to their movie goers. With this kind of rating it will offer scenes it is somewhat lighter and less graphic in terms of blood and violence that will cater more to the younger viewers. As for the R-18 ratings or can be called as the Director’s Cut it will be shown in non-SM Cinemas like the Ayala Cinemas, Robinson’s Movie World, Cineplex on Shang-rila and Araneta Malls and other which contains a more gore and violent scenes that very essential to the story of The Healing.
The appeal to the MTRCB was done by Direk Chito the let movie goers at the younger age can watch the movie and for others to appreciate the extreme. The Healing touches on the belief of Filipinos toward the faith healing and in the movie a twist of fate where it bounces back to the main characters.
The Healing was written by Roy Iglesias and distributed by Star Cinema beginning July 25, 2012.
