The age rating for the 1964 film 'Mary Poppins' has been increased in the U.K. due to 'discriminatory language.' The British Board of Film Classification raised the cinema rating from U to PG for the use of such language. The specific term that led to this reevaluation was not disclosed by the BBFC, but reports indicate it was a racially insensitive term for the Khoekhoe, an indigenous group in South Africa. This term was reportedly used twice in the film by a character named Admiral Boom.
In response to concerns about exposing children to discriminatory language, the BBFC emphasized the importance of clear condemnation in content to receive a lower rating. The original 'Mary Poppins' featured Julie Andrews as the magical nanny and Dick Van Dyke as her sidekick Bert. The film was a huge success upon its release and has since been adapted into a Broadway musical and a sequel titled 'Mary Poppins Returns' in 2018.
In the sequel, Emily Blunt took on the role of Mary Poppins, with a cast that included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep. Dick Van Dyke also made a cameo appearance in the sequel. The decision to increase the age rating of the original film serves as a reminder of the evolving standards in media content and the importance of addressing discriminatory language in entertainment.
