Regulators reiterated the criteria for censorship on Friday, saying that films with explicit sex and fear-provoking elements must be cut or revised before release.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said in a notice on its website that the move was intended to purify screen entertainment and create a more harmonious and "green" film environment for the public, especially children.

The regulator asked nationwide studios not to produce films that depict hardcore sexual activity, rape, prostitution, nudity and the like. Vulgar dialogue or music and sound effects that had a sexual connotation were also restricted.

Content involving murder, violence, horror, evil spirits and devils and excessively terrifying scenes, conversations, background music and sound effects were on the list as well.

Other films that would be banned include those that:

-- Distort the civilization and history of China or other nations;

-- Tarnish the image of revolutionary leaders, heroes, important historic characters, members of the armed forces, police and judicial bodies;

-- Reconstruct crimes or reveal police investigatory techniques;

-- Advocate nihilism, environmental damage, animal abuse and the capture or killing of rare animals.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2008)