The BBFC have decided that the new Gaspar Noé flick 'Irreversible', starring former husband and wife Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, can be released to theatres without cuts despite a full-on nine minute rape sequence which required some viewers at Cannes to be treated for shock.

The BBFC did appoint a psychiatrist to help with the decision, so it was obviously not taken lightly. The justification states that the scene is a "..harrowing and vivid portrayal of the brutality of rape" and that it is "...not designed to titillate" and that there is "..no issue of harm (arising) in the context of a cinema release for adult viewing only".
The main objectors to 'Irreversible' contend that movies = entertainment and that therefore any graphic rape scene in a movie is being exploited for entertainment purposes. The film is therefore also accused of doing nothing to help stop sexual violence. If the scene is that harrowing, surely it could have the effect of helping to do exactly that - by raising awareness of the awfulness of the crime? (Obviously not taken in isolation, but as a part of formation of cultural attitudes..)

Well done BBFC for having faith in the general public. It also seems that the initial critical reaction justifies the censor's decision. All too often, films with an extreme sexual 'gimmick' are a crock of shit with only that 'gimmick' to sell the film. Fingers crossed for this one.