The imminent fifth iteration of the Die Hard series A Good Day to Die Hard has been rated 12a in the UK, according to Digital Spy. The film was initially given an R rating in the US but cuts have been made in line with the BBFC's recommendations in order to secure a lower certificate rating in the UK. The rating once more means viewers are unlikely to hear protagonist John McClane's iconic line "Yipee Ki-Yay Mother F*****", while a variation of the phrase appears on the theatrical release poster in the form of "Yipee Ki-Yay Mother Russia". A statement on the BBFC website explains:
"During post-production, the distributor sought and was given advice on how to secure the desired classification. Following this advice, certain changes were made prior to submission. "The film contains four uses of strong language ('f**k') and a partial use of 'motherf*****', the end of which has been cut short so the implied strong language is not heard in full."
This is the second time a Die Hard film has been given a low certificate rating. The 2007 film Live Free or Die Hard was rated 15 in the UK, and marked the first time in the films history that the iconic McClane line was censored, muffled by a gunshot in one of the final scenes. In the upcoming film, released Thursday, John McClane travels to Russia to help his estranged son, Jack (Jai Courtney), out of prison, but is soon caught in the crossfire of a terrorist plot. What do you think of the rating? Is it a disappointment? Share your thoughts in the comment section, below.