Hangover Part II film rating increased following complaints

ABU DHABI // The rating for the film The Hangover Part II has been changed to 18+ after viewers complained about its racy content.

From Friday, only filmgoers over the age of 18 were allowed to purchase a ticket.

The film, which relates the hijinx of three friends in Thailand, had previously been rated PG-15, which meant a parent or guardian had to accompany anyone under 15.

The National Media Council, which assigns film ratings, said it had received "many calls and e-mails" about the film's content, which includes nudity and drug use.

"We received complaints from residents that there are certain things in the movie that are not appropriate for children," said an official from the council. "We responded to what the public said and what they wanted."

The official said reassigning film ratings was rare.