The 2001 UK release was cut by over three minutes. The cuts required were to two scenes showing strong sado-masochistic activity (asphyxiation, the piercing of the skin of the penis, the insertion of a large metal ball into the rectum, the hammering of a nail through the tip of the penis) which would be highly dangerous if copied and which are likely to encourage imitation in viewers with an existing interest in sado-masochistic activity. The cuts were made in accordance with the terms of the Video Recordings Act 1984 which requires the Board to have special regard to harm which may be caused to viewers or to society through the actions of viewers. In 2009 all the cuts were waived and it was passed with an uncut '18' certificate.