What's in a Movie Rating 2009

TopTenREVIEWS Online Movie Ticket Review Article

By TopTenReviews Contributor

If you watch movies, then you know the importance of the movie rating system. These guidelines give us an insight to what we can expect in a movie before ever setting foot in the theater. But, how often have you gone to a movie and was astonished at what flashed across the screen? Or maybe felt the rating was a bit too strict-you're not alone.

"Movie ratings are probably the most complex issue in the film industry, because rarely is anyone completely satisfied with the end result," said Utah State University graduate student and movie ratings specialist Andy Morgan. "Directors feel slighted because their film received a harsher rating than anticipated, studios worry a rating will financially impact a film and moviegoers are upset because they think a rating is too lenient or, again, too harsh."

The current rating system used by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has evolved over the years-the last changes were made in 1990. The existing system consists of five categories: G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17.

The Rating Board of The Classification and Rating Administration determine the rating a movie merits. "We know from the MPAA the only qualifications of board members are they must be parents," Morgan said. "Other than that, they are diverse ethnically, professionally, they are a mix of genders and have religious variety, as well."

These men and woman watch and rate movies based on theme, language, violence, nudity, sex and drug use, and ultimately determine what is suitable for children to view. The following is a brief overview of what each rating category contains:

G "General Audiences-All Ages Admitted."

The Rating Board considers a rated "G" movie suitable for everyone, even the youngest child. This type of movie does not contain nudity, sex scenes, moderate or heavy violence, drug use or strong language. Some people may consider bits of language used in "G" movies impolite, but they are still common in everyday conversation.

Keep in mind a "G" rating is not a stamp of approval-if you're in doubt, check it out.

PG "Parental Guidance Suggested. Some Material May Not Be Suitable For Children."

A PG movie contains material that parents should examine and investigate before allowing their children, especially young children, to view the film. The movie is free of explicit sex scenes, drug use and prolonged nudity. There may be some mild profanities used in these films, but violence does not exceed the moderate level in the eyes of the Rating Board.

PG-13 "Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13."

Parents should be careful about letting their pre-teens view a PG-13 movie. Though these movies are free of on-going violence, sexually oriented nudity, the films may contain violence, nudity, sensuality, rough language, including one f-word used as an expletive, and some scenes that contain or refer to drug use.

R "Restricted, Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent Or Adult Guardian."

Parents must attend a rated "R" movie with ay child under the age of 17 and the film should be closely examined before taking teenagers to see it. The Rating Board has determined R-rated films contain frequent, hard language, tough violence, nudity within sensual scenes, portrayal of drug use or other elements not suitable for children. The film may not meet an R-rating in all of these categories or may contain a combination of a number of these categories. Nevertheless, parents should take this rating very seriously.

NC-17 "No One 17 And Under Admitted."

No one under the age of 17 and under is admitted to a NC-17 film regardless of whether or not a parent is present. NC-17 films may contain unambiguous sex scenes, frequent sexually oriented and very harsh language, explicit drug scenes and extreme violence.

Though this rating does not mean the film is pornographic or obscene (the Rating Board cannot label a movie as such because they are considered legal terms used in the courts) the Rating Board feels most parents should consider a NC-17 movie beyond most children's comprehension and maturity level.

Ultimately, the best way to know if a film is suitable for your child is to view the movie, then make your decision based on your individual standards and morals and whether your child has the ability to understand the complex or controversial issues presented in the film. "Moviegoers, especially parents, need to set their own guidelines and research a film for themselves or for their children," Morgan said. "I tell them not to let the MPAA be their moral compass."

The Internet is a great source that provides detailed movie reviews. One site in particular, Kids-In-Mind.com, provides an in-depth report of what movies contain. These sites provide excellent information that will help you determine whether you should encourage a child to see a movie, or recommend something else.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™