Some questions cannot be answered by Scripture
Have you ever wondered what those little letters and numbers at the start of a movie really mean? Whether it's a PG-13 blockbuster or an R-rated thriller, the film rating system plays a big role in shaping our viewing experience. Watching movies can be very good for you, and it’s always helpful to know exactly what rating a film has so that anyone can understand who the film was exactly made for.
But who decides what’s too intense for kids or acceptable for teens? Every country has their own way of doing it, but the United States is probably the most prolific, since they churn out the most number of blockbusters in the world. Curious? Click through this gallery to see what goes on behind the silver screen and how movies are reviewed before we see them.
Movie ratings serve as a guideline to inform viewers (especially parents) about the type of content that features in a film. Ratings help people make informed decisions on whether a movie is suitable for certain audiences based on themes like violence, language, or nudity.
Most countries have a rating system in place for movies, and every nation’s system is different to reflect the cultural values and age-appropriate guidelines in each country.
Countries like Canada, Australia, and Singapore have an official government body that decides ratings, while ratings in nations like the United States, Japan, and Denmark are done by industry committees with little to no government status.
Films in the UK are rated by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), a non-governmental entity, although local councils retain the statutory power to overrule the BBFC’s decisions.
Since 1968, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) has been assigning ratings to films in the United States. Movies are rated into five categories based on their content: G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17. Although the ratings have no legal standing, many theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated films.
If a film obtains a G rating, it means that the film is suitable for all ages. Indeed, general audiences are permitted to watch the film, as it wouldn’t contain any strong content that would disturb viewers. Most animated children’s films fit under this rating.
Films with a PG rating tend to be largely appropriate for all audiences, but there are a few select scenes or pieces of dialogue that parents might find unsuitable for their children.
As one can probably guess from the name, PG-13 films are inappropriate for any child under the age of 13, although they are still allowed to watch the film with a parent. This is arguably the most important rating, since it offers up the biggest audience for a film.
R-rated films are extensively restricted, and children under the age of 17 are not allowed to watch them without an adult present. Parents are allowed to bring their children to watch the film, but they do so at their own risk.
Films with an NC-17 rating are the most restricted, as children aged 17 and under are critically banned from entering the cinema.
Pictured here is a poster from 1987 displaying the rating system that was attributed to the MPA. Between 1945 and 2019, the company was known as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and instead of NC-17 as a rating the letter X was used.
The Motion Picture Association has a secretive panel of 10 members who decide the rating of films. The panel is made up of full-time and part-time employees with no relation to the entertainment industry, each with a child between the ages of five and 15.
The panel is made up of a diverse group of raters in terms of gender, ethnicity, religious views, and race. Every day, they screen around three films from start to finish (including the credits), making sure to record every inclusion of intercourse, nudity, violence, and language.
Scenes involving violence heavily influence a film's rating. Excessive graphic violence may push a film from PG-13 to R, since the content would be better suited for mature audiences due to its intensity or realism.
Profanity plays a major role in film ratings. If a movie contains frequent or extreme use of offensive language, it will generally receive a higher rating, such as R, even if other content is mild.
Interestingly, films that are rated PG-13 are allowed one swear word. As a result, many films that seek to obtain a PG-13 rating use creative ways to include one swear word at some point in the movie.
Movies containing spicy content or nudity typically receive higher ratings. Explicit scenes often lead to an R or NC-17 rating, depending on the degree of the material. Suggestive themes alone may still push a film into the PG-13 category.
Depictions of drug use (whether recreational or hard substances) can also lead to higher ratings. For example, a movie showcasing drug abuse or addiction is more likely to receive an R rating due to its mature and potentially troubling themes.
Horror movies often receive higher ratings due to frightening themes, jump scares, and disturbing imagery. While blood and gore may necessitate an R rating, a less graphic horror film may still earn a PG-13 for its psychological intensity.
The portrayal of alcohol and smoking in films is taken into account by ratings boards. If a movie glamorizes or frequently depicts these activities, particularly in front of younger characters, it may result in a higher rating.
Animated films generally aim for lower ratings due to their target audience of children. However, some animated films contain themes like violence or even suggestive humor, which increases the age limit for audiences.
Movie ratings aren't limited to the films themselves. Trailers, teasers, and promotional material are often rated as well, with varying colors depending on its suitability. For example, trailers with a green band are for all audiences, while red bands are for more mature audiences.
Different countries have varied sensitivities to content, influencing how films are rated. Some European countries may rate films more leniently when it comes to nudity, while in the US this often results in stricter ratings.
Movie ratings are inherently subjective. What one ratings board considers appropriate for a younger audience, another might find too explicit. Ratings aim for consistency, but human reviewers bring their interpretations and cultural values to the table.
Filmmakers are allowed to appeal a rating if they feel it is too harsh. If a film receives a rating that the producers believe misrepresents its content, they can submit it for reconsideration, often providing further context or reediting the film to reach a desired rating.
When foreign films are released in different countries, they are often reevaluated by that country's ratings board. A film rated 12 in France might be rated R in the US due to differing views on the severity of its content.
Television shows are rated separately from films, often using different systems that reflect stricter standards. For example, shows with a TV-14 rating tend to be similar to films that are rated PG-13.
Streaming platforms may adopt national ratings systems but often offer more granular control, allowing users to set content filters for different age groups. This gives parents more control over what their children can access without relying solely on ratings.
In some countries, government agencies have the authority to rate, censor, or even ban films that are deemed inappropriate. These ratings often reflect not only the content but also political, religious, or cultural sensitivities.
Occasionally, movies will be reevaluated due to public complaints. If a significant portion of the audience feels a film was misrated (either too leniently or too harshly), the ratings board might reconsider the decision, although this is not very common.
Sources: (FilmRatings.com) (Motion Picture Association) (CNBC) (British Board of Film Classification) (SlashFilm)
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Have you ever wondered what those little letters and numbers at the start of a movie really mean? Whether it's a PG-13 blockbuster or an R-rated thriller, the film rating system plays a big role in shaping our viewing experience. Watching movies can be very good for you, and it’s always helpful to know exactly what rating a film has so that anyone can understand who the film was exactly made for.
But who decides what’s too intense for kids or acceptable for teens? Every country has their own way of doing it, but the United States is probably the most prolific, since they churn out the most number of blockbusters in the world. Curious? Click through this gallery to see what goes on behind the silver screen and how movies are reviewed before we see them.