Movie Rating system...

[TheBeginningSeasons]

What does everyone think about the movie rating system now? I think that what they are saying PG-13 should at least be R, is it just me or are people becoming too easy on what they let kids watch today?

 

[BOJAX]

It's only a matter of time before what is rated 'X' is rated 'PG'.

 

[wanderingone]

I don't really find any problems with the ratings.. the only thing I've seen recently that made me think twice was Jarhead.. which I thought brushed the edge NC-17... with nothing in between R and NC-17 I think R movies really run a huge gamut of themes....

I think most people don't really know what the movie ratings mean. PG movies are not just G movies with some foul language.. in fact G movies are not meant to be seen as "Children's Movies" The motion picture association says this

The G rating is not a "certificate of approval," nor does it signify a children's film.

On PG it says this:

Parents are warned against sending their children, unseen and without inquiry, to PG-rated movies.

and

This is a film which clearly needs to be examined or inquired into by parents before they let their children attend. The label PG plainly states that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, but the parent must make the decision.

and this about PG-13

PG-13 places larger responsibilities on parents for their children's moviegoing. The voluntary rating system is not a surrogate parent, nor should it be.

I think people assume a lot about what the ratings mean.. and of course people making movies know that. If they want to target a specific audience then they need their movie to make it under specific ratings... a G rating means the kids are coming to see the movie.. Personally I'm not depending on any profit motivated industry to make decisions for me .. I decide based on the content on each movie if my kids are going (or were going.. I've got two over 18 now) I do happen to let my youngest see a lot of PG-13 movies .. with me... but that's me knowing what my daughter is educated about and what she isn't and me being there to catch things I want to discuss with her. I'm not inclined to let her go off and see movies with friends that are rated PG and above without my knowing exactly what they're about to see.

 

[progressivegal]

The ratings system is alot stricter now than it was 20 years ago. Some PGs then would definitely be "R's" now. "Airplane" (great movie by the way!) is one that comes to mind.

 

[HeyHomie]

The ratings system is a sham and a joke.

And it's up to parents to decide for themselves what they'll let their kids watch, rather than trust some arbitrary system that doesn't work anyway. There are several websites that delineate the objectionable content in every movie that gets major release.

 

[soblessed53]

What does everyone think about the movie rating system now? I think that what they are saying PG-13 should at least be R, is it just me or are people becoming too easy on what they let kids watch today?

Wow, AMEN! What they call PG-13 isn't fit to be classed as family fare with the filthy language,sexual innuendos,and toilet humor! What is sad for the parents who do care enough to shield their children from such garbage is the filth they hear from the mouths of the kids at school,and I am talking the Elementary grades! It is sickening how so many talk these days,is it any wonder that Turner Classic Movies channel is such a hit? Funny how so many love "A Christmas Story" but have never had their own filthy mouths washed out with soap,LOL! Guess too many parents today are on drugs to care. They are brain-dead.

 

[wanderingone]

Wow, AMEN! What they call PG-13 isn't fit to be classed as family fare with the filthy language,sexual innuendos,and toilet humor! What is sad for the parents who do care enough to shield their children from such garbage is the filth they hear from the mouths of the kids at school,and I am talking the Elementary grades! It is sickening how so many talk these days,is it any wonder that Turner Classic Movies channel is such a hit? Funny how so many love "A Christmas Story" but have never had their own filthy mouths washed out with soap,LOL! Guess too many parents today are on drugs to care. They are brain-dead.

And PG-13 isn't intended to be seen as "family fare" parents strongly cautioned in no way to me sends the message.. "family film"

The MPA in no way intends the rating system to fill in for parental decision making...

The entire rostrum of the rating program rests on the assumption of responsibility by parents. If parents don't care, or if they are languid in guiding their children's moviegoing, the rating system becomes useless. Indeed, if you are 18 or over, or if you have no children, the rating system has no meaning for you. Ratings are meant for parents, no one else.

 

[FireRock]

I don't watch rated R movies at all...why take the chance? There aren't very many PG-13 movies that I go to either. The way it seems like the movie industry is letting things slide by all the time, I just don't trust it anymore. I try to find review sites that list what's in the movie so that I can make my own decision about what I want to let into my mind.

 

[soblessed53]

And PG-13 isn't intended to be seen as "family fare" parents strongly cautioned in no way to me sends the message.. "family film"

The MPA in no way intends the rating system to fill in for parental decision making...

yes,you are absolutely correct about the PG-13

is not touted as family fare and I watch very little of them or "R" movies because they are so trashy. Even PG is often questionable for true family fare,but what kind of people think PG-13 is SUITABLE for teens,even? Thankfully we have access to the family values films via VHS and DVD.

 

[soblessed53]

I don't watch rated R movies at all...why take the chance? There aren't very many PG-13 movies that I go to either. The way it seems like the movie industry is letting things slide by all the time, I just don't trust it anymore. I try to find review sites that list what's in the movie so that I can make my own decision about what I want to let into my mind.

You are are very bright young lady and I commend you for your values in today's world.

 

[HeyHomie]

I don't watch rated R movies at all...why take the chance?

That's too bad. Glory and Schindler's List are two of the best movies ever made, and they're rated R.

 

[wanderingone]

yes,you are absolutely correct about the PG-13

is not touted as family fare and I watch very little of them or "R" movies because they are so trashy. Even PG is often questionable for true family fare,but what kind of people think PG-13 is SUITABLE for teens,even? Thankfully we have access to the family values films via VHS and DVD.

Actually I'm the kind of people that thinks PG-13 is suitable for teens SOMETIMES.

Depends on the movie, the reason for the rating, the context those things occur in and the content of the movie. I find a lot of PG-13 and R movies aren't trashy at all.. mature content is just that mature content. I don't expect the industry to create movies that are only for general audiences.

We saw Hotel Rwanda (and I believe my daughter was only 11 when we saw it) My daughter had the opportunity to hear a young woman living in our area tell her story about surviving that genocide and her new start here in NY. My daughter watched the movie with me and we talked a long time afterward about it. It motivated her to learn a great deal more about current issues in places like Sudan. I don't think every 11 year old is ready for Hotel Rwanda.. and wouldn't even personally recommend it.. I think each family has to make the decision for themselves obviously. An R or PG-13 rating doesn't mean a movie is trashy at all. I've seen G movies that were pure trash.. simply for them being lousy films.. and I've seen R movies that are exquisite.

I would never suggest a parent that restricts their children to PG or below is incorrect to do so.. but I don't think any less of parents who choose to allow their kids to see movies that are more mature.

I have no problem with the movie industry in general, or the ratings system, the industry is very clear that the ratings are not meant to indicate to anyone that a movie is a "children's" movie, if people fail to learn what the ratings system is and assume PG means okay for kids without finding out the content that's not the fault of the MPAA .. it's the fault of the parents for not learning exactly what those ratings mean and their not taking the time to find out what is in the movie.

 

[soblessed53]

Yes,that is true,but I'm sure since she checks reviews as I do there are some exceptions made. It depends on WHY the rating was given. I will not watch any movie I could care-less how good people think it is,if it is continual cursing. I also wish I had never seen the sick movie The Passion for the overkill of violence. There is absolutely no redeeming feature of this thing they call a film IMHO.

 

[TheBeginningSeasons]

Wow that start a fire for some people, so there is a site that does Christian reviews of movies before they come out pluggedinonline.com. It is a very helpful site it stopped my wife and me from watching movies like Jarhead before we made the mistake. Granted there are movies that are good that are rated R, but you have to be also careful before you go see them. This next generation of children (the ones from about 15 to 5 now) are going to be so corrupt and mislead by television and music along with movies that they will never know right from wrong. Movie ratings is just one of the many things that society needs to look at changing. Like what is allowed to be said over radio today for example. But the Bible teaches us a better way, and by viewing films that promote sin such as cursing, sexual orientated themes, gore, and ect. just fuels the fire. Christians by no means should view these types of things as ok, you are just giving into the enemy's plan by saying "oh it isn't that bad." The Bible talks of no sin being greater than the other, a sin is a sin is a sin. That is a whole other discussion though...

 

[wanderingone]

Wow that start a fire for some people, so there is a site that does Christian reviews of movies before they come out pluggedinonline.com. It is a very helpful site it stopped my wife and me from watching movies like Jarhead before we made the mistake. Granted there are movies that are good that are rated R, but you have to be also careful before you go see them. This next generation of children (the ones from about 15 to 5 now) are going to be so corrupt and mislead by television and music along with movies that they will never know right from wrong. Movie ratings is just one of the many things that society needs to look at changing. Like what is allowed to be said over radio today for example. But the Bible teaches us a better way, and by viewing films that promote sin such as cursing, sexual orientated themes, gore, and ect. just fuels the fire. Christians by no means should view these types of things as ok, you are just giving into the enemy's plan by saying "oh it isn't that bad." The Bible talks of no sin being greater than the other, a sin is a sin is a sin. That is a whole other discussion though...

The movie ratings have nothing to do with corrupted children.. parents raise their children, and decide what movies they will see.

Parents teach children how to interpret what they see and determine what is appropriate for their children. The movie industry has no responsibility other than complying with the ratings they set up for themselves. There's no requirement that the industry get their movies rated.. it's just less likely that their product will make it into major distribution if they opt for releasing without a rating.

Society doesn't need to look at changing movie ratings.. movie ratings don't matter, individuals need to take responsibility for what they choose to view or not view and not expect a for profit entity to look out for their interests.

 

[soblessed53]

Wow that start a fire for some people, so there is a site that does Christian reviews of movies before they come out pluggedinonline.com. It is a very helpful site it stopped my wife and me from watching movies like Jarhead before we made the mistake. Granted there are movies that are good that are rated R, but you have to be also careful before you go see them. This next generation of children (the ones from about 15 to 5 now) are going to be so corrupt and mislead by television and music along with movies that they will never know right from wrong. Movie ratings is just one of the many things that society needs to look at changing. Like what is allowed to be said over radio today for example. But the Bible teaches us a better way, and by viewing films that promote sin such as cursing, sexual orientated themes, gore, and ect. just fuels the fire. Christians by no means should view these types of things as ok, you are just giving into the enemy's plan by saying "oh it isn't that bad." The Bible talks of no sin being greater than the other, a sin is a sin is a sin. That is a whole other discussion though...

I agree 100%. When my husband went to pick up our son from first grade in '76 and heard little children using filthy language and taunting each other sexually and you hear of elementary school age boys raping and or killing children/ babies, I know what free acess to filthy cable has done to society's children,or these children have seen it acted out in real life. It is getting worse every couple years. Some people's level of toleration has become insane. I have no doubt God will Bless you and your family for being more concerned than that. My son nor I will even let my granddaughter watch anything with smartmouth,disrespectful children,when she comes to visit bi-weekly. She is a very sweet natured and sweet talking child now,why should we allow such garbage to even enter her thoughts as long as we are able to have a hand in controlling it,you can bet we will.

 

[TheBeginningSeasons]

The movie ratings have nothing to do with corrupted children.. parents raise their children, and decide what movies they will see.

Parents teach children how to interpret what they see and determine what is appropriate for their children. The movie industry has no responsibility other than complying with the ratings they set up for themselves. There's no requirement that the industry get their movies rated.. it's just less likely that their product will make it into major distribution if they opt for releasing without a rating.

Society doesn't need to look at changing movie ratings.. movie ratings don't matter, individuals need to take responsibility for what they choose to view or not view and not expect a for profit entity to look out for their interests.

You are right about the movie rating system and the movie industry, but if we are going to make something happen don't people have to stand up and say "Uh no PG-13 shouldn't have language like this, and shouldn't be allowed to have quote partial nudity!" That is all I am saying about the movie industry and the rating system. As far as parents go, my parents raised me exactly like they did my 2 older brothers, we weren't allowed to watch shows like the "Simpsons" and such. But they listened to horrible music and watched R movies cause my parents had no problem with that. They have both been to jail, neither of them have jobs, drugs are still an issue in both of their lives, and now they have kids. I myself didn't have these issues growing up, I learned from their mistakes thankfully. But now I worry about my neices and nephews to the point my wife and I have discussed adopting them...but not the point. The point is what you surround yourself with is what you will become, and if it is sinful unappropriate materials then you will follow suit. So you are right when it comes down to taking responsiblity for your children and raising them right!

 

[JimmyKoKoPop]

I don't watch rated R movies at all...why take the chance? There aren't very many PG-13 movies that I go to either. The way it seems like the movie industry is letting things slide by all the time, I just don't trust it anymore. I try to find review sites that list what's in the movie so that I can make my own decision about what I want to let into my mind.

I think you're too passive of a viewer if you can't filter what goes into your mind from a film... Unless I'm misinterpreting.

 

[wanderingone]

"Uh no PG-13 shouldn't have language like this, and shouldn't be allowed to have quote partial nudity!"

But that's what PG-13 means.. that was how PG-13 was added... to cover movies that have more than a single questionable word, or have some partial nudity... those movies previously weren't R... they were PG.

I think somehow people get in their heads that "PG" and PG-13 are.. I don't know.. "relatively safe" for children and then get upset when the content is exactly what the MPAA says the content can be with those ratings. When you look into the ratings explanations there is no indication that the industry is guaranteeing you "Children's" movies with the ratings system even with a "G" rating.

 

[progressivegal]

But that's what PG-13 means.. that was how PG-13 was added... to cover movies that have more than a single questionable word, or have some partial nudity... those movies previously weren't R... they were PG.

I think somehow people get in their heads that "PG" and PG-13 are.. I don't know.. "relatively safe" for children and then get upset when the content is exactly what the MPAA says the content can be with those ratings. When you look into the ratings explanations there is no indication that the industry is guaranteeing you "Children's" movies with the ratings system even with a "G" rating.

Exactly! I can't understand how people think that movie ratings are so much more lenient than they used to be. It's definitely the opposite. As I said, look at some PG movies from the 80's and you'll be amazed at some of the content. Now you would never catch an "F-bomb" in a PG movie, bak then it was very common. Same with partial nudity and horrible violence (though horrible violence still seems to be overlooked). PG movies today are usually very clean, and generally designed for children and families. PG-13 and R movies ar usually movies that parents should see first and allow children to see at their discretion, or atleast see with their children so they an discuss them afterwards. Movies are not babysitters and should not be treated as such, but they can be excellent learning experiences.