Q&A for How to Understand Movie Ratings

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  • Question
    I have never heard of a movie rated NC-17. What is it?
    Community Answer
    These movies feature extreme content, and are not usually shown in theaters. They might feature intense, realistic, and gratuitous violence, like Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, or they might feature lengthy scenes of explicit sex, such as Verhoeven's Turkish Delight. These films used to be called "X-rated" films, and, while there are some good ones (two are listed here), it is good to know what you're getting into before watching one. Treat these on an individual basis, and do your research before watching them, especially if you plan to watch one with others.
  • Question
    What does AT mean in movie rating?
    Sarah
    Community Answer
    AT is not a movie rating, so AT doesn't mean anything in regards to movie ratings.
  • Question
    What if I want to watch a movie from another country but I can't find the rating?
    Community Answer
    It's best to look around on lots of websites. If you still can't find anything, perhaps ask around (maybe online).
  • Question
    What does aberrational behavior mean in a film rating?
    Shane Turner
    Community Answer
    It means it contains behavior that is way out of the ordinary, whether it be violence or sex.
  • Question
    I'm a kid and our family is usually invited to watch PG-13 movies (I come from a foreign country but that's the MPAA rating). What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If you feel comfortable with or are allowed to watch the movie, go ahead! Some PG-13 movies are ok for kids to watch. Otherwise, politely decline and suggest another movie to watch or game to play instead.
  • Question
    My parents don't think I can handle lots of violence (I'm a preteen) and say I will get nightmares. I'm not afraid of blood. How do I convince them otherwise?
    Trivia_lover
    Community Answer
    Being more responsible might be a good start. Almost all parents are very protective over their children, and I'm sure they just care about your well-being. Try suggesting a movie with only a moderate amount of violence, something rated PG-13 perhaps, and show them you can handle it. Then try to work your way up to a higher rating.
  • Question
    If some states that restrict R ratings to adults only, do the theaters still play NC17 movies?
    Austin Dickerson
    Community Answer
    If the theater is suitable for the public, the theater may only show people of all ages films rated G, PG, PG-13, and R. Films rated NC-17 may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas.
  • Question
    How do Belgium movie ratings work?
    Austin Dickerson
    Community Answer
    There are only two categories. CAT.1 means general audiences. CAT.2 means not recommended for under 16.
  • Question
    What is an X rating?
    Community Answer
    X is the same thing as NC-17. It's used to designate certain films containing excessive violence or explicit sexuality.
  • Question
    Does PG-13 allow strong violence?
    Community Answer
    In a PG-13 rating, there may be intense violence, but no blood should be displayed.
  • Question
    What does an II rating mean?
    Community Answer
    That is the old Hong Kong rating system. Hong Kong has three level of ratings: Level I (suitable for all), Level II (parental guidance suggested) and Level III (restricted to 18 and above). Level II was created in 1995, but now Level II has 2 categories: Level IIA (not suitable for children) and Level IIB (not suitable for young persons and children).
  • Question
    Is this only USA film ratings, or is this global?
    Community Answer
    This is the system for film ratings in the US; other countries have their own rating systems for entertainment.
  • Question
    What is the complete opposite of a "G" rating?
    Queenie Lawrie
    Community Answer
    That would be the NC17 rating. That rating denotes a film restricted to viewers aged 18+.
  • Question
    Are film ratings important for scriptwriters when writing a script?
    Community Answer
    Screenwriters can write their movie script, and the MPAA rates the movie when it is being made. Screenwriters write whatever they want, and if the movie will be made based on the script's quality, not its rating. After it has been made is when it is decided what it will be rated.
  • Question
    What is the rating NR? (Higher than NC-17.)
    Naomi
    Community Answer
    NR stands for not rated. So if you want to watch a movie but it's NR, then check the reviews first or just wait until it's rated.
  • Question
    What profanity can PG movies have?
    Community Answer
    It varies from no profanity to an occasional use of the word "stupid" or "idiot". Also, it's important to know the date the film was released, as older movies' ratings tend to be a bit more lenient with their profanities.
  • Question
    Would it be suitable for a 10-year-old to watch Childs Play (1988)?
    Angelina Petova
    Community Answer
    It depends on the type of child. Ask the child if they like horror movies, or if it scares them, because they can make their own choices by themselves. So technically it depends on the child.
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