Review of This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) by Sabra E — 18 Apr 2011

Sure, the MPAA system is dated, but so is the Constitution. I agree that certain methods of rating films NC-17 based on moderate pelvic thrusting, homosexual sex and the exposure of pubic hair is harsh, a ratings system does have its place in the world of cinematic entertainment.

Also the exposure of people on the MPAA board seemed reckless and unprofessional, putting people who are doing their jobs, though it is to watch movies and rate them, in danger of fanatics who would want to attack them in the name of keeping art pure.

Let me out it this way, if I went with my mother to see an R-rated movie around Thanksgiving or Christmas and lo and behold a sex scene was in front of us with heavy thrusting in the throws of homosexual passion came onto the screen unexpectedly, I would be traumatized.

No amount of rationalizing, no amount of saying rough gay sex is a beautiful reality of the world, or this is how it would be in the context of an imaginary scenario, nothing could erase my sense of shame of being beside my mother and putting that imprint in her prudent 54 year-old head.

This documentary could've been better had the director been less of a shock jock jackass about it, belittling a system for not bending the rules to his whims and trying to appeal a rating of NC-17 for a documentary containing a superfluous number of scenes previously removed to avoid that rating in the first place.

There's no doubt about the MPAA system having its flaws, but it's also necessary to have a system for the sake of knowing what we're getting into at the onset of choosing movies to watch with friends, family, children, priests, or alone in the comfort of feeling amorous and free.