Review of This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) by Brett A — 25 Sep 2008

"We don't create standards; we just follow them".

This is a documentary about the MPAA film ratings system. It goes into detail about how the MPAA is run very secretively and how ridiculous the whole system is. Several filmmakers are interviewed about their movies and the treatment they received when having to deal with NC-17 ratings and the possibility of editing their work.

The film also examines a number of common issues concerning the strange rules and standards the raters seem to follow, including issues such as violence not being as big of a deal as sex, homosexuality in film being treated much harsher than heterosexuality, and the subject of the raters themselves (who's identities are held secret from the public, so they don't have to face outside pressure of course).

This film's director, Kirby Dick, also employs a PI to monitor the MPAA building and possibly learn the identities of the raters.

The final section of the film actually deals with rating this very movie, the rating, and the appeals process (this film was released not rated).

The documentary is very entertaining, complete with some flashy title cards and animation, as well as plenty of cut scenes are re-edited movies. Of course as a documentary, it leans towards one side of the problem, however its tough to find any sort of counter, unless your an extremely right-wing Jesus freak.

What does matter is that the film is entertaining, and it is, as well as being a good way to see the MPAA get their ass kicked.

Herself - Rating Board Chairperson: We don't give out that information.