This Film is NOT Yet Rated

            Have you ever wondered how exactly movies are rated? For instance, who does it? Or what's the line between an R rated movie and one that is PG-13 or even NC-17? Maybe, you haven't. It could be one of those things you have just never put that much thought into. For me, I'd have to say that's how I pretty much felt, but when I came across this film I found myself really curious of the answers to these questions.
             This movie is a documentary directed by Kirby Dick (Outrage) about the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The film goes into how the MPAA's ratings system, which has been applied to movies since 1968, acts as a censor for directors and not just a guideline, as well as an extension of the major studios.
            Over the the film's 97 minute running time it hits over many different aspects of the ratings system and what's wrong with it in different areas. It specifically focuses on the thin line between movies being rated R and NC-17 and the inconsistency and harsh penalties a movie suffers if its hit with the highest rating. In order to get a good perception of this Dick talks to directors who have had movies rated NC-17 at one point and either had to edit their movie to get an R or kept the rating. Some of the people they talked to were Kevin Smith (Clerks), Matt Stone (Team America, South Park), and Kimberley Pierce (Boys Don't Cry), just to name a few.
             The automatic perception for most people when you hear NC-17 is it must be close to a porno, but in reality most films that are initially slapped with this are no where near. In fact the movie strikes a good point where movies with gay sex scenes are slapped with an NC-17 rating and other movies with straight sex scenes that are no less graphic than their counterparts are given R ratings.
              This is just one of the injustices that the movie points out, none the less the censorship that these ratings bring down on filmmakers. A director doesn't have to accept the MPAA's rating, but if it's given a NC-17 rating for example, but when that happens all potential marketability of the film goes away.
               The other huge interesting aspect the film touches on is who comes up with the ratings and who handles the appeals of ratings, as both groups are kept anonymous. Dick does all that he can to find out who these people are and what exactly goes on behind closed doors to come up with these ever important ratings. The results that Dick is able to find will probably surprise you as I know they surprised me.
                 In the end, this movie for me was a real eye opener to something I had never really thought of to begin with, none the less it potentially being a problem. It's really crazy the collusion that goes on in major businesses that many people are completely unaware that it's happening. I highly recommend people see this movie as it could easily change your view of things. I understand documentaries are meant to be persuasive, but I believe this one brings a strong valid point.
                 I give this film 4 stars out of 4 for it's amount of knowledge it brings to the table and the effort put forth to get it, as well as a thumbs up. Its streaming now instantly on Netflix.