When it comes to movie ratings, we’re all familiar with the various classifications. G-rated films are suitable for all ages, PG-rated films may require parental guidance, PG-13 films are aimed at audiences above 13 years of age, and R-rated movies are restricted to only adults. But have you ever wondered what is worse than an R-rated film?
NC-17 (No Children under 17) is the rating that surpasses R. It implies that the movie is unsuitable for children and the contents of the film may not be suitable for all adults as well. NC-17 films are only for mature audiences, and no one under the age of 17 is permitted to watch them.
Much like R-rated films, which are restricted due to violent scenes or sexual content, NC-17 films are rated in this way for their graphic content, but to an even greater extent. This includes depictions of sex, violence, gore, and other controversial subjects not suitable for minors.
For example, the 1995 film “Showgirls” received an NC-17 rating for its depictions of sex, nudity, and violence. The film was not suitable for minors and received mixed reviews, but it has since become a cult classic.
While an R-rated film may have some explicit content, an NC-17 movie takes it a step further, presenting graphic content that is far more explicit and raw. These films may contain extremely violent scenes, extremely graphic sex scenes, and extremely disturbing content which may leave a significant impact on viewers.
One of the main reasons behind the government’s ratings system is to protect minors who may not yet have the maturity to handle the content of the movie. While R-rated movies are only recommended for adults, they can still be viewed by minors if accompanied by an adult. However, this guidance does not apply to NC-17 rated films, which do not permit anyone under 17.
In fact, many major cinema chains do not show NC-17 films, mostly because they fear losing their audiences or facing legal challenges. Most movies are created with the aim of appealing to a wide range of viewers, but NC-17 movies are designed to cater to a specific, mature demographic.
Furthermore, the label NC-17 carries a stigma, and few distributors release these films due to the potential impact on sales. Independent films are sometimes released with this rating, but larger studios shy away from producing anything that may limit their market.
However, some filmmakers embrace the rating, seeking to create boundary-pushing cinema that is not restricted by the confines of the studio system. These filmmakers feel that NC-17 ratings liberate them from censorship and allow them to create works of art that push boundaries and challenge audiences in new ways.
In conclusion, while movie ratings may seem arbitrary, they have a significant impact on how the film is perceived and promoted. When it comes to film classifications, an NC-17 rating is worse than an R-rated film. It signifies that the content is not suitable for children and may even be too extreme for some adults. As such, NC-17 movies are rare because they are not widely distributed or commercially successful. In the end, whether or not to watch an NC-17 movie is a matter of personal choice, but it’s worth noting that such films are intended for mature audiences only. We hope that this article has provided a better understanding of what is worse than an R-rated film and the reasons behind these ratings.