Film Ratings And Classification Systems (BBFC And MPAA) Research Penelope Leung A2 Media Studies

Cover MPAA celebrating the 50th anniversary of film ratings (1200x630)

Table of Contents

1. What is the MPAA Ratings System?
2. Who decides the ratings?
3. What are the different ratings?
4. Why do some films get a higher rating than others?
5. What are the effects of the MPAA Ratings System?

What is the MPAA Ratings System?

The MPAA Ratings System is a voluntary system established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to provide parents and moviegoers with information about the content of a film. The system assigns ratings to films based on their content, such as language, violence, nudity, drug use, and other mature themes. The ratings are intended to help parents and moviegoers make informed decisions about what films they and their children can watch.

Who decides the ratings?

The ratings are decided by the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), a division of the MPAA. The CARA board is made up of parents who are not affiliated with the movie industry. They review films and assign a rating based on the content of the film. The board members have different backgrounds and beliefs, which helps ensure that the ratings are fair and reflect a variety of viewpoints.

What are the different ratings?

There are five different ratings that the MPAA assigns to films:

• G - General Audiences. All ages are admitted.
• PG - Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
• PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
• R - Restricted. Children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian.
• NC-17 - No One 17 and Under Admitted. This rating means that the film is only for adults and is not suitable for children.

Why do some films get a higher rating than others?

Films are rated based on their content. If a film contains strong language, violence, nudity, drug use, or other mature themes, it may receive a higher rating than a film that does not contain these elements. The ratings are not intended to reflect the quality of the film, but rather the appropriateness of the content for certain audiences.

What are the effects of the MPAA Ratings System?

The MPAA Ratings System has both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it provides parents with information about the content of a film, allowing them to make informed decisions about what their children can watch. It also helps moviegoers know what to expect from a film before they see it. However, the system has also been criticized for being too subjective and inconsistent. Some filmmakers have complained that the ratings are too strict, while others argue that the ratings are too lenient. The system also faces criticism from those who believe that it is too heavily influenced by the movie industry and does not reflect the views of the general public.

Conclusion

The MPAA Ratings System provides important information to parents and moviegoers about the content of a film. While it has its flaws, it remains an important tool for helping people make informed decisions about what they watch. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide what is appropriate for themselves and their families, but the MPAA Ratings System can help make that decision easier.