X-Rated, R-Rated & NC-17 Rated Films – What the @!# Does It Mean? Part One

Film ratings matter. They grab our attention. They alert us to the type of messages/entertainment we are going to experience. And yes the rating of a film as X, R or NC-17 places a legal obligation for it not to be sold, rented or otherwise shown to minors in public venues. The system is meant to protect minors and guide others. There is certainly some material that is very offensive/violent and appeals to an audience prepared for that. Rather than outright censorship this system provides some viewer protection and viewer discretion.  An adult rating on a film can boost its appeal. Many films with R, X and NC-17 ratings do better through DVD sales and rentals than at the box office.

Let’s not think that an adult rating on a film means it is just violent pornography. We live in a world where violence, sex, drugs and bad language are very much a part of reality and always have been. Film (including TV) is the main means by which many people experience and become informed about life today. The film experience is invaluable as both simply entertainment and as a means of informing ourselves.

The NC-17 Rating:

NC – 17 is a rating applied to a film by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America’s Classification and Rating Administration). This is a rating system particular to the United States.  The NC-17 “No One 17 And Under Admitted” was introduced in 1990. The NC -17 rating system replaced the X rating that had previously been given to films. The NC -17 rating system can carry an advisory such as: strong sexuality, crude, sexual dialogue, language, drinking, all involving teens; drug use, nudity, rape scene…

Everyone already knows that an R-rating is a clear red flag for an Oscar. This year only one R-rated film, The Descendants made the cut for a Best Picture Oscar Nomination.

The only X-rated film to ever win an Oscar for Best Picture was Midnight Cowboy in 1969. Clockwork Orange was the ONLY other X-rated film (since re-rated) to earn a Best Pic nomination in 1971 and Last Tango in Paris garnered Director Bernard Bertolucci and Marlon Brando individual nominations. The first R-rated film (since the new system) to win Best Picture was The French Connection (1971).

Great films will find their audience whether they have an X, R or NC-17 rating and whether they win an Oscar or not. Here are some of the notable films over the past years that have these ratings and why they are exceptional.