These ratings, and their definitions, are printed on most movie posters, video packaging, and promotional materials. As with the music industry, however, these ratings are voluntary. Movie producers do not have to rate their movies, although the vast majority of them do. You will, at times, find movies that have no ratings—some even display an NR symbol on them. Additionally, movies that may have had a rating in the theaters are released on DVD with additional scenes or content that would change the rating. These DVD versions often have the NR rating, so be aware when you check out the DVD of a movie that was acceptable on the big screen. It may have changed. Whether viewing it on DVD or in the theater, you should research NR films before allowing your family to view them.

The system has had its number of detractors and critics—with small wonder. With the large numbers to be won at the box office—representing millions of dollars—film producers balk at the gamble of receiving an overly strict rating. Many independent film makers charge the MPAA with using seemingly more lenient criteria for the larger movie studios. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health—later verified by findings from a study done by the CAP ministry—added more fuel to the fire. The study reported on the phenomenon of “ratings creep.” “The MPAA appears to tolerate increasingly more extreme content in any given age-based rating category over time,” claimed the study. “Movies with the same rating can differ significantly in the amount and type of potentially objectionable content. Age-based ratings alone do not provide good information about the depiction of violence, sex, profanity and other content.”

Despite the critics and the findings, people still seem to rely on the MPAA ratings. The latest surveys conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation of Princeton, New Jersey, showed that 76% of parents with children under the age of 13 found the ratings to be “useful” to “very useful.” These surveys are conducted yearly.

What needs to be remembered is that movies—and all media, for that matter—are rated by people who bring their own beliefs and morals to the table. The MPAA ratings are judged by a full-time board of eight to 13 members located in Los Angeles. These board members work for the Classification and Rating Administration and serve for varying amounts of time, being rotated out of the board regularly. Additionally, the identities of these people are kept secret to better protect their objectivity.