what is r rated movie

In the United States, the Motion Picture Association film rating system is used to rate a motion pictures suitability for certain audiences based on its content. The rating system is voluntary and not enforced by law, but most theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated or NC-17 rated films. The R rating means that children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian over the age of 21 for R-rated movies, and the film may contain adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, or other adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their children to see it. The R rating is one of several ratings used to help audiences determine which movies are appropriate for them or their children.