Movie ratings are given by the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA) to give parents clear and concise information about a films content, in order to help them determine whether a movie is suitable for their children. The rating system includes five categories:
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G: General audiences. All ages admitted. A G-rated motion picture contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence, or other matters that, in the view of the Rating Board, would offend parents whose younger children view the motion picture. Depictions of violence are minimal. No nudity, sex scenes, or drug use are present.
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PG: Parental guidance suggested. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. A PG-rated motion picture may go beyond the G rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities, but does not reach the restricted R category. Any drug use will require at least a PG-13 rating. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence.
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PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. This is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material may not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities, but does not reach the restricted R category. Any drug use will require at least a PG-13 rating. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence.
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R: Restricted. Children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse, or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for children under 17 to watch R-rated movies.
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NC-17: Adults only. No one 17 and under admitted. This rating is given to films that contain adult material that is not suitable for children. The rating does not indicate that the movie is obscene or pornographic, but rather that it is not suitable for children.
The content that can lead to an R rating includes adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse, or other elements.
