Why is Sharper Rated R? A Deep Dive into its Content
Sharper, the 2023 Apple Original Movie, earned its R-rating primarily due to a combination of factors that contribute to its adult content. These elements include strong language throughout the film, some sexual references, including a particularly jarring anal rape joke, and the depiction of drug use. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), which assigns ratings, deems these elements unsuitable for younger audiences, thus necessitating the “Restricted” rating. Let’s break down these reasons in more detail.
The Core Reasons Behind the R-Rating
Explicit Language
One of the most significant contributors to the R rating is the persistent and strong language used throughout Sharper. The film does not shy away from using the f-word, b-word, and other expletives regularly. This type of language, while commonplace in some adult circles, is considered inappropriate for younger viewers and is a key factor in determining the final rating.
Sexual References and Innuendo
Sharper also incorporates various sexual references and innuendo, often in a crude or suggestive manner. This can range from casual mentions of sexual activity to more direct jokes and scenes. A particularly controversial example mentioned in some reviews is the scene involving a lengthy description of a hypothetical anal rape scenario which was considered offensive and very inappropriate. This level of sexual content places the movie firmly into R-rated territory, as it moves beyond what is generally acceptable for younger audiences.
Substance Use
Another significant aspect is the portrayal of substance use. Characters are shown smoking marijuana and are implied to be using other drugs. A young man is also depicted seemingly selling drugs from his apartment, further solidifying the depiction of substance use. The R rating often takes into account not only direct depictions of drug use but also its glamorization or normalization.
What Does an R-Rating Mean?
An R-rated film, as defined by the MPA, contains adult material. This could include adult themes, activity, hard language, intense violence, sexually oriented nudity, drug abuse, or other elements considered unsuitable for children. The R-rating is a cautionary measure designed to advise parents that the content is intended for mature audiences. It carries a clear restriction: persons under 17 are not admitted unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The MPA emphasizes that parents should take this rating very seriously, making it clear that the film is not intended for viewing by children and teens without parental guidance.
Comparing R-Rating to Other Ratings
It’s helpful to compare the R-rating with other common movie ratings to further understand its implications:
R vs. PG-13
A PG-13 rating indicates that “Parents strongly cautioned – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.” A PG-13 film may have some violence or some language, but it’s generally less intense and less frequent than in an R-rated film. An R-rated film goes further with more intense violence, language, or sexual content, making it explicitly unsuitable for younger viewers without adult supervision.
R vs. PG
A PG rating, meaning “Parental guidance suggested,” means that some material may not be suitable for children. It generally contains mild violence and language. R rated movies have content which is definitely not appropriate for children of this age.
R vs. M
In regions that use a rating system including M (“Mature audiences – Parental discretion advised”) this rating is a step below R. An M rating suggests that parental discretion should be used while watching the movie with younger people. An R-rated movie means children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
R vs. G
A G rating, short for “General audiences,” means the content is suitable for all ages. This is the most permissive rating. R rated movies are on the opposite end of the spectrum.
FAQs About R-Rated Movies
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about R-rated movies to further clarify their implications:
1. Is an R-rating worse than a PG-13 rating?
Yes, an R-rating is more restrictive than a PG-13 rating. An R-rated film contains content that is not considered suitable for viewers under 17 unless accompanied by an adult. A PG-13 rating warns that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 but it does not restrict audience members under 17.
2. Can a 17-year-old watch an R-rated movie alone?
The rules regarding this depend on the theatre. Some theaters may not sell tickets to anyone under 17. Other theatres, may allow 17-year-olds to attend without an adult. However, a theatre may also require a person to be at least 21 to purchase tickets without showing an ID for additional tickets. It’s best to check specific theatre policies.
3. Can children under 17 watch R-rated movies with a parent?
Yes, children under 17 can watch R-rated movies with a parent or legal guardian (who is sometimes required to be 25 years of age or older, depending on the establishment). However, parents should carefully consider the film’s content before deciding to bring a child.
4. Is an R-rating bad for 12-year-olds?
Generally, yes. Most R-rated movies are not recommended for 12-year-olds due to their content, which might be too mature or disturbing for that age group. Parents should review the film’s content before making a decision.
5. Why are some movies rated R for language?
Movies can be rated R solely for frequent, strong language including expletives, even if other R-rated elements like sex and violence are minimal.
6. Can an 18 year old watch an R-rated movie?
Yes, typically anyone 17 and older can watch an R-rated movie without an adult. However, as previously mentioned, some theaters may have their own age restrictions for the purchasing of tickets.
7. Why is Role Models rated R?
Role Models is rated R for its crass humor, sexual innuendo, partial nudity, and near-incessant swearing, despite featuring young actors.
8. Is the Barbie movie R-rated?
No, the Barbie movie received a PG-13 rating for suggestive references and brief language. It does not contain the elements of sexual explicitness, violence, or frequent strong language that are required for an R rating.
9. Is Oppenheimer R-rated?
Yes, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has been given an R-rating due to explicit nudity and strong language.
10. Can 17 year olds watch Oppenheimer?
Due to its “A” rating in some countries which equates to an R, 17 year olds may not be allowed to watch Oppenheimer without a guardian depending on the theatre.
11. Why is Five Nights at Freddy’s rated PG-13?
Five Nights at Freddy’s earned its PG-13 rating for strong violent content, bloody images, and language.
12. What does it mean when a movie is rated E?
An E rating (Everyone) means the movie’s content is suitable for ages six and older, and may contain minimal violence, some comic mischief, and/or mild language.
13. Why is a 1990 movie rated R?
Older movies can be rated R for reasons similar to newer ones: violence, bloody images, some drug use, and strong language. For example, It was rated PG-13 for violence, bloody images and some drug use.
14. Is an R-rating worse than an X-rating?
Generally, yes. However, X-rated movies are now considered part of NC-17 rating. Therefore NC-17 is more restrictive than R.
15. Can you get a hard rated R?
No. An R-rating is a standard rating, not a subjective label. However, some parents use “hard R” to describe movies they consider extremely inappropriate.
Conclusion
Sharper’s R-rating is a result of its consistent use of strong language, sexual references, and depictions of drug use. These elements, when combined, make it inappropriate for younger audiences and fall under the MPA’s criteria for a restricted rating. Understanding these reasons, as well as the distinctions between other ratings, can help parents make informed decisions about the appropriateness of a film for their children or to understand what to expect if they choose to watch the movie themselves.