Why is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom PG-13?
The simple answer is: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom isn’t actually rated PG-13. It was initially released with a PG rating in 1984, and it’s this PG rating, coupled with the film’s content, that was a significant catalyst for the creation of the PG-13 rating. The film, along with other PG-rated movies like Gremlins, sparked widespread concern among parents about the level of violence, gore, and disturbing themes present in movies aimed at younger audiences. This outcry led to a reevaluation of the rating system and ultimately the introduction of the PG-13 category. So, while Temple of Doom isn’t technically PG-13 itself, it is the reason why PG-13 exists.
The PG-13 Origin Story: Temple of Doom’s Impact
The Problem with PG in the Early 80s
Before 1984, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating system consisted of G, PG, R, and X. The PG rating was intended to signal that a movie might contain material that parents would want to discuss with their children, but it lacked specificity regarding the intensity of that content. Films like Temple of Doom, while not containing explicit sexual content or the intense violence of an R-rated film, pushed the boundaries of what was considered appropriate for a PG rating. The film showcased scenes of human sacrifice, including a man’s heart being ripped from his chest, intense child endangerment and enslavement, and overall a much darker and grittier tone than many of its PG-rated counterparts.
Parents’ Outcry and the Need for a New Category
The graphic content of Temple of Doom and other films like Gremlins led to a public outcry. Parents felt that the PG rating was no longer adequate to signal to them what they could expect in a film. They were caught between G-rated films that seemed too childish, and the graphic content of R-rated films, feeling that there was no proper option for kids who were too old for G and PG, but not ready for R. This prompted a debate over the need for a middle-ground rating that would better guide families.
Steven Spielberg and the Birth of PG-13
The creation of the PG-13 rating is largely credited to director Steven Spielberg, who was deeply involved in the controversy surrounding Temple of Doom. He himself felt that a film like his own should not be classified in the same way as a light-hearted family movie, which was the role the PG label was fulfilling. Spielberg suggested to the MPAA that a new category was needed, one that would serve as a stepping stone between PG and R. This idea eventually led to the establishment of the PG-13 rating.
Red Dawn: The First Movie to Hit Theaters With a PG-13
While The Flamingo Kid was the first film to be officially granted the PG-13 rating, it was actually Red Dawn, released on August 10, 1984, that was the first to be seen in theaters bearing the new rating. This action-packed thriller became the first test case for what the new rating could encompass and helped establish early expectations for what could be considered appropriate for audiences in this category.
Legacy and Modern Ratings
Today, the PG-13 rating is a staple of the film industry. It allows movies to address more mature themes and have more intense action sequences while still being accessible to a wider audience. However, films that were originally rated PG in the 80s and are viewed by audiences of today, would frequently receive a PG-13 rating today, underscoring the need for a mid-range rating. Jaws, for example, another 1970s PG-rated classic, is often cited as a film that would likely receive a PG-13 rating under today’s standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ever rated PG-13?
No, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was originally released with a PG rating. It’s a misconception that it was ever given the PG-13 rating. Instead, the film was the reason the PG-13 rating was created.
2. What caused the PG-13 rating to be created?
The violence and disturbing themes in films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins, which were rated PG, were the primary drivers for the creation of the PG-13 rating. Parents were concerned with the content and wanted a clearer differentiation for movies that may contain stronger violence, language, or mature themes.
3. What’s the difference between PG and PG-13?
A PG rating indicates that a film may have some material that parents might want to discuss with their children. PG-13 films can contain more intense violence, mild language, and mature themes that may be inappropriate for younger children but does not cross the boundary to be deemed as “restricted”.
4. What was the first PG-13 movie ever made?
The first movie to be officially rated PG-13 by the MPAA was The Flamingo Kid. However, it was Red Dawn that was the first movie released in theaters with a PG-13 rating.
5. Is Temple of Doom safe for kids?
Many parents find Temple of Doom to be too intense and potentially disturbing for younger children. The film’s violent scenes, child endangerment, and dark themes can be upsetting. Parental discretion is advised.
6. Why is Temple of Doom considered so scary?
The film features scenes of human sacrifice, child slavery, and other graphic and shocking moments, which makes it a significantly darker and more violent film compared to other movies in the franchise.
7. Is the first Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, as violent as Temple of Doom?
While Raiders of the Lost Ark also contains violence and some gruesome deaths, Temple of Doom is generally considered more intense due to its darker themes, more graphic violence, and the inclusion of child endangerment.
8. How did Steven Spielberg contribute to the creation of the PG-13 rating?
Steven Spielberg is credited with suggesting the need for a new rating category between PG and R to the MPAA after the release of Temple of Doom, leading to the creation of PG-13.
9. Would Jaws be rated PG-13 today?
Many film experts believe that Jaws, which was originally released with a PG rating, would likely receive a PG-13 rating today due to its intense violence, some blood, and disturbing scenes.
10. Are PG-13 movies ok for 12-year-olds?
According to the Motion Picture Association, a PG-13 rating indicates that a movie is appropriate for children over 13. However, parents should always use their discretion and consider the individual maturity of their child when making a decision.
11. What are some examples of “hard PG-13” movies?
Movies considered “hard PG-13” often push the boundaries of the rating with strong language, violence, or disturbing themes. Examples include The Silence (II), The Impossible, Angels & Demons, and Captain Phillips.
12. Can PG-13 movies contain strong language?
PG-13 movies can have some stronger language than PG movies, but it’s less intense than what you’d find in an R-rated movie. Some uses of words like s—, or repeated use of b—- may be found.
13. Is Barbie really PG-13, and why?
Yes, Barbie is rated PG-13 due to “suggestive references” and “brief language.” Some of the themes and plot lines may be more mature, hence the PG-13 rating to alert parents.
14. What is the darkest PG-rated movie?
Many consider Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom to be one of the darkest PG-rated films, but The Secret of NIMH, The Black Hole, and Poltergeist are also often cited for their darker themes.
15. Can R-rated movies be seen by children?
Children under 17 are not permitted to see R-rated movies alone, they need to be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian over 21. Children under the age of six aren’t permitted at all into R-rated movies.
By understanding the context behind its initial rating and the resulting creation of the PG-13 category, one can appreciate the lasting impact Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom had on the movie industry and how the standards of what is considered appropriate for children has changed over time.