How Bad is an NC-17 Movie Rating?

How Bad is NC-17 Rating? Understanding Its Impact on Movies

Well, if you’ve ever looked at movie ratings, you’ve probably come across the NC-17 label at least once. I’m guessing you’ve thought, “What does that even mean, and why is it so bad?” Honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than you might think. The NC-17 rating, issued by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), is often misunderstood, and it’s worth diving into what it really means for films, filmmakers, and audiences.

1. What is NC-17, Really?

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. NC-17 is the highest rating given by the MPAA, and it stands for "No One 17 and Under Admitted." It sounds pretty intense, right? But the reality is, it’s not just about explicit content or violence; it's about the kind of material that might not fit neatly into the PG, PG-13, or R categories. It’s not a death sentence for a movie, but it can be a major roadblock.

Why does NC-17 exist?

The purpose of the NC-17 rating is to separate films that push boundaries in a way that might be too mature for a general audience, even adult audiences. I remember, the first time I saw an NC-17 movie listed, I had no idea what to expect. It wasn’t just about nudity or violence, but about themes or scenes that could be considered too provocative or controversial.

2. The Impact of NC-17 on Movies

Honestly, an NC-17 rating is often seen as a kiss of death for many films. Why? Because it usually means that the movie won’t be shown in major theater chains, and it can severely limit the audience. When you see an NC-17 rating, there’s an immediate stigma attached. People might think, “Oh, this is just some shocking movie with no plot.” But that’s not always the case.

Financial Consequences

You’d be surprised how big of an issue this is. Theaters are reluctant to show NC-17 films because they know they can’t market them to a wide audience, especially teenagers. This directly affects box office sales. Films with this rating are less likely to get broad distribution and often struggle to make a profit. I remember reading about the film Showgirls – it was a huge financial flop, and a lot of it had to do with the NC-17 rating. So, yeah, that rating can be brutal, especially for independent filmmakers looking to break through.

3. Why is NC-17 So Stigmatized?

Now, let's get to the interesting part. Why does the NC-17 rating get such a bad rap? Well, part of it is cultural – people have certain expectations when it comes to what’s acceptable in mainstream media. An NC-17 film often gets lumped in with adult content or pornography, and that’s far from accurate.

The Taboo Nature of NC-17

There’s this misconception that NC-17 films are only about explicit sex or extreme violence, but it can be much more nuanced. There are movies that deal with very mature and serious themes—like mental illness, deep human emotion, or social issues—that get slapped with an NC-17 just because of a few controversial scenes. And honestly, it’s frustrating.

I had a conversation with a friend recently, and we both agreed that there are definitely films with deep, rich stories that just happen to touch on controversial topics that get punished with an NC-17. It’s almost like the rating is reserved for anything that challenges the status quo.

4. Some Famous NC-17 Films

Okay, so let’s take a look at some films that were either slapped with an NC-17 rating or made history despite it. You might recognize a few.

Midnight Cowboy – Breaking Boundaries

This 1969 film, which became the first movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture while carrying an X rating (which later became NC-17), was groundbreaking in its portrayal of adult themes. Yet, it remains an iconic film that challenged social norms at the time. There are other films like Blue Valentine (2010), which earned an NC-17 rating for its intimate scenes, but it’s a heartfelt love story.

The Dreamers – A Deeply Artistic Film

Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Dreamers is a perfect example of an NC-17 film that isn’t just about explicit content. It’s an art house movie dealing with complex themes of youth, sexuality, and politics. Yet, it still struggled to find an audience because of the stigma attached to its rating.

5. Is NC-17 Always Bad for a Movie?

So, here’s the million-dollar question: is the NC-17 rating always bad for a film? Well, not necessarily. Some filmmakers actually seek the NC-17 rating because it allows them the freedom to tell stories without censorship. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword—on one hand, it can be limiting, but on the other, it can offer a level of creative freedom that wouldn’t be possible with a lower rating.

A Blessing in Disguise?

Actually, for some films, the NC-17 rating is kind of a badge of honor. It allows directors to push boundaries and make films that explore more complex or controversial ideas. But the downside, as I mentioned before, is that this often alienates the larger audience. So, it’s a trade-off.

In conclusion, how bad is the NC-17 rating? It’s not as bad as some might think, but it does come with its challenges. It can severely limit a film’s exposure and profitability, but at the same time, it offers a space for creative freedom that other ratings do not. If you ask me, the real issue with NC-17 isn’t the rating itself—it’s the stigma and misunderstanding that comes with it. So, the next time you see an NC-17 rated film, don’t just write it off as being “too much.” It might be one of the most unique and thought-provoking films you’ve ever seen.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.