Ok. Got that one out.
In all seriousness, I do. In fact, most of my favorite movies are of that rating. Now, for those that are not LDS, you may be thinking "and....?" Our Church has this THING. This thing where once upon a time we were not supposed to watch R-rated movies. And it's kind of stuck. Kind of like the tea thing*. So, now it's ghastly to even think of watching an R-rated movie. But I do it. And I do not feel guilty about it.
Yesterday some of the students on the program watched Date Night together. Among some of this group of students were a few who have expressed adamantly they do NOT watch R-rated movies (when Sarah and I suggested a few at the last movie gathering). I must say, I was also excited to see this movie: I love the two main actors, and I thought it would be hilarious. For one, it was so. dumb. I hated the comedy in it, I thought Steve and Tina were at their worst (ok, maybe Baby Mama was Tina Fey's worst). And besides the movie dropping my IQ down a few points, I thought it was so crude. I won't go into too much detail, and I must say I did not watch the whole movie, but I heard the f-word once, I heard sex talk in just about every scene (and I do not actually mind sex in a movie, it just depends on the portrayal of it), and there was talk of swinging and anal and all sorts of just nasty stuff. In my opinion, a much worse PG-13 rated movie compared to some of the movies I know and love that are rated R.
Why, as members of the Church, are we so dogmatic about this rule? For one, do we really want an organization with obvious biases and vested interests to decide our morals? Personally, I use ratings now as a road map, but mostly I use my gut to decide on if I will continue watching a movie I have started (this is convenient since we never actually GO to movies... it'd be a more difficult decision at a movie theater). For the most part, I will not watch an R-rated comedy. And now I'm thinking about cutting out ones rated PG-13 too. I just do not feel uplifted by that garbage. I felt like sitting there was a complete waste of my time. I watch movies to feel inspired, to learn something, to embrace an artistic experience.
My second rule for myself is not to cut out all movies with sex, nudity, violence, etc. but just to take a step back and think about how those things are portrayed. Movies that treat sex as beautiful and artistic do not phase me (The Reader comes to mind, the most stirring movie I've seen in a long time, which has a lot of nudity and sex but I thought was absolutely stunningly portrayed**). But, for example, I refuse to watch any more James Bond movies which treats it as quick and dirty and casual. Violence is another thing I abhor in movies; and it is pretty much in everything, so I've started to really think more about how we feel about violence, murder, and death. I think even in children's movies we treat death too casually; I was cringing during Up when the bad guy fell to his death from the cliff. Everyone else laughed and cheered-- but isn't he a person too, even if he is sort of crazy? I think the same thing goes in most action movies... the protagonists and the bad guys kill innocent bystanders, smash cars, wreak general havoc and we cheer them on?? And that's OK? We do not even bat an eye. But, on the other hand, violent movies that are not ridiculously violent just for the sake of it (war movies, historical dramas, etc.) do not bother me AS much.
So, what do you think? I would definitely watch a movie like Amelie (rated R) to a movie like Date Night (PG-13). But some members of the Church are so dogmatic they would look at me as committing a grievous sin by watching something that is rated R. And this is yet another reason (among many I will someday blog about) why my Church culture drives me nuts, but unfortunately I love the doctrine so I keep going.
* I also drink green tea and do not feel the least bit guilty.
** If you overlook the age difference, that is.
Oh Caitlin, I adore you.
ReplyDeleteClone your feelings about the movie subject and you have exactly my own.
There are dozens of PG-13 movies that i think are pure garbage while other R rated movies that are fantastic and i walk away better informed, uplifted, motivated to re-evaluate the situation etc.
My real issue with our church's cultural view on movie ratings is that members blindly judge a movies content and impact by a biased rating system. The simplicity of PG-13 is fine and rated R is horrible eliminates any real analysis on content. It's a lazy justification system and i just don't buy into it. But a lot of people do.
I can just see Heavenly Father looking down and having his children watching smut like "House Bunny" because it is PG-13 and thinking... "you've got it totally backwards here folks". Then God sits back in some comfy cloud, props up his feet and pops in the "The English Patient" (which is rated R) for a historical/romantic flick.
I think God likes historical romances don't you?
Ending argument: people use your brain, you judge the content, you see if the movie coincides with the content and that will guide your viewing choice- not it's rating.
can you tell i was raised by an independent film maker?
love you cait.
I agree with your conclusions here and mine are nearly identical. I hate PG-13 "comedies" that are filth, crude, and disgusting. I want to watch good movies...as in good quality movies. Most of my favorite movies are rated R. There is so much that is edifying, inspiring, that provokes insight and emotion in me, and I value that more than I value an arbitrary rating system. When I lived in Mexico I realized just how arbitrary and culturally based that "rule" is--the Mexican ratings system is different than ours and it's simply not an issue. No one could find fault with their faithfulness or dedication to the Lord, but their culture has a different context for presentation and response to media, and that's okay. I also think that sex and violence, when portrayed in a thoughtful and not-exploitative manner, can teach us things of value. Be not ashamed Caitlin.
ReplyDeleteI don't pay attention to ratings anymore. I just go to screenit.com to see what is in it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I am very sensitive to lots of things in movies so I end up not seeing a whole lot. Sigh.
PS - please read this article. So good.
Agreed. That's all.
ReplyDeleteInstead of justifying watching R rated movies because there are worse PG-13 movies, why watch no PG-13 movies as well?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the "R" rule is a bit arbitrary, especially considering the trash in PG-13 movies and television, the internet, etc., but that still doesn't excuse watching R rated movies because they are artistic or educational. Just because The Reader was "stunningly portrayed" doesn't make it less pornographic.
You are right that PG-13 comedies are trash, now, especially the rom-coms. I like "based on true story" or based on book movies. Recently watched would include Invictus, The Blind Side, Harry Potter, etc.
And if it's artistic you are looking for, why not watch movies from the golden years of Hollywood, including foreign films? I'm sure you can find hundreds of stunningly portrayed and exquisitely crafted movies from the 1930s - 1960s (maybe later) that do not include the sex, violence, and vulgarity you find today.
Period pieces are also a good bet, especially if they are old or PG. Think: Jane Austen. I talked Christopher into watching The Importance of Being Earnest last night with Colin Firth and Rupert Everett. One of my favorite movies. Clean, witty, well-scripted and well-acted. Entertaining. If you want educational, watch a documentary. If you want uplifting, watch a true story/biography.
Finally, I'd love you to explain how the Church's "obvious biases and vested interests" would prompt them to discourage R rated movies.
The last time I checked, watching R rated movies wasn't a question on the temple recommend interviews. So why do you feel the need to justify your actions by attacking Mormon culture?
ps I'm playing the Devil's advocate a little. I also believe there's hypocrisy in the culture, especially when people say "It's okay to watch it BECAUSE it's PG-13."
I used to watch pretty much anything and everything. I'm from a movie loving family and ratings didn't mean much to us. If I felt it was worth watching then I jumped right in.
ReplyDeleteThen I started realizing that certain things bothered me afterward (lots of violence makes me physically ill and would frequently give me disturbing dreams afterward) so I started checking out the content before watching movies and choosing accordingly.
Then a few months ago I talked to a girl whose dad was stake president. She said he rarely went to movies, rarely turned on the radio, etc., that in his own quiet and non judgmental way he held himself to a higher standard. He didn't begrudge them their fun or preach against it, he just felt that his calling required him to live a little closer to the spirit. I really liked that attitude and have made an effort to clean up the stuff around me without expecting others to do the same (Aaron and the rest of my family continue to happily watch whatever strikes their fancy and it doesn't bother me at all). It's working for me.
Lauren: I meant the MPAA has biases and vested interests (not the Church!). Sorry, that was not too clear. Also, I think pornography is based a lot on how you feel about what you are watching. I'm not addicted to and I don't get all "excited" (for lack of a better word) when I see Kate Winslet naked (because, honestly, who hasn't?) And that movie was incredible, her acting was truly artistic. The movie made me feel uplifted, as do many movies. And I DO watch old classics and love them for their artistic value as well (we just watched Roman Holiday a few weeks ago. loved it)
ReplyDeleteKayla: I know what you mean about violence; I watched 15 minutes of Heroes the other day with Tim and I had nightmares about Sylar killing Amir and ripping out my uterus (which had a fetus inside). Ummmm... disturbing much!? I can't watch movies that have demonic characters or gratuitous violence.
Yeah, I used to not see the difference between artistic nudity and pornography in film, but then I realized that I've been doing it for years with painting and sculptures, in which formats I never had problems looking nudes.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in summary, I mostly agree with Cait, although I would stress what Kayla said, and say that we should always err on the side of caution rather than liberality in media, but I still fill like even being cautious, selective R rated movies can be viewed.
Caitlin and Friends,
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, here's my two cents:
1. It is my opinion that there is safety in the rules. What parent would establish a boundary exactly at the point of harm? Boundaries are set to keep you well away from danger. I believe the same pride that would lead me to think I was smart enough to pick a "good" R rated movie would be the pride that would put me in a situation I would later regret. WHy even risk it?
I am much less worried about the "culture" I forgo by skipping R rated films, than run the risk of seeing something that offends the spirit. (It goes without saying that I don't see many PG-13 movies either)
That's my standard. I do my best to keep it. I'm going to teach the same thing to my kids.
I like to call it "informed obedience." A far cry from blind obedience that some would use to justify wathing inappropriate PG-13 movies. I see it as a simplification of my life. If PG-13 is a gray area, R is black. It's easy.
2. As for the green tea - that will go in my next comment.
Ok - so my take on the word of wisdom is very similar to my take on R rated movies: The standards are a protection. I have an understanding of the principles, and choose to follow the standard because it's safe.
ReplyDeleteHere's how I think about the word of wisdom. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's most precious gift to us is our agency. It is the one thing they will NEVER take from us. They paid a dear price to allow us the freedom to choose. That can't be overstated.
I believe one reason for the word of wisdom is to protect our agency. Some of the prohibitions of the WoW speak directly to things that impair our ability to choose our actions, such as alcohol and drugs. Other things such as coffee, tea and tobacco impair our agency because they are addictive. Our bodies can't function normally without the chemicals we are addicted to, and thus we are no longer free, but captives of those things. The same can be said for any addiction, for that matter (food, pornography, shopping, gambling, etc.)
Further, when we don't take appropriate care of our bodies by eating right (grains, fruits and veggies, meat in moderation) and exercising, we allow our bodies to get out of shape with all of the illnesses and disease that come with it. Disease clearly limits our agency as well.
The principles and standards of the WoW are there to protect our agency. They are also principles with a promise, which provide additional blessings if we are obedient.
Do I drink caffeine? No, because I'd likely become addicted. Do I take excedrin (which contains caffeine) if I have a headache? Sure, on occasion. Do I drink alcoholic beverages? No. Do I take Nyquil (20 proof) when I'm sick? You bet.
Not everyone would set their standards where I have. Some are more conservative, some less. The important thing is that I am trying to do my best to be as obedient as I can. As often as possible to the spirit AND letter of the law.
So, for what it's worth, I won't drink green tea (or black, or white tea) for two reasons:1. the prophets have specifically put tea on the no-go list, so for me, it's like the R rated movies - coke might be a gray area for some, but tea is black (or green). 2. Despite the studies showing the anti-oxidant power of green tea, I feel that the deleterious effects of the caffeine and other chemicals in the plant outweigh the benefits. So, again, I'll forgo some "culture" to be on the safe side. Somehow I just feel more comfortable on the conservative side of the line.
Ok, so there you go. We have our agency, let's use it wisely!
Christopher: I agree with you almost 100% and completely respect your decision to stay away from media that you fear offends the Spirit. I too am not afraid to turn it off if I'm hesitant about whether it does or not, I almost always err on the side of turning it off. That being said, the movies I mentioned do not for me. But it's an individual decision. Tim chooses not to watch a lot of movies with me because he feels differently. And that's OK.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the WoW, I think most Church members have it completely wrong. They see it as they have to avoid the forbidden things but they totally miss the point of it. It's a health and moral code, not just a list of forbidden substances - as you mentioned. In our household, we (mostly I) (almost) never eat meat, rarely consume dairy/eggs (here a lot more because our food options are limited), and eat a variety of whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole-wheat breads), lentils, beans, vegetables, and fruit. We never (again, almost never) consume soda, I avoid processed sugar though Tim doesn't, we try to buy our fruits and vegetables in season (I think this is a big one that almost everyone misses... for instance having salads with tomatoes and cucumbers at a Ward Christmas party) and local. And as for my tea-drinking habits, I drink a naturally decaffeinated green tea on occasion, especially when I'm sick in the winter. I do not drink any tea with caffeine because I know caffeine is not good for me.
Thanks for the insights and for sharing your testimony on the Word of Wisdom, I love having it as a standard and guideline for my life, and I know I've been much healthier since I changed my eating habits.
Saving Private Ryan is rated R, so is Braveheart. "Friday Night Lights" the TV show comes on network TV in primetime. It shows high school kids drinking and having sex like it's nothing. Someone mentioned "The English Patient," which is a good example, but does have those bathtub scenes.
ReplyDeleteI think it's funny that Dad's screenname is "Lauren's Dad", like I'm his only kid. :)
ReplyDeleteGood conversation. I also agree with the WoW as a health code. We definitely miss the point when we focus on the "don't"s instead of the "do"s.