This Film is Not Yet Rated (2006)

This eye-opening documentary explores the ultra-secretive Motion Picture Association of America and its blatant duplicity in the way it rates films. Kirby Dick helms this investigation of the last vestige of censorship in America. While one should expect bias, his questioning of inconsistent practices by the MPAA leads to incredible revelations and even more mind-boggling questions.

Let's be honest. Does anyone actually use the ratings systems in place to determine whether or not to see a film? I don't. It's recoms through friends, review by other critics, the Internet and other media. That being said, I've often wondered by a movie like the mainstream Sin City with its non-stop beheadings and dismembermentsrates an 'R' while more art house/independent film like Lust, Caution gets 'slapped' with an NC-17.

The hypocrisy of it all is exposed through interviews with directors (Kevin James, John Waters, Darren Aronofsky, Trey Parker) actors, critics, and other industry execs. With snarky humor and tenacity, Dick sets out to get answers to his relevant questions

It's shocking to uncover the homo/heterophobia that prevails. Comparing the European and American expressions of sex is interesting and ultimately serves to expose the overt censorship of the MPAA. Violence, language, sex, race...Dick spends time on each exposing the untold double standard and the conflict of interest that fast tracks some and kills others.

As I see it, This Film is Not Yet Rated is an interesting and underrated documentary. Cinephiles and the ACLU alike should be up in arms. Censorship is alive and thriving!

Just for Tom: 3 stars