18 rated films are the highest rated
films on general theatrical release. There is also 18R, but these films are not
shown as widely, and are reserved for sex shops and specialised theatres. 18
rated films can go extremely far in regard to violence, sex, language etc, and
the boundaries are continually being stretched. Twenty years ago, what is now
rated an 18 would have been banned, showing the development of the film
industry and the acceptance of some topics being shown on film. 18 rated films
are not always pointless sex, violence and swearing, but a lot of 18's have
actually won Best Picture Awards, such as American Beauty in 1999. Due to it
being the highest film rating, there is a very wide range of what is shown in
an 18 film. Some are reasonably mild and only show the odd bit of violence, but
others are completely crazy, and go all out in every aspect. Films such as
'Saw' turn film away from an art form, and simply turn it into what is known as
'torture porn', and I personally do not think that these films are needed, as
they degrade the art form. The trouble with 18's is that it reduces the
audience, and stops the teenage audience going to see the film. Teenagers make
up a big part of the film's earnings and without them; the film would lose out
on a lot of money.
Consumer Advice
Only adults are admitted. Nobody
younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or
game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category
do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are
generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with detailed sexual
activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if
justified by the context. Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually
permitted. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticised or
excessively graphic.
Examples
Django Unchained
Evil Dead
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