Regina

This documentary is a scathing indictment of the Hollywood film industry’s ratings system, which is presented as highly secretive, undemocratic, unfair and unaccountable. That it has been able to carry on largely unchallenged for so many decades is frightening. Kirby Dick is very courageous for unflinchingly challenging such a monolithic power. The film is highly entertaining and fascinating, not only because of what it uncovers, but also because of the ingenious methods used by the filmmaker to get his information. While revealing the ratings board’s dark secrets, the film introduces perhaps the world’s nicest private eye. Although sometimes graphic images of sex and violence are necessary to make the filmmaker’s points, his sensitive editing minimizes any discomfort that might be felt by the more squeamish members of the audience. For parents with children under the age of 17, the example set by the reprehensible conduct of the ratings board is far more harmful to impressionable young minds than any of the images the board is supposedly protecting them from. For anyone who cares about freedom of expression and censorship, particularly as they pertain to art, this film is a must see. Be prepared to be outraged.

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