Though the MPAA rating system is far better than the Hays code that preceded it, the ratings have often been criticized for their ability injure the distribution and advertising of films rated with a NC-17. The rating system is also considered very subjective. Films with sexual scenes often receive a NC-17 while extremely violent films are given an R rating. This Film Is Not Yet Rated is a interesting documentary that attempts to reveal the absurdity of rating system and the damage it does to the art of film-making.
Though the video I have posted was not rated by the MPAA but by the British Board of Film Censors, it still reflects how rating boards can make questionable ratings. The Tell Tale Heart, created in 1953, is a short animated film based on the Edgar Allen Poe story. Despite lacking gore, sexuality, nudity, cursing and other aspects that could result in a more mature rating, this short was the first animation to be rated X by the British Board of Film Censors. The only reason i can think of that this movie was denied to children was because the tone of the film and the nature story may have been thought to be to frightening for children. I find this so strange because i believe most of us had to read this story when we were younger and the film actually takes out much of the gory details from the story.
filmphil 