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The An Introductory Note Point #1: It is ridiculous to try to sum up a work's significance or merit in just a few words. But in the hopes of drawing people's attention to works that have, in my limited experience, proven valuable, I reluctantly apply the following ratings system. Point #2: Regarding the controversial issues of foul language, violence, nudity, and other aspects of a film that may potentially offend viewers: I do not systematically condemn movies for including such things. Nor do I subscribe to an "anything goes" principle. Moviemaking is an art, and like all art, everything in a film must come under examination to see if it has a purpose for being there, to see if it contributes to an edifying, worthwhile experience. If something is gratuitous, merely audacious, and unnecessary... whatever it is... then it doesn't belong. I follow this principle: If the story is worth telling,and the imagery worth contemplating ... and if the potentially offensive elements contribute to the integrity and meaning of the whole, then I believe these elements are acceptable... as long as the artist uses them in a spirit of respect for the actors and the audience. These elements may qualify a film as inappropriate for certain viewers due to personal weaknesses, but not for others. (I certainly wouldn't recommend Leaving Las Vegas to a recovering alcoholic, but that doesn't mean it's a bad movie.) I leave that up to the discernment of the individual. I would never argue, even in cases of great art, that a person should lead themselves into temptation. But none of these elements automatically earn a film a harsher rating.
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For more on
the controversial debate amongst Christian filmgoers over these "R-rated"
elements, read Looking Closer's special forum on the subject. A group of Christian-media
film critics discuss their varying perspectives on nudity, foul language, and violence in
art:
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