Exploring the First R-Rated Movie: Insights, Views, and Parental Perspectives

Movie ratings are a significant factor in determining what content is appropriate for viewers of different ages. The transition from viewing G-rated to R-rated films can be an interesting experience, especially when considering the mood and environment surrounding these first encounters. Let's explore the impact of these early experiences and the varying perspectives on allowing children to see these films.

The First R-Rated Movie: Everyone's Viewpoint

The transition from viewing G-rated to R-rated films can be a memorable and sometimes challenging experience. For many, the first R-rated movie is a milestone, marking a passage into a more mature and diverse world of cinema. Here, we dive into the experiences of individuals who shared their early journeys with R-rated films and their current perspectives on allowing their children to see these movies at similar ages.

The Graduate (16 Years Old)

I remember seeing The Graduate when I was 16. This was just before the ratings system kicked in, meaning I had already seen it, but now the rules were changing and I couldn't re-watch it. I really liked the movie and wanted to take my sister to see it. Unfortunately, we couldn't watch it because we were under 17. However, I would definitely let my kid see the movie as a teenager. It's not that risque compared to today's movies.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (12 Years Old)

The first R-rated movie I saw was The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, which I saw when I was 12 at my parents' suggestion. Unsurprisingly, it probably wouldn't be rated R today as it has mild violence and no sex or swearing. My mom was surprised when I told her it was rated R. So, I would definitely let someone see it at that age. More like a PG-13. I didn't see another one until I was 14.

Religious Perspectives on First R-Rated Films

Consider the perspective of a 17-year-old high school student who is not a parent yet. They believe that their first R-rated movie is "too inappropriate according to religion." Here is an official list of movies that a religious organization considers appropriate for viewing by children:

Michael Clayton, 2000 The Breakfast Club, 1985 Bully, 2011 The King's Speech, 2010 The Matrix, 1999 Stand by Me, 1986

The religious organization has a separate list for teenagers starting from the 13th birthday:

Eighth Grade, 2018

Challenging Views: An American Werewolf in London

An American Werewolf in London stands out as a film that was a "train wreck," being gory and corny. It's a movie that tried too hard to be gory and ended up being so bad that even my 17-year-old daughters wouldn't watch it.

Personal Experiences: Jennifer's Body

At the age of 12, I watched Jennifer's Body with a friend, and it involved a lot of sleeping with men, then eating them, along with a significant amount of nudity. I'm not sure if I would let my child watch that. It was gory and sexual, yet not much bad was shown. Maybe I would, or maybe I was too desensitized at a young age.

What are your experiences with your first R-rated movie? How do you think children should be exposed to such content? Share your thoughts and perspectives below.