These are the curious criteria that are followed to decide the classification that films receive before their release.
One of the big questions left Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness after its first projections was to know how Marvel Studios had achieved that the film directed by sam raimi got the ranking PG-13, which allowed it to be enjoyed in movie theaters by almost all types of audiences. The doubt is amplified when considering that this film, perhaps the darkest in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universehas the same ‘rating’ as more familiar productions such as Ant Man, Guardians of the Galaxy Y Spider-Man: Homecoming, despite its high levels of violence and disturbing images. The answer, beyond the commercial, is completely due to the curious criteria that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) continues to dictate the classification that films receive before their presentation in cinemas.
But what are these criteria? How many classifications are there? And how similar are these regulations to those followed around the world? Here we explain it in detail.
How are film ratings decided in the United States?
Established in 1968, the MPAA movie rating system It has 5 categories distributed by age according to the content of the products analyzed by the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA): G (General Audiences), GP (Parental Guidance Suggested), PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned), R (Restricted) and NC-17 (Adults Only).
Also read: What rating did Doctor Strange get in the Multiverse of Madness?
To obtain any of these classifications, the CARA reviews the films and decides its verdict based on the following factors:
G (General Audiences)
The movie it does not have any element that alerts people of any age, including language, nudity, sex, drug use, or violence. Generally, animated and children’s films receive this classification.
Its equivalent in Mexico, authorized by the Directorate of Radio, Television and Cinema (RTC) of the Ministry of the Interior, is the increasingly strange AA rated (Kids).
PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
The movie contains materials that parents may find inappropriate for minors, as they need the accompaniment of an adult for their understanding. These include mild violence, suggestive language, sexual references, and brief moments of nudity.
Because of the action featured, movies like Superman, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, super girl, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, The LEGO Batman Movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Y Teen Titans Go! To The Movies obtained this classification.
In Mexico, this type of production obtains the A-rated (Suitable for all public).
PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
The film presents content that may not be suitable for children under 13 years of ageWhat drug’s use, nudity without the need to be sexually oriented, depictions of mild or suggested violence, science fiction elements, expletive words or adjectives derived from sexual euphemisms Y exclusive activities for adultsamong other.
Every MCU movie, from Iron Man to the recent Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have been released under this classification. they did too Fantastic Four and its ill-fated 2015 reboot, Hulk, Daredevil, Elektrathe two films Ghost Riderthe saga of X Menthe trilogy of spider-man directed by Sam Raimi, the two films of The Amazing Spider-Manthe two deliveries of Venom, Morbius and the first tapes of Wolverines.
Batman, batman returns, batmanforever, batman and robin, superman returns, Green Lanternthe trilogy of Dark Knight, Man of Steel, Justice League, wonder-woman, suicide squad, Shazam!, Aquaman, Wonder Woman 1984 Y batman are other films that received this classification.
In Mexico, films with this type of content are assigned –depending on the ‘gravity’– the B-rated (Movies for teens ages 12 and up) or B-15 (Movies not recommended for children under 15 years of age).
R (Restricted)
Although it may sound very serious, the brand R it is the last of the ratings where the MPAA only suggests which audiences can view movies. In this case they are invited to be adults or minors under 17 accompanied by their parent or guardian due to the content presented by the tapes. Among the points considered when implementing this classification are: aggressive language (after two ‘fuck’ things start to get serious); drugs abuse; graphic violence; nudes and explicit sexual scenesetc.
In recent years, certain titles of DC have tended to target more adult audiences specifically, so they include certain elements that lead the MPAA to impose this restrictive rating. Tapes that have received it include Watchmen, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, birds of prey, Suicide Squad Y Zack Snyder’s: Justice League.
In the case of Marvelonly the films that have dared to be different from the rest of the proposals of the genre have come to have this classification: the trilogy of Bladethe three different film versions of The Punisher (the one from 1989, the one from 2004 and punisher: War Zone), the two tapes of dead pool Y Loganthe final episode of the saga of Wolverines starring Hugh Jackman.
In Mexico, the Ministry of the Interior has implemented the classification C (Movie for adults 18 years and older) to titles that meet these parameters.
NC-17 (Adults Only)
This is the only restrictive rating in the entire MPAA system. As specified, the films that receive the NC-17 mark can be considered ‘obscene‘ either ‘pornographic‘ due to the way they approach topics such as sex, addictions or ‘aberrant behavior’.
As expected, very few films that reach theaters have been designated with this classification. Due to the public to which they are oriented and their Persian origin, no movie based on comics has received this classification.
In Mexico, movies with “adult content, explicit sex, profane language and a high degree of violence” are assigned the classification Dwhere only people over 21 years old –showing an official identification– can buy tickets and enter to see it.
Enter the world of Doctor Strange with Marvel Comics Mexico and SMASH
The death and life of Stephen Strange! The world believes Doctor Strange is dead, but that could soon be real, when Dormammu steal his body! Will be able Clea Y topaz help to stranger regain control of his corporeal form?
In addition, the New Defenders they are back and stranger acquires a new apprentice: It is Rintrah and comes from another mysterious dimension! What will happen when the soul of the Doc is put into play after the attack of the Baron Mordoonce the demon lords, satannish Y Mephistodo your trick?
SMASH Y marvel comics they bring for you Marvel Deluxe – Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme Volume 1a special collector’s edition that collects the first eight issues of Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supremewritten by Peter B Gillis, roy thomas Y dann thomas and illustrated by Richard Case Y Butch Guice. Buy it now!
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