Restricted. Persons 17 and under are not admitted unless accompanied by parent or adult guardian.October 5th, 2007 @ 7:01 am
About nine years ago my younger brother decided that he would no longer watch rated R movies. I don’t know exactly what his reasoning was behind this decision. That’s for him to say. All I know is that I teased him to no avail. I told him he was old enough to watch rated R movies. I told him he was lame. I told him I would never join in with him on this one.
Shortly after he made this choice he moved away for a couple of years to North Carolina. I didn’t see him during this time and I missed his guts, so much so that I signed every letter to him “miss your guts”. While he was away I gave his whole no rated R movies choice some thought. For whatever reason I decided that if my nineteen year old punk brother could do this, so could I.
That’s sort of how I get motivated to do something. It’s not because I had a deep desire to not watch R movies. It was mostly just to outdo my younger brother. It’s truly been since about 1999 that I last saw a R rated movie. I don’t remember what the last one I saw was. I think it might have been Braveheart, but I feel asleep so it doesn’t really count.
When I met The King he told me that he didn’t watch rated R movies either. One more reason why we were perfect for each other. Looking back, I think he was just trying to make me happy. But you know, whatever, it worked.
We were prudes together. And we were in love.
Over the years I’ve only been tempted to watch a few R rated movies. The first one I remember wanting to see was Shakespeare in Love. The most current ones are Old School and Garden State. Thankfully, in this day and age, most movies are quickly edited and put on TV. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched Old School and laughed my butt off. Dude, that movie is funny. (And possible even crazier unedited.)
I think because of the fact that movies seem to be edited more often these days, this little decision of mine hasn’t been that big of a deal. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. The only thing that is a little irritating is when I tell someone that I don’t watch rated R moves and they proceed to make fun of me. One women I know likes to laugh tell me I’m old enough to see R rated movies. I usually just blow it off in an attempt to not piss everyone involved off. What I want to say is that while I know I’m old enough to watch a rated R movie, I’m also old enough to decide not to see watch one.
The King and I have stumbled onto R movies on TV before, and not knowing it’s rating, we’ve started to watch it. Usually we’ll realize that it’s rated R pretty quickly and it makes us both wince. Not seeing this kind of stuff for a while makes you ultra sensitive when you do see it.
Which leads me to the really odd thing about all of this. While I won’t watch a rated R movie, I’m the first to admit that I’ll read the book the movie was based on (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin comes to mind.) It’s also no secret that I watch TV shows that are, shall we say, for mature audiences. And dude, have you heard the new podcast I’m into? It’s totally rated R and not just that, but it’s about rated R movies. (It’s also my latest New Thing, and I’ve blogged about at my other blog.)
I think the reason I don’t watch rated R movies these days has nothing to do with my younger brother and everything to do with my need for restrictions in my life. I need lines drawn. I need to know exactly what I can and can’t do. I’m not strong enough to be allowed to make my own choices. I need clear rules written up so that I can follow them exactly.
And for now my rules say I don’t want rated R movies. That is where I draw my line.
So don’t roll your eyes at me when I tell you I wont be seeing Superbad or Knocked Up in the theater, but then proceed to tell you all about the latest episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Tell me, do you have any personal guidelines that you live by like this?
They're just my family · I rock
Movies » Restricted. Persons 17 and under are not admitted unless …
said,
October 5, 2007 at 6:16 pm
[…] Katherine E. wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptOver the years I’ve only been tempted to watch a few R rated movies. The first one I remember wanting to see was Shakespeare in Love. The most current ones are Old School and Garden State. Thankfully, in this day and age, most movies … […]
meritt
said,
October 5, 2007 at 6:27 pm
In September of 1998 I turned the tv on at 7:30 pm to watch Everybody Loves Raymond. Since it was only 7:30 pm (or was it 7:00?) my three children were up and playing nearby. They were 7, 6 and 2. And the show was ALL ABOUT Deborah’s boobs.
I wrote to NBC and complained and then turned off the tv. I haven’t been a tv watcher since.
As for movies - we only bring movies into the house (by tv or rental) that ALL our family can see. Granted, they are older now (16, 15 and 11) and we LOVE horror movies, so we do pick *some* R rated, but we scrutinize the back of the move CLOSELY for sexual content and nudity. The kids are embarrassed to see people kissing on tv much less getting down and dirty - and the standards that movie industry has lowered themselves to now mean what was considered porn in 1985 is now easily rated “R”.
SAD!!!!
So most of the movies we see are action and/or horror. 90% are PG-13 and the few that are “R” are due to violence, language, drug references or such.
I don’t consider myself a “prude” for not wanting to watch people having sex… I consider myself someone with morals.
Stephanie
said,
October 5, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I have never drank a beer. I have only once even tried a sip. I have drank Boone’s Farm crap once, I have had one sangria, 6 ameretto sours and one madori sour and I am 26. I have never been drunk and never plan to be.
My father in law is a third generation alcoholic and my husband doesn’t drink because of it. I started my phase of non drinking out of respect for husband and now it just isn’t a part of our lives. Most of our friends drink and most family so I guess it is a part of our lives indirectly, but I just don’t need it in my life after the havoc (sp?) it ravaged on my husband’s family.
Anna
said,
October 5, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I have way too many Personal Rules and Regulations that I could share. However, it’s Friday and I don’t want you to be any more bored at work.
Instead I will tell why I was afraid to go to R-rated movies for almost 5 years. When I was 17 I went to a movie with friends. I can’t remember what the movie was, but it had a PG-13 rating. I was the last in line to request my ticket and the person working the counter refused to sell one to me until I could prove that I was, in fact, older than 13.
That’s right. I was carded for a PG-13 movie when I was 17.
I stayed away from R-rated movies for quite a while after that because I was afraid of repeat cardings. The embarassment of the first was bad enough.
Amanda
said,
October 5, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Growing up I didn’t watch TV until I was about 15 and as far as movies went they were always family friendly. I do have a funny story about that…my dad was/is a pilot and had Top Gun edited so his VERY young children could watch it. It wasn’t until a year or two ago that I actually saw the “real” version. I liked my dad’s better- even though some of the fighter plane scenes were rather quiet-
Now my husband is a film maker, so we watch everything, but my standard is I will walk out of the movie theater if it is too much for me. I also close my eyes and plug my ears at anything “r” rated except for the cursing. That is hard to avoid, and I have NEVER watched a horror movie.
janet
said,
October 5, 2007 at 7:22 pm
I will go against the masses and say that you are not missing ANYTHING WORTHWHILE by skipping Knocked Up.
I’m trying to think of some great R rated films that you might be missing though….but I can’t remember because I suffer from Cinema Amnesia. I basically forget everything about a movie right after I finish seeing it (or more likely sleeping through it).
Steph
said,
October 5, 2007 at 7:42 pm
I’ve never in my whole life seen an R rated movie. I just figure that yeah, while I’m old enough to watch one now, why should I? I’m obviously doing ok without them. And plus…how hard is it to just not watch a movie? Its something easy that simplifies my life in more ways than I could ever write here.
Kristin
said,
October 5, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Back in my religious days, I didn’t watch R rated movies either. It was hard to find quality, family-friendly entertainment. I played a ton of board games & baked yummy food all of the time.
Audrey
said,
October 5, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Wow, y’all are making me feel like a regular hussie. I drink, I cuss, I don’t even think about movie ratings. I am having a really hard time thinking of things where I do draw a line…
Oh! I got one! I don’t watch horror movies with possessed/demonic children. But that’s mostly because watching children do unthinkable things disturbs me to no end and I will be upset about the movie for days afterwards.
I also don’t do drugs or say the “G.D. word.” Oh, and I feel very strongly that “gay” should not be used as a negative adjective.
Okay, I guess I do draw some lines in my life. I feel better now.
anna
said,
October 5, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I have just a couple of things I try to follow. I don’t drink when children are around (I hardly drink anyway, so don’t feel like I am missing much). I also don’t cuss. I just feel stupid when I do it. I do watch R rated movies and television though.
Adria
said,
October 5, 2007 at 9:27 pm
I stopped watching rated R movies in 1995. And I’ve only seen a dozen or so in my lifetime. I don’t get made fun of, but it does become awkward regularly. Nearly everyone I know does watch them, so when we all want to go see a movie, I’m the party pooper.
We don’t have TV in our home either, but I do love murder mystery novels & the adults watch a lot of stuff in iTunes.
Brittany
said,
October 5, 2007 at 10:13 pm
High five! I don’t watch rated R movies either, but I believe you and I have already discussed that commonality and how it affects our viewing Zach Braff films.
I never go to the store on Sunday. Am I weird or what?!?
Emily
said,
October 5, 2007 at 10:30 pm
I don’t watch any movies that have to do with the devil or may be blasphemous in any way. I also don’t watch movies about real life killers because I feel like it glorifies them.
On a different note, I do not EVER read my horoscope or anyone elses. I stay as far away from all that as I can.
SJ
said,
October 5, 2007 at 10:42 pm
I barely watch TV anymore these days, let alone movies and with the kids around, you really have to be ‘aware’ of what’s on.
I remember when I was younger I used to LOVE Three’s Company and watched it every single night. Now when I watch the re-runs I’m shocked that they got away with airing the show , especially considering the day and age that that show was so popular.
Things have really changed in todays times and you really do have to be aware. I commend you on making this choice, it’s a good one.
Oh, and I eat pizza with a fork!
Operation Pink Herring
said,
October 6, 2007 at 3:52 am
Dude, I kept your secret and here you are telling the whole internet. I thought we had something special. (and now I swear I will stop with the breaking up jokes.)
I am halfway through Garden State, and so far, I don’t really think you’re missing anything. That is unpatriotic of me to say since i am from NJ and also in love with Zack Braff, but there it is. Maybe it gets better at the end.
And I forgot what I was going to say because I just went to a really boring business dinner had 5 glasses of wine.
Operation Pink Herring
said,
October 6, 2007 at 3:55 am
I made a comment and then deleted it because I’m drunk (allegedly). Too bad, because I think it was brilliant.
Operation Pink Herring
said,
October 6, 2007 at 3:56 am
Hey, look! There it is! I guess I’m not drunk after all. Sweet. Except I totally am.
michelle de seattle
said,
October 6, 2007 at 7:12 am
I, like Janet, suffer from the pain of Cinema Amnesia. Together, we can find a cure. Oh, wait, we already did. It’s called IMDB.com and Rottentomatoes.com.
Whew. I feel better now.
Stacey
said,
October 6, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Wow! That’s quite impressive - and I have to say I’m very surprised there are so many people out there who don’t watch R-rated movies!
I feel like a little twerp now because I honestly can’t think of one thing in my life that I can say I do because it’s a personal standard I’ve set for myself. Geez. I need to work on that. Thanks for the revelation - seriously!
P.S. I’ve never been to a strip club or had any desire to watch X-rated movies - does that count?
Allycat
said,
October 6, 2007 at 11:28 pm
In Australia our ratings are different - I know Shakespear in Love is only rated M here. There are few R rated movies that I watch, but one I watched recently was Goodfellas. I agree with you on the other content - some of the TV shows I watch are very ‘adult’ and also a lot of the books I read. Books are a funny one as it is usually up to your imagination about how graphic they are - even if a book describes a scene, you have the licence to make it more or less graphic while reading, one of the things I hate about reading a book and then watching the movie - it always ends up being a dissapointment.
Durga
said,
October 7, 2007 at 4:24 pm
www.kidsinmind.com
we always check here before watching movies. sometimes it may say PG/M and still be unacceptable for various reasons.
I don’t drink milk unless it’s flavoured (hate how spell check doesn’t recognise the British spelling)
Marriage-101
said,
October 8, 2007 at 3:33 am
Wow, I have to say I was quite surprised at all of the non R watching people. I feel a little guilty now. I never pay attention to ratings and there have been several movies that I’ve watched and found disturbing and wish I would have passed up. Oh, and I’m with Janet. Knocked-up - not as good as the hype. And now that I think about it, I can’t think of any R rated movies you’re missing out on. Is Stand By Me rated R? If so, then you’re missing out on that one. Or Bull Durham. I love those movies.
I won’t watch gory movies. Hellraiser, Nightmare on Elm Street, Leprechauns (sp)?, Child’s Play, etc. They give me nightmares, for lack of a better term since I never actually go to sleep afer watching them. I’ll watch thrillers, but that’s as far as it goes.
Liza
said,
October 8, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I won’t watch scary movies or any programming anywhere that is associated with David Lynch.
That said, I don’t have a general agreement with the “standards” used by the MPAA to rate movies, so I don’t use those standards to choose what movies I watch. Their criteria aren’t particularly clear or objective, IMO. I’m more sensitive to violence than they are, and probably less sensitive to sexual content.
I saw my first R movie, Fame, at 13. My mom took me. I was disturbed by the scene where Irene Cara’s character goes on an audition that turns out to be exploitive, but I also think it was an important part of the story. I’m not sorry I saw it so young.
As Noah gets older, I’ll probably wind up using those rating somewhat more as a guide for him, out of lazyness and not wanting to preview everything.
You know who has a good rating system that I will totally use? The video game people! http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp
Christar
said,
October 8, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I don’t drink and for some reason people find this very odd. And it’s aggravating that people think I do by the way I ‘look’. I guess because I have a peircing and a tattoo, people automatically assume I party. I think it’s pointless to drink and party. And Shaun doesn’t drink or party either which makes it even more awesome. Although I’ve noticed I’ve only been attracted to guys who don’t drink. Maybe it’s a subconscious thing, haha.
Ashlie
said,
October 8, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Go you! I’m kinda the opposite. I’ll watch R movies but I boycott some TV shows. Like my mum always used to say, “garbage in, garbage out!”….
rob
said,
October 8, 2007 at 9:43 pm
I only watch Rated R movies. Those seem to be the only good ones.
Fairly Odd Mother
said,
October 9, 2007 at 12:21 am
So, I suppose that means no ‘X rated’ movies either?
My husband teases me b/c I won’t watch death on movies. I can handle someone dying, like from a disease (a la Terms of Endearment) but not murder scenes. So, know how he got me to watch Fargo? Me: “does anyone die in it?” Him: “NO!!! It’s a great film.”
Shortly into the movie, death! I turned on him and he shrugged—”whoops, forgot about that one!” By then, I was too sucked in to turn it off and really loved that movie.
Liza
said,
October 9, 2007 at 6:35 pm
FOM, I can’t believe your husband told you there was no death in Fargo!!! I love the movie, but there are parts I can barely watch because they are so gruesome.
Rachel
said,
October 9, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I don’t use drugs. Is that a personal guideline?
I really can’t think of anything. I mean, I have good common sense and good morals, so I think overall I do the right thing.
One thing I don’t like is I don’t like people who get their very young kids or toddlers to say something distasteful or do something vulgar and think it’s cute.
HollowSquirrel
said,
October 10, 2007 at 2:05 am
I’m not good with self-control and personal guidelines. Although, I’m pretty damn firm on my no “up the butt” rule.
hola, isabel » Blog Archive » I’m already pregnant, so what other kind of shenanigans could I get into?
said,
December 21, 2007 at 7:06 pm
[…] I admit to not being any sort of movie critic, heck I don’t even watch rated R movies, but dude I know what I like and I liked Juno. The topic was interesting (I like babies and I’ve been pregnant a time or two). The characters were likable (I love me some George Michael). The music was awesome (Kimya Dawson, I’m talking to you and am also downloading your music like mad). It was all just awesome. […]