By Chan Eum
Staff Writer

In order to include realistic scenes in their movies, many directors choose to include violent or sexual content. Many teenagers are attracted to R-rated movies because of their capacity to show what cannot be filmed in PG-13 movies. Although students can ask their parents to watch these movies with them, thoughtful consideration should be required by guardians before giving consent.
Out of the 29,791 movies released in 2018, 57 percent of those films were rated R. Clearly, there is an attraction to rather R movies that is inevitable to both adults and minors.

The R-rated category includes many iconic movies such as “Alien” (1979), “The Matrix” (1999), and “Schindler’s List” (1993). While it is sometimes educational to learn from these films, not all R-rated films are suitable for minors. According to the Association for Natural Psychology, movies can develop communication skills, but can also trigger violent reactions.
Many claim that teens whose minds are properly developed have the ability to discern right from wrong in a movie. While this argument is reasonable for more mature teenagers, not all teens can decide for themselves
This would not be a problem if a parent or guardian carefully think through how a movie will affect their child. This includes not only R-rated films, but also PG-rated ones. Daniel Romer, research director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, found that much of the gun violence included in PG-13 movies, even ones not depicting blood, can potentially be harmful.
Romer said, “Violent movies often get a PG-13 rating by omitting the consequences of violence such as blood and suffering, and by making [the] use of violence seem justified.”
Therefore, it is crucial for parents to research movie ratings. If the parents have an understanding of why the film is rated as it is, it will make the decision of whether or not to allow their children to view the film easier.
For example, if a child wants to watch “Joker” (2019), parents can go to website such as filmratings.com. Knowing that “Joker” is rated R for graphic violence, disturbing behavior, strong language, and brief sexual images, parents can use this information to decide whether the movie is appropriate for their child. Watching the trailer, reading the plot summary, or reading reviews by critics can also help.
It is best for guardians to consider how the movie will affect their children before allowing them to see the movie.