|
This Week’s Movie Ratings
By Ali Asadullah 07/12/2001
Please consult the following ratings system for the evaluation of films currently in theaters. Please note that films with themes specifically adult in nature will be rated as
(Adult) in addition to being given an overall rating.
(CU) Completely Unacceptable
- Film contains levels of Sex, Violence, Profane Language and/or other objectionable content that are gratuitous to the degree that the film has absolutely no redeeming value either as a social commentary or as an entertaining diversion.
Examples: Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Eyes Wide Shut, Eddie Murphy: Raw
(RU) Rather Unacceptable
- Film contains levels of Sex, Violence, Profane Language and/or other objectionable content that are extreme. As such only through extreme rationalization could someone consider the film fit for consumption. The only reason to see it would be as a study of the current state of Western culture.
Examples: American Beauty
(SA) Somewhat Acceptable
- Aspects of objectionable Sex, Violence and Profane Language and/or other questionable content exist, but either a) Not in a gratuitous manner, b) Not in great frequency or c) With specific redeeming intent. But be very careful.
Examples: Malcolm X, American History X, The Matrix
(RA) Rather Acceptable
- Overall, the film is suitable for general consumption with some concerns over thematic issues or minor objectionable content. But be on the lookout for more subtle Western themes that are of concern to Muslims such as romance and dating.
Examples: Shrek, Atlantis
(CA) Completely Acceptable
- Film content is either tame or fully socially redeeming in nature.
Examples: Jinnah, The Battle of Algiers, Bambi
Baran
(RA-Adult)
Summary: LIMITED RELEASE IN LA. It's too bad that there had to be a war in order to spark interest in Islam and Muslims. However, that is exactly what has happened in the world of cinema, with a number of foreign films garnering decent attention as of late. The most recent release to make it to major cities is
Baran, which is directed by Majid Majidi who is best know for his award-winning films
The Color of Paradise (1999) and Children of Heaven (1997). In Baran, Majidi tells the story of a young construction worker whose life changes when he meets a new worker, a young Afghan refugee with an earth-shattering secret. The film deals with the issues facing the substantial Afghan refugee community in Iran and is quite timely given the current crisis. There is some foul language as well as some brief violence in the film, but overall is probably not a bad choice for Muslims.
No Man's Land
(SA-Adult)
Summary: LIMITED RELEASE NYC. With Slobodan Milosevic on trial for crimes against humanity in The Hague and with the process of rebuilding and restructuring life in Balkans continuing, it seems that the people of the region have finally begun to reflect on the turmoil that has gripped their part of the world for the better part of a decade.
No Man's Land is director Danis Tanovic's attempt at showing the absurdity of war as that absurdity applies to the death and carnage of the Bosnian War of the early 1990s. Told from the perspective of Serb and Croat soldiers, the film tackles the difficult questions of that war, including war crimes, prevailing attitudes and sentiments amongst the region's ethnic peoples, and responsibilities for policies during the war. The film does contain violence and foul language, but is nonetheless a film Muslims might want to see in order to inform themselves about the process of reflection and self-critique taking place in the Balkans today.
Ocean's 11 (CU-Adult)
Summary: For some reason robbery seems to be particularly popular in Hollywood. Apparently audiences have responded favorably to films in which criminals rob banks, steal diamonds and do all sort of other kleptomania-related activities. Ocean's 11 joins the list such recent movies and ups the ante by introducing a cast of stars, all of whom seem determined to make one big heist. For Muslims this just isn't something to see. SKIP IT.
|
