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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 work of 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
Star
Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (SA-Adult)
Summary:
There’s good news and
there’s bad news. The good news is that Star Wars fans everywhere
will get to see George Lucas’ latest installation of a truly
classic American film series. Begun back in 1976, the Star Wars saga
is hero mythology for the modern man. So influential has Lucas’
work been that Star Wars has even made it into classrooms at such
eminent universities as Stanford where the saga is sometimes taught
alongside works of Homer.
With
such universal acclaim and appeal, it is no wonder that tickets for
the first weekend’s showings of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of
the Clones have been sold out for days. With timeless themes of
heroism, self-sacrifice and steadfast opposition to oppression,
there are indeed many reasons to see this film.
Now
the bad news.
While
one could write a thesis on the positive aspects of Star Wars,
there is the inescapable fact that this installation of the series
is basically a love story. So while there will be all the action,
suspense and philosophical musings of the Jedi; there will also be
lots of hand-holding, kissing, longing and other romantic
expressions by young Anakin Skywalker and his object of desire,
Padme.
Because
of the romantic themes, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
cannot be recommended for Muslims outright. However, recognizing
that Muslims will no doubt race out to see the film along with
throngs of other fans, IslamOnline recommends that viewers be
very careful and mindful of scenes that have romantic potential.
About
A Boy (RU-Adult)
Summary:
Based on the popular British novel of the same name, About A Boy
tells a story of maturation. Will (Hugh Grant), is a rich Londoner
who finds himself in his mid-30s and unmarried. Unhappy with his
situation, he embarks on a quest to find his perfect mate. Scheming
to accomplish his ultimate goal, Will cooks up a story about his
being the single parent of a young boy, which he is not. He then
uses this rouse to attract women.
As
luck would have it though, Will does actually meet a young boy in
desperate need of a male role model. Will fills this role and, in
doing so, matures in ways that he never expected, thus leading him
to the love he seeks through altruistic means rather than by
subterfuge.
The
theme of the film is generally positive, but it is a romantic
comedy, so one can expect various elements throughout the film that
are inconsistent with Muslims standards of male/female interaction.
As such this film cannot be recommended outright, and anyone seeing
the film should be wary.
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