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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
The
Four Feathers (SA-Adult)
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British military exploits in late
19th century Sudan provide the backdrop for The Four Feathers |
Summary:
His name was Muhammad Ahmad; and in 1881 he organized a jihad in the
Sudan to oust imperial British forces. This film is, unfortunately,
not about him, Sudan's struggle against the British nor about the
revival of Islam in the late 19th century. Rather, The Four Feathers
is a tale of courage and cowardice cast against the backdrop of the
British imperial conquest of Muslims.
There
have been several film adaptations of A.E.W. Mason's book of the
same; but this go-round promises to be the most graphic and visually
stunning. Filmed on location in Morocco, The Four Feathers features
several epic battle scenes and any number awe-inspiring panoramic
shots of the desert.
The
battle scenes, however, are what separate the film from the book.
Mason's narrative, focuses largely on the personal life of Harry
Faversham (Heath Ledger), who resigns his military commission on the
eve of British deployment to the Sudan where they are to engage the
forces of the Muhammad Ahmad, popularly known as the "Mahdi".
Faversham's decision draws unwarranted criticism from his comrades,
three of whom present him with white feathers that represent
cowardice. Even his fiancée' loses faith in him, eventually
presenting Faversham with a white feather of her own.
To
regain the respect of his peers and the love of his fiancée,
Faversham goes on a daring journey as an undercover agent in the
streets of Cairo and throughout the deserts and swamps of Sudan.
Muslims
might want to see this film to get an idea of how Hollywood portrays
this period of Islamic history. Be forewarned though; there are
graphic scenes of violence, romance and some sensuality.
The
Banger Sisters (RU-Adult)
Summary:
The wild lives of two women take center stage in this film about
friendship and maturity. Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn play two
ex-rock-and-roll groupies who reunite after many years apart. One
woman is anxious to relive the crazy days of her past. The other has
her reservations.
Discerning
moviegoers should have their reservations as well. This film
includes glorification of the excesses of the rock-and-roll
lifestyle, foul language, sexual content and some drug use. So
despite the fact that the film focuses largely on the relationship
of the two main characters, it remains a film that probably should
be skipped.
Ballistic:
Ecks vs. Sever (RU-Adult)
Summary:
Violence, violence and more violence – that's what you get with
this film. Put simply, everything is secondary – including the
plot – to the intense action sequences featured in this film.
Lucy
Liu and Antonio Banderas star as two secret agents on opposites
sides of the fence – he's FBI' she's a rogue NSA operative.
Normally, they would be at each other's throats. However, when a
common foe arises with a plot to use an injectable nano-machine as
an assassination tool, the two are forced to put their differences
aside.
In
the tradition of John Woo, Thai director Kaos brings a type of
action to the screen that Americans have come to enjoy.
Unfortunately, that includes some fairly graphic scenes. Therefore
this film cannot be recommended. 
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