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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
Naqoyqatsi
(RA)
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Naqoyqatsi is an experimental documentary that explores the destructive nature of technology in the modern age |
Summary:
Na-qoy-qatsi: (nah koy' kahtsee) N. From the Hopi Language. 1. A
life of killing each other 2. War as a way of life. 3. (Interpreted)
Civilized violence.
Naqoyqatsi
is the third installment of Godfrey Reggio’s documentary trilogy
on life and human existence. His previous two films, Koyaanisqatsi
and Powaqqatsi, explored both man’s imbalance with the
natural world as well as his scale of achievement and neglect
throughout civilization. In Naqoyqatsi, Reggio rounds out the
picture with an unflinching look at the human relationship with
modern technology and how that relationship has become innately
self-destructive.
Naqoyqatsi
portrays life in the post-modern era as something beyond the bounds
of natural order in which technology has become both the purpose and
sustenance of existence. As such, Reggio sees modern life as an
“all out war” against life itself, with the thirst for
never-ending human consumption leading to human demise on every
level of existence.
Reggio’s
films have been critically acclaimed and they provide sometimes
harsh but necessary commentaries on modern life. As such, Naqoyqatsi
is a film worth seeing. However moviegoers must be warned that some
of Reggio’s documentary footage includes scenes of violence,
destitution, war and other unsavory aspects of the darker side of
humanity. There is also one brief scene that includes nudity. More
sensitive individuals would want to bear these aspects of the film
in mind when making their weekend entertainment choices.
The
Ring (SA-Adult)
Summary:
Who says it’s only Hollywood that influences the world film
industry. Although American cultural influence is felt with
unmistaken impact throughout world cinema, there is an increasing
trend of that influence winding back up on American shores. Take
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as an example. It redefined the
genre of martial arts filmmaking and took America by storm.
But
now, in a rare move, Hollywood has actually remade a foreign film.
The upcoming Dreamworks release, The Ring, is an American
adaptation of the Japanese cult classic Ringu.
The
plot centers on the time-honored tradition of urban lore and myth.
In this case, it is the myth of “the ring”, which has it that a
video circulating in an urban community has left all its viewers
dead within seven days of its viewing. When a journalist stumbles
upon this story and watches the video, she finds herself racing to
unravel the mystery of the “the ring” before her seven days are
up.
This
film no doubt was timed for the fall Halloween film season as it is
as eerie and suspenseful as films can get. Additionally, it deals
with the supernatural, always a hot Halloween theme. As such, Muslim
filmgoers may want to be careful with The Ring because of thematic
elements concerning death and the afterlife that are inconsistent
with Islamic doctrine. There are also some disturbing images as well
as some minor foul language. However, in general, the film is your
basic suspense drama. Be careful.
Abandon
(RU-Adult)
Summary:
One of Hollywood’s newest strumpets, Katie Holmes, stars in this
crime thriller about a young college woman whose boyfriend
mysteriously goes missing. Unfortunately for her, he seems to keep
reappearing, stalking her as she goes about her college life.
Benjamin Bratt plays the detective assigned to the case.
Bratt,
who was formerly best known for his role as a detective on NBC’s Law
and Order, should have stayed with that gig. Katie Holmes, who
is most famous for her weekly primetime appearances in the teen
angst drama Dawson’s Creek, should find more meaningful
roles.
The
film’s plot is simple and clichéd. It is your basic whodunit. For
discerning audiences, there is more than just the simple plot to
deter moviegoers from seeing Abandon. There is sexuality,
foul language, some violence and drug use. So although it only
garnered a PG-13 rating from the MPAA, it may nonetheless be a film
to skip. 
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