The upcoming movie "Fifty Shades of Grey" was recently handed an "R" rating despite its sexual and violent themes, and one group is crying foul.
Morality in Media, a non-profit that opposes pornography, violence against women, and similar practices on TV and in movies, is unhappy with a warning the Motion Picture Association of America is tacking onto the movie.
The MPAA warns that the film has "strong sexual content, including dialogue, some unusual behavior, and graphic nudity."
Morality in Media had this to say in a press release:
"What the term 'unusual' does not account for is the coercion, sexual violence, female inequality, and BDSM themes from which the entire 'Fifty Shades' plot is based. Such a vague evaluation puts viewers at risk, sending the message that humiliation is pleasurable and that torture should be sexually gratifying."
The group goes on to say that the filmmakers' use of the term "fairy tale" in the movie's extended trailer is misleading to the public.
"The MPAA ratings and 'fairy tale' label mask the true themes of humiliation, manipulation, abuse, and degradation of women.
"Sexual violence and sexual exploitation are at an all-time high, permeating our culture by way of hardcore pornography and now praised by films like 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'"
Morality in Media suggests the MPAA change its description of the movie to this: "Promotes torture as sexually gratifying, graphic nudity, encourages stalking and abuse of power, promotes female inequality, glamorizes and legitimizes violence against women."
"Is this the description of a movie you'd promote to your son or daughter? What about yourself?"
The film, which has a Feb. 13 release date, is based on an erotic 2011 novel by E. L. James. It was expected to carry an NC-17 rating, which prohibits all children under 17 years old from attending. But with the "R" rating,
minors are allowed into the theater if accompanied by an adult.
The "Fifty Shades of Grey"
trailer was released last summer.
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