This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)

(Director) Kirby Dick

(Producer) Eddie Schmidt

(Distributor) IFC, Netflix & BBC Films

Just as 2009's "Food, Inc." exposed the inner workings of America's corporate controlled food industry, "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" exposes the terrifying inner workings of the MPAA and how American medias are being controlled by a small group of people and corporations.

Something to be appreciated with this documentary is that it takes a headstrong approach to a problem that isn't publicly spoken about too often. The rating system for our media has been around for over sixty years now and it's become so normal that nobody questions the way it works or how it's potentially very flawed. "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" doesn't shy away from using frowned upon tactics in order to get the answers it wants the audience to see for themselves. While some may consider this trickery a bit unfair, I believe most should see it as a means to the end. A majority of people don't know what really goes in to the rating systems or how much controversy there is behind the progress; but they should. The amount of sexism and unjust actions within the rating system were kept in secret by major film corporations before this documentary's release and for good reason. The documentary also briefly touches down on topics beyond the rating system into territory such as piracy, the contradictions of MPAA policies, and how the rating appeal process is a circus.

The direction of the film is a little bit choppy every now and then, and if you're not into documentaries you might find it overall a tad boring; especially if you're not familiar with the mechanics of the film industry. Regardless, there's plenty of shocking interviews and humorous transitions to keep most entertained.. Personally I found it extremely intriguing, very educational and quite disturbing at times. After some research I discovered that the film didn't lose it's educational value, even though it's almost six years old. All the information is still up-to-date and spot on.

If you're highly conservative I suggest staying clear of the film because there is an abundance of adult-themed, R & NC-17 rated clips from films spanning between 1970 and the 2000s in order to help the filmmakers get their point across. At the same time I would recommend trying to stomach these scenes because they aren't put in the documentary for lewd purposes; they are there to make comparisons on unfair judgments made by the MPAA.

Overall this is a documentary I highly suggest seeing to update personal knowledge about a system that affects the film industry and American media more than some may realize. Whether you're a conspiracy theorist or someone who enjoys learning about the inner workings of life, this documentary important to the world of film and to the American public. There's a good chance you will walk away from the experience with a refreshed frame of mind or even an enhanced perspective. Even if you don't get anything from it, at least you learned something new.