Canadian "R" rated films...

[rocks off]

There was once a time where I would rarely see this rating, but now, it seems to be much more common with blu-ray. Maple Pictures seems to be especially fond of using the rating, as (from the ones I own) American Psycho, Reservoir Dogs, and Total Recall have it. The latter two films (possibly even AmPsy) are probably not as graphic than more recent films that are rated 18A. By far the strangest film that I've seen carry the rating is The Life of Brian. Does religious satire automatically warrant the rating? Some swear words and some brief, non-sexual nudity are the only other things worth mentioning and I'm sure I've seen worse in a 14A before. Predator, while graphic, also carries the rating that is the equivalent to an NC-17 and I don't think these films are that bad. Anyone else agree/disagree?

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by rocks off

There was once a time where I would rarely see this rating, but now, it seems to be much more common with blu-ray. Maple Pictures seems to be especially fond of using the rating, as (from the ones I own) American Psycho, Reservoir Dogs, and Total Recall have it. The latter two films (possibly even AmPsy) are probably not as graphic than more recent films that are rated 18A. By far the strangest film that I've seen carry the rating is The Life of Brian. Does religious satire automatically warrant the rating? Some swear words and some brief, non-sexual nudity are the only other things worth mentioning and I'm sure I've seen worse in a 14A before. Predator, while graphic, also carries the rating that is the equivalent to an NC-17 and I don't think these films are that bad. Anyone else agree/disagree?

I don't live in Canada, but I happen to enjoy researching and discussing different countries Classification (Ratings) systems.

Other than The Life of Brian and Predator the three films you have suggested all contain high-level violence (Total Recall: bloody gunshots, dismemberments, the use of a "human shield") or strongly sadistic violence (American Psycho: misogynistic serial killer, sexual violence (rape) with implied mutilation. Reservoir Dogs: very strong anti-social elements, extended suffering from wounds, and sadistic mutilation.). American Psycho and Total Recall were both rated NC-17/X and had to be cut prior to theatrical release cut for a US "R"-rating, though the uncut X-rated version of Total Recall has never been released.

The Life of Brian rating may well be a product of the original release period (1979), as the religious satire, involving adult language and sexual situations with strongly religious figures, could have well warranted a restrictive rating in 1979 (the film was banned outright in Ireland, and was edited for a 'AA' (similar to '15') certificate in the UK). Similarly, in 1987, the violence in Predator, which includes dismemberments, skinnings and graphic woundings, would have been seen as very strong, and since the Predator franchise had not yet been established, the Predator character was much more threatening to younger audiences--unlike today where Predators and Aliens are commonly seen in material aimed at older teens.