American film ratings

[katkins1812]

I was just wondering when they say it is rating 'R' what does it mean? is it 15, 18?? Please help

Thanx

[Mattk]

I believe it stands for 'restricted' ie 18 cert equivalent.

[robbo82]

It's more like our '15' certificate: children under sixteen years old are not admitted without parent or guardian. The equivalent of our '18' is NC-17, which means no-one under 17 is admitted at all.

[angbur]

There are 5 main classifications in the US:

G: General viewing ( UK equivalent U)

PG: Parental Guidance (same as British PG)

PG-13: Parental Guidance, but parents are advised there may be some material unsuitable for children under 13 years of age.

R: Restricted. Cildren under the age of 17 should not be admitted unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

NC-17. No Children under the age of 17 can be admitted. (This was formerly the X-rating)

Unlike the British system films may be released as 'unrated'. However many major cinema chains refuse to show unrated films. Many also refse to show NC-17 rated films.

[katkins1812]

Thank you very much!!