I don't understand the MPAA. They've actually classified the crude, innuendo-packed "Austin Powers" in the same category as "Whale Rider." It's a sign of the times, really. I just don't get it.
"Whale Rider" has a positive message for young girls (and boys). The "brief language" the MPAA is so concerned about is inconsequential; I've heard worse in PG movies. (I mean just look at "E.T." and that's considered a "classic" family movie.) The "drug content"? Well, there's a very brief reference to smoking pot, and that is it. It's worth pointing out the heroine refuses to smoke dope, an inspiring message, but oh no - dope is still dope and the MPAA doesn't want that in a PG! But oh yeah you can show underage sex in "Big" and the MPAA doesn't care at all. You can also say the F-word in "Big" (by a child no less) and nope, apparently it doesn't matter. And yes PG-13 did exist in 1988 when "Big" was released, so why the contradiction? I don't get it.
"Whale Rider" is not a great movie and it's familiar for anyone who's seen an underdog story before. But it's true, inspirational and more authentic than many other such films and paints a really sweet image -- it features a truly inspirational message at its core that every girl should see. Apparently the MPAA believes otherwise.
But don't worry, there's always "Spaceballs" to be seen with your young daughter, what with its genitalia gags, profanity (including the F-word) and other stuff, all in the name of good clean PG-rated entertainment. (Yep, "Spaceballs" was PG, even though some video cases were printed with PG-13 on the back; look it up on IMDb for proof if you need it.)
The MPAA sucks.
"Whale Rider" has a positive message for young girls (and boys). The "brief language" the MPAA is so concerned about is inconsequential; I've heard worse in PG movies. (I mean just look at "E.T." and that's considered a "classic" family movie.) The "drug content"? Well, there's a very brief reference to smoking pot, and that is it. It's worth pointing out the heroine refuses to smoke dope, an inspiring message, but oh no - dope is still dope and the MPAA doesn't want that in a PG! But oh yeah you can show underage sex in "Big" and the MPAA doesn't care at all. You can also say the F-word in "Big" (by a child no less) and nope, apparently it doesn't matter. And yes PG-13 did exist in 1988 when "Big" was released, so why the contradiction? I don't get it.
"Whale Rider" is not a great movie and it's familiar for anyone who's seen an underdog story before. But it's true, inspirational and more authentic than many other such films and paints a really sweet image -- it features a truly inspirational message at its core that every girl should see. Apparently the MPAA believes otherwise.
But don't worry, there's always "Spaceballs" to be seen with your young daughter, what with its genitalia gags, profanity (including the F-word) and other stuff, all in the name of good clean PG-rated entertainment. (Yep, "Spaceballs" was PG, even though some video cases were printed with PG-13 on the back; look it up on IMDb for proof if you need it.)
The MPAA sucks.