Would this movie be PG-13 Today?
I just watched this movie today, and I think R was an appropriate rating for the time it came out, but I would definitely think it would be PG-13 today. What do you think?
shareHarry and Tonto could have easily been a PG movie. On the surface, it seems like a sentimental and easygoing tale for the entire family. The premise is indeed harmless, a man's road trip and relationship with his pet cat. Children can definitely relate to the cat, who is cute. There's plenty of scenery and sentimentality for all.
On the other hand, the movie isn't for children!! I don't know why, but director Paul Mazursky decided to throw in quite a few expletives, discussions about sex and drugs, meetings with hookers and other lowlives. If you watch carefully, the objectional material does come at you at a rather rapid pace. But surpisingly, it's more subtle than most other "R" rated movies.
A little editing, and Harry & Tonto could have definitely been a PG or PG-13. But apparently, Mazursky didn't want it that way.
Thank God for that. The film is very nearly perfect as is.
shareBack in the 70's movies were still made for adults. This was never meant to be a kids movie. If made today, it would definitely be rated PG-13. Since young people make up the majority of moviegoers these days, this would never get an R-rating.
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