MovieChat Forums > The Lonely Guy (1984) Discussion > Why R in America and 15 in the UK?

Why R in America and 15 in the UK?

posted 19 years ago by irenethom
9 replies | jump to latest

Come on there is only a few sex refrences and tiny bits of bad languge its not that bad to be R in America and a 15 in the UK.

The Lonely Guy 7.8/10

[–] SunshineBooks 19 years ago

Its been so long since I've seen this film. If I remember correctly the movie contained nudity. I don't remember the language being too terrible.

'Weird Science' came out in 1985 with a PG-13 rating and I remember seeing nudity in that film too. *shrugs*

I don't understand the MPAA's rating system.

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] JC_Aliss 19 years ago

The uncut version had an unbelievably quick flash of nudity. Maybe the "R" also had to do with the fact that it had very mature themes, and quite a bit of sexual activity was referenced (his ex's sex life, the classic "sneezing" scene, the "fivesome" after the talk show....) I think the subject matter in general was presented in a very adult way; I believe that type of thing is also considered when movies are rated.

[–] w-thomson 18 years ago

Everyone here has forgot about suicide references, I think that's the reason why its rated R. It maybe hard to believe but suicide refernces can cause films to go up from PG to R. I don't know why it's just one of these things.

[–] toldyousew 17 years ago

There was also the "sh_it" word.

I can sing better than Taylor Hicks!

[–] Studman_Productions 17 years ago

you can say sh-t in a PG-13.

[–] grambax 14 years ago

The BBFC used to have a strict limit of one use of the "F" word. Anything more got an automatic 15, meaning such harmless films as The Odd Couple II got 15s. Thankfully they have recently eased up a little.

It may have been that, but my guess is suicide in a humorous context, but it does seem OTT.

[–] crayford548 14 years ago

I'm not sure why either, but, there is a lenghty scene where Iris keeps asking Larry to sneeze so she can orgasm. And perhaps the (comical) suicides?

Having said this, and even if the other poster is correct about brief nudity, it shouldn't be anything which a 15 year old can't watch!

[–] raf-33 10 years ago

I'm British and even I know how Christian the US ratings system is, you can have violence, even gore and get a 15, but touch upon anything sexual and you risk having your movie slapped with an R. No doubt the suicide element played upon that too.

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