MovieChat Forums > The Straight Story (1999) Discussion > How did this manage a G rating?

How did this manage a G rating?


They say hell at least 6 times and damn at least twice, there's prominent smoking and drinking and graphic recollections of war. All of this should entail a PG rating.

reply

Yeah -- if you're a pansy.

I'm Laura Bertram's husband in another universe.

reply

The ratings are based on the narrative. Alvin is seen smoking because he smokes. We don't see him getting a thrill from it. Also we're told about the ramifications of tobacco early on with the doctor scene. Also there are a grand total of two beers consumed on screen. The consequences of alcohol are discussed too. And the discussions about war were not graphic. The two men didn't talk about horrendous gore. They talked about sadness and loss. You can get away with a lower rating simply by how you represent and portray particular acts.

reply

That still doesn't account for all the damns and hell that are uttered. Ever since the creation of PG-13 having a damn or hell in an otherwise G movie would usually bump it up to a PG.

reply

because words and legal substances are so scary we must hide from them.

---------------------------------------------
Applied Science? All science is applied. Eventually.

reply

What the hell are you talking about?

reply

Maybe they felt like it was an important movie for people of all age groups to watch.

reply

All age groups can watch PG and many are likely to be put off by G.

reply