Introduction
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) assigns ratings to movies based on their content and level of appropriateness for audiences. The rating system includes G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, and Unrated. Movies that are rated PG-13 may have some material that is considered unsuitable for children under 13 years old. One such movie is the 2019 romantic comedy Yesterday.
Yesterday is a fantasy-drama directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis. It stars Himesh Patel as Jack Malik, an aspiring singer-songwriter who suddenly finds himself in a world where the Beatles never existed. With no one to help him write his own songs, he must find a way to make them successful while dealing with the pressures of fame.
Themes, Content, and Messages that Make it Suitable for a PG-13 Rating
The main theme of Yesterday is that life is full of unexpected surprises and opportunities. The movie follows Jack Malik as he navigates his newfound fame and success, learning valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship along the way. Although there are moments of tension and conflict, the overall tone of the film is lighthearted and optimistic. As such, the themes, content, and messages presented in the movie are suitable for a PG-13 rating.
Throughout the movie, Jack learns to accept his failures and move forward. He also discovers the importance of friendship and loyalty when his manager Ellie (Lily James) helps him navigate the music industry. Other positive messages include the power of perseverance, following your dreams, and believing in yourself. There is also a strong emphasis on the value of family and relationships, as well as the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
How the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) Determined its PG-13 Rating
In the United Kingdom, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for assigning ratings to movies. The organization considers language, violence, sexual references, and drug use when determining the appropriate rating for a film. In the case of Yesterday, the BBFC determined that the movie was suitable for a PG-13 rating due to its moderate level of language, violence, and sexual references.
The language in the movie is mostly mild and infrequent, with only a few uses of stronger terms. The violence is also mild and mostly limited to slapstick humor. There are some brief scenes of physical fighting but nothing graphic or excessive. As for sexual references, they are mostly implied rather than explicit. There are no nudity or sexually suggestive scenes.
Comparison of Yesterday’s Rating Compared to Other Similar Films
When compared to other similar movies, Yesterday’s PG-13 rating appears to be appropriate. For instance, the 2016 musical drama La La Land was also rated PG-13 due to its language, violence, and sexual references. Similarly, the 2017 musical drama The Greatest Showman was rated PG-13 for its language and sexual references.
On the other hand, the 2018 musical romance Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was rated PG due to its lack of language, violence, and sexual references. The same can be said for the 2019 musical drama Rocketman, which was rated R for its strong language, violence, and sexual content.
Impact of the PG-13 Rating on the Movie’s Potential Audience
The PG-13 rating assigned to Yesterday is likely to have an impact on its potential audience. Generally speaking, PG-13 movies are more suitable for older teenagers and adults than for younger viewers. As such, the movie may attract a wider audience than if it had been given a different rating.
The MPAA notes that PG-13 movies may contain “some material that parents might not like for their young children”. This means that parents should be aware of the content before allowing their children to watch the movie. It also suggests that the movie may be more suitable for mature viewers who are old enough to understand the themes and messages presented in the movie.
Cultural Implications of the PG-13 Rating for Yesterday
The PG-13 rating assigned to Yesterday has certain cultural implications. On the one hand, it suggests that the movie is suitable for a wide range of viewers, including teens and adults. On the other hand, it implies that the movie contains some material that may be too mature for younger viewers. As such, the rating could affect the perception of the movie and its potential audience.
In addition, the rating could also influence how the movie is marketed. For example, trailers and posters may be tailored to focus on the movie’s more family-friendly aspects in order to attract a wider audience. As such, the PG-13 rating could have a significant impact on the movie’s success or failure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PG-13 rating given to Yesterday is appropriate for the themes, content, and messages presented in the movie. The BBFC took into consideration the language, violence, and sexual references when determining the rating. When compared to other similar movies, Yesterday’s rating appears to be consistent. The rating could have an impact on the movie’s potential audience and how it is marketed. Finally, the rating could also have certain cultural implications that could affect the perception of the movie.
Further research could examine the impact of the PG-13 rating on the movie’s box office performance, as well as its effect on other aspects of the movie’s production and reception. Additionally, research could explore the cultural implications of the rating in more depth, looking at how it affects the perception of the movie and its potential audience.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)