
A motion picture rating system is a method of giving moviegoers an idea of the suitability of a movie for children and/or adults in terms of issues such as sex, violence and profanity. A particular issued rating is called a certification. In some jurisdictions, they may impose legal obligations of refusing the entrance of children or minors to certain movies; in others, while there is no legal obligation to do so strictly speaking, movie theaters enforce the restrictions. Ratings are often given in lieu of censorship. Some people think that the ratings should be stronger. There is much debate in major countries as to whether ratings actually serve a valid function, or whether they simply entice young children to watch movies deemed inappropriate for them. This concept is known as the forbidden fruit phenomenon.
In some countries (e.g. Australia), an official government body decides on ratings; in other countries (e.g. the US), it is done by industry bodies with no official government status. However, in most countries, movies that are considered morally offensive have been banned or restricted.
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