How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (Full Version)

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solomonsprayer -> How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/4/2009 5:03:32 PM)

How do you decide whether or not to view a film with known or potentially gratuitous sex, violence, and/or other vulgarities? Examples?



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ownflavor -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/4/2009 9:54:51 PM)

God tells us in His Word to guard our hearts because out of it flows the issues of life. To guard our hearts means we have to be careful what we allow in our spirits via eyes, ears and conversation because it can take root in our spirits. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What you put in comes out.

If the movie is Rated R, it's automatically a no for me. For Rated PG-13 and PG movies I go to screenit.com. It tells me the level of profanity, violence, sexuality, etc.

Sometimes I look at who is in the movie (i.e. Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence). Those names are red flags that keep me away.

The bottom line is, can I sit down with Jesus and comfortably watch the movie.



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kernsfamily -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 9:21:51 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer

How do you decide whether or not to view a film with known or potentially gratuitous sex, violence, and/or other vulgarities? Examples?


there's certainly a difference between "gratuitous" sex or violence in a movie.....and having sex or violence in a movie, within it's proper context....

as for us, we read the reviews in the Dallas Morning News...they give us all that info....

quote:

If the movie is Rated R, it's automatically a no for me.


Jesus didn't watch "Passion of the Christ" with you?



Tinkerbell_ -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 9:25:07 AM)

It depends on who is making the film, who's in it, who the production company is...all of that.

Like I won't watch Adam Sandler movies but when he was in a Disney movie, (Bedtime Stories) I knew that it would be pretty clean and it was. My family went to see it Christmas day and everyone loved it.

I won't base a movie on it's rating but rather it's content, and sometimes even then it's not an issue. I saw the Watchmen and while there were a lot of things in it that I wouldn't normally watch I'm still glad I saw it.



kernsfamily -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 9:55:52 AM)

quote:

Like I won't watch Adam Sandler movies but when he was in a Disney movie, (Bedtime Stories) I knew that it would be pretty clean and it was. My family went to see it Christmas day and everyone loved it.


we saw it too....VERY SKEPTICAL, at first....but, after talking to some other parents, and reading the reviews, we were comfortable taking the kids to see it.

And, yes...pretty darn good movie. (for a kids movie)



tafkam -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 9:58:46 AM)

quote:

The bottom line is, can I sit down with Jesus and comfortably watch the movie.


I love this. For some reason we apply the "sitting down with Jesus" bit to determine if a movie is aceptable. I don't know about anyone else, but there are several things that I do in the course of the day that I wouldn't want Jesus physically around me for, such as going to the bathroom or having an intimate moment with my spouse. Does that make those things unacceptable as well?

I'm sorry, but if God can be knocked off his throne by a two hour length of celluloid, maybe I should rethink this whole "Christianity" thing, because He doesn't sound like a God with much substance....(sarcasm off)



solomonsprayer -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 1:37:50 PM)

Thank you for the thoughts so far. I'll have to take time to ponder them through more...

You know, one movie that could be used as an example here is Gran Torino. I thought the language in this film was rated XXXXXXX (to the billionth degree), given all the racial, sexual, and other vulgar "man-talk" type of stuff thrown around every other minute. And to add to the vulgar language, there were also several instances of some gruesome violence. ...Yet, despite all of that, at the very heart of this deep and provocative film was a very touching and morally uplifting message(s) about redemption, hope, friendship, faith, sacrafice, and love that any human being could understand/relate to and be positively affected by. The film used very real everyday violence, racial tension, stereotypes, and even spirituality to show how we can transcend those very things that are so ugly in this world and even sometimes that is in our own hearts. I thought it was a wonderful film that is surely one of my favorites of all time. ...And so with a film like this that had very blatantly vulgar material throughout, I think for me the determining factor would have been the story and message that would make me see it and recommend it. (I actually didn't read any reviews before seeing it - just previews.) Looking back, I'm not really even sure there was gratuitous violence...much of it was implied at times. But certainly the langauge would not make any parent proud. [:)]

I think the question of whether I'd feel comfortable watching a movie with Jesus is a good one and also possibly a good test, provided that we also understand and know what Jesus was all about. I'm sure there are some movies that I'd be surprised to realize he'd be OK with and others that I may equally be surprised to know he'd not like. It might even be fun to throw out some examples. ....[8D]

I think some films I can absolutely say have unnecessary and gratuitous violence, sex, and/or other vulgarities that I'd feel uncomfortable watching and would know Jesus would not want me to watch either...Lots of films are pointless and only after "shock" value, such as the "Hostel" series....or those slasher horror flicks. Others may also have pointless vulgarities, but have a certain "fun" element to them...like action flicks. Say we use Fast & Furious, which I have not seen. This would be an example in which there seems to be some violence, sexual content, and vulgarities, but one that doesn't have a purely sadistic or pointless message....or does it? It seems it has a kind of adventure and fun/entertainment side to it that may be typical of action movies that I wonder if Jesus would approve of?

Movies like that are what would get me thinking about this question/issue the most. Some movies are easy to know are bad and others are easy to tell are acceptable, while others are in-between. ....

Any thoughts on my thoughts? [sm=hammerhead.gif]



kernsfamily -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 2:22:29 PM)

quote:

ou know, one movie that could be used as an example here is Gran Torino. I thought the language in this film was rated XXXXXXX (to the billionth degree), given all the racial, sexual, and other vulgar "man-talk" type of stuff thrown around every other minute. And to add to the vulgar language, there were also several instances of some gruesome violence.


quote:

Any thoughts on my thoughts?


you're correct about Gran Torino. The language WAS very "rough"....but, it was proper within the context. I grew up in a Detroit-area neighborhood similiar to Walt's. My dad, and everyone in the neighborhood, for the most part, worked in the auto factory. And, that's just the way most of them talked. In our neighborhood, I'd walk with my dad down to "Bill's Barbershop" (the barbershop in my old neighborhood), and when all the old men were sitting around and waiting their turn, that's just how they talked to one another. The very same way Walt talked and carried on with his barber.....

Vulgar? Yes.
Gratuitous? No.



Tinkerbell_ -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 2:36:03 PM)

I agree that some movies do have a more realistic quality to them with the violence and language in them. Saving Private Ryan is one of my favourites and a perfect example of it. I don't think you would have the same 'feel like I'm right there with them' quality if they were clean mouthed and had 'appropriate' violence with no blood or suffering.



solomonsprayer -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 2:38:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kernsfamily

you're correct about Gran Torino. The language WAS very "rough"....but, it was proper within the context. I grew up in a Detroit-area neighborhood similiar to Walt's. My dad, and everyone in the neighborhood, for the most part, worked in the auto factory. And, that's just the way most of them talked. In our neighborhood, I'd walk with my dad down to "Bill's Barbershop" (the barbershop in my old neighborhood), and when all the old men were sitting around and waiting their turn, that's just how they talked to one another. The very same way Walt talked and carried on with his barber.....

Vulgar? Yes.
Gratuitous? No.


I think you're right that GT didn't have gratuitous vulgarities, but realistic and even meaningful (lol...) vulgarities in the context of the overall story and message. It really was a great movie, despite the language...I didn't even think much actually about the language at the end, but more about the story and people's hearts and actions in the story. It was just a great, thought-provoking, touching, and uplifting film. Perfect example of a movie that Jesus would approve!



ownflavor -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/5/2009 10:16:24 PM)

When I make mention of whether or not I want Jesus around when I'm watching a movie, the reality is, God sees EVERYTHING. He doesn't have to be there physically. I'm not ashamed of Him seeing that which is natural or pleasing to Him such as going to the bathroom or an intimate moment with my spouse. I'm talking about sin and finding it enjoyable.

I guess the bottom line is, everyone has a choice as to what they want to put in their spirits.

But, I think about what David said in Psalm 101:3, "I will set no wicked thing before my eyes."

I guess if it has a message, some people don't consider it wicked.

Or Matthew 6:22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

A pure eye is one that is fixed on God (what pleases Him) instead of our own self-serving desires, interests or goals.

Or, I think about 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

How do we cleanse ourselves if we put ungodly things before us? The danger of sitting and watching movies full of garbage for the sake of "learning some lesson" is the risk becoming desensitized to that which unpleasing to God. Some people don't think they are affected. But, if you can continue to watch certain things and not be ashamed, point made.

How much of what we see in movies is really reality? And, is what we view reality to everyone? Do we really watch movies to see reality or to be entertained?

And, with regard to the "Passion of the Christ", it is a RARE rated "R" movie.

In the end Solomonsprayer, it is always best to find out what God says about a matter first rather than people's opinions. You can find out what He says in His Word and through prayer. If He chooses to speak through someone, He has no problem doing that either. But, when He sends them, they'll say what He would say and you'll know you have the right answer.



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ownflavor -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/6/2009 9:58:12 PM)

quote:

A lot of times people use their personal definitions of wicked or unrighteous. Sometimes it simply boils down to "If I don't like it or would not do it then it is wicked". You can't be the HS for others.


I agree completely with the above statement. But, with all due respect, please keep in mind that it is possible for us Christians to become desensitized to the conviction of the Holy Spirit when we have fed our spirits enough garbage to cloud us.



ownflavor -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/8/2009 10:14:13 PM)

I have to admit there are some movies out their that have great comedy but might contain language that I don't care to hear. Fun with Dick and Jane and Hitch were hilarious. There is a wonderful invention called the TV Guardian that I have found to be a very useful tool that allows me to watch movies I wouldn't watch without it. Of course, I think there is a more up-to-date machine out than the TV Guardian. You either check one out online or go to your local Christian bookstore. Just a friendly suggestion.



standingstrong.cd -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/13/2009 5:13:03 PM)

After seeing the Watchmen, I will review movies very well, before I promote them with my money or my time, because that movie was closer to an X in my opinion with the frontal nudity on the blue man all through the movie. I was wrong to see it and I can admit it ! I will try harder to do as the bible says. To come out from them , and be separate, says the Lord! hey we may live in this world! but as Gods children we better change our thinking and start living for him while we can.
Lets run the race! and lay down all those things that would try to stop us.



tafkam -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/13/2009 5:41:58 PM)

quote:

in my opinion with the frontal nudity on the blue man all through the movie. I was wrong to see it and I can admit it


Can you show me in the Bible where it is a sin to look upon an unclothed person?

quote:

There is a wonderful invention called the TV Guardian that I have found to be a very useful tool that allows me to watch movies I wouldn't watch without it. Of course, I think there is a more up-to-date machine out than the TV Guardian. You either check one out online or go to your local Christian bookstore. Just a friendly suggestion.


Personally I find the use of devices like this to be somewhat funny. Are we really so far gone that our faith can be rocked by a naughty word or any scene more violent than opening a can of Pringles?

Some time ago there were home video outlets that took it upon themselves to edit movies for family viewing (ignoring all the copyright warnings against doing such). Fortunately, those clowns were shut down in court....



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standingstrong.cd -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/13/2009 10:37:45 PM)

If Watchmen has a thought provoking message, you sure have to watch a lot of trash to get it! and that is like going to a dump to get your food! there are better places to get thought provoking messages, without seeing a bunch of trash to get it .



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standingstrong.cd -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/14/2009 11:02:48 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer

How do you decide whether or not to view a film with known or potentially gratuitous sex, violence, and/or other vulgarities? Examples?

Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet , and a light unto my path.
Philippians 4:8 Finally brethern whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I will check out the reviews on the films that I feel may be not good for me to see on sites like Christian Spotlight . I will check the positive and the negitive reviews and than try to make the right decison.



iluvatar -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (5/14/2009 10:23:45 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer

How do you decide whether or not to view a film with known or potentially gratuitous sex, violence, and/or other vulgarities? Examples?


Honestly, it's not all that hard to tell from the trailer. If you avoid things that are obviously juvenile or movies that scream "shallow blockbuster with lots of explosions or boobies," then chances are you've got something that at least tries to be serious. IMO, most of those are at least worth a look.

-Dan.



ownflavor -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (6/5/2009 10:11:32 PM)

Contrary to your thoughts, being careful about what we watch has nothing to do with having our faith rocked. It is because of our faith that we simply don't find the use of profanity or gratuituous violence and sex entertaining. Yes, profanity, sex and violence are a part of the world that we live in. But, it isn't a source of entertainment for some of us Christians.

I certainly don't support ignoring copyright warnings and the courts were right to shut those businesses down because the courts must uphold the law. However, the TV Guardian is within the law and a great device that allows me and countless others to watch movies that have great story lines without the unnecessary language. The newer machines even edit the gratuitous violence and sex.

Perhaps it would be nice if Hollywood realized that everyone aren't interested in smut. There are people out here who can watch a movie and enjoy it without the stimulation of bad language, violence and derogatory sexuality. It's simply a matter of preference.
quote:

ORIGINAL: tafkam


Personally I find the use of devices like this to be somewhat funny. Are we really so far gone that our faith can be rocked by a naughty word or any scene more violent than opening a can of Pringles?

Some time ago there were home video outlets that took it upon themselves to edit movies for family viewing (ignoring all the copyright warnings against doing such). Fortunately, those clowns were shut down in court....



iratenate -> RE: How Do You Decide Whether or Not to View a Film w/ Known or Potentially Gratuitous Vulgarities? (6/8/2009 8:26:44 AM)

To answer the OP, I ask myself one question: Is this something I would allow my daughter (who is 1) to watch? If the answer is no, then I take a look at why. If it is because she is simply too young (adult themes, it would be over her head), I may go see it. If it is because it would be disturbing to her, either now or as she got older (violence, language, sex), then I don't go to see it.

There are exceptions to every rule, but for the most part, this is how I make my decision about movies and tv.

Nate



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