Movie shouldn't be an 'R'

The other week, I had the pleasure of viewing "Saints and Soldiers" at the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival. I was genuinely moved. While the filmmakers have captured the brutality, fear and indiscriminate nature of war, it is neither covertly graphic nor gratuitous. As Adam Abel stated, "Violence is not the star" of this movie.

How then did the Motion Picture Association of America arrive at its astonishing decision to give the film an "R" rating? I challenge the MPAA to provide a rational explanation.

It is my hope the filmmakers will not have to make any concessions to get the PG-13 rating. However, if the MPAA doesn't budge, I would urge moviegoers who usually forgo R-rated films to make an exception in this case. This outstanding film is not only visually and emotionally compelling, but it reveals an important message about war and the sacrifices made by our predecessors.

Esther Parker

Victoria, British Columbia

Canada