Ang Lee’s erotic espionage thriller “Lust, Caution” may be the highest-grossing NC-17 movie of all time ($67 million globally), but ultimately it’s a dull narrative, failing to involve viewers–even as voyeurs.
The film contains prolonged graphic sex scenes, which Lee and U.S. distributor Focus Features knew would push the boundaries of the film ratings board.
As co-screenwriter James Schamus said, “When we screened the final cut of this film, we knew we weren’t going to change a frame. Every moment up on that screen works and is an integral part of the emotional arc of the characters. The []MPA has screened the film now and made its decision, and we’re comfortable with that.”
Blue Is the Warmest Color
Abdellatif Kechiche’s Palme d’Or winner “Blue Is the Warmest Color” earned an NC-17 rating in the U.S. due to its graphic sex scenes, which later became the center of controversy after stars Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos expressed discomfort with Kechiche’s directing methods.
IFC Films never planned to cut out the film’s sex scenes, but they got an assist from the IFC Center in New York City when announcing that it would still permit “high-school age patrons” into the theater to see the film.
As theater manager John Vanco said, “This is not a movie for young children, but it is our judgment that it is not inappropriate for mature, inquiring teenagers who are looking ahead to the emotional challenges and opportunities that adulthood holds.”
