What Is the Movie Sausage Party Rated? Unpacking the Controversial Cartoon
Sausage Party is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for strong crude sexual content, pervasive language, and drug use throughout. This makes it a film intended for mature audiences aged 17 and older.
Background of Sausage Party and Its Unconventional Approach
Sausage Party, released in 2016, is not your typical animated film. Unlike the family-friendly fare offered by Pixar or Disney, this Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg creation presents a world where grocery store products are anthropomorphic beings yearning to be “chosen” by the gods (human shoppers) and taken to the “Great Beyond” (the world outside the store). The film subverts expectations by quickly revealing the horrifying truth: the Great Beyond is nothing more than a culinary massacre. This revelation fuels a raunchy, often offensive, but undeniably thought-provoking narrative about religion, consumerism, and the pursuit of truth. The film’s R rating reflects its no-holds-barred approach to these themes.
The Elements Contributing to the “R” Rating
Several key elements contribute to Sausage Party’s R rating:
- Strong Crude Sexual Content: This is perhaps the most prominent factor. The film contains numerous sexually suggestive scenes, anatomical references, and blatant innuendo.
- Pervasive Language: Profanity is used liberally throughout the film, often for comedic effect and to emphasize the characters’ raw emotions.
- Drug Use: The characters are shown consuming various substances, often leading to humorous and surreal situations.
- Graphic Violence: While animated, the violence depicted in Sausage Party is surprisingly graphic, particularly when the characters discover their true purpose.
- Religious Satire: The film tackles themes of religion and belief systems in a provocative and often controversial manner.
Contrasting Sausage Party with Other Animated Films
The difference between Sausage Party and other animated films is stark. To illustrate, consider the following table:
| Feature | Sausage Party | Typical Animated Film (e.g., Finding Nemo) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | R | G/PG |
| Content | Mature, explicit | Family-friendly, subtle |
| Target Audience | Adults | Children and families |
| Themes | Religion, consumerism | Friendship, overcoming challenges |
| Language | Profanity-laden | Clean |
Understanding the MPAA Rating System
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating system is designed to provide parents with guidance on the suitability of films for their children. Here’s a brief overview:
- G (General Audiences): All ages admitted.
- PG (Parental Guidance Suggested): Some material may not be suitable for young children.
- PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned): Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
- R (Restricted): Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
- NC-17 (No One Under 17 Admitted): Contains explicit adult material.
The MPAA considers factors like language, violence, sexual content, and drug use when assigning ratings. Sausage Party clearly landed in the “R” category due to the aforementioned elements.
The Impact of the R Rating on Sausage Party’s Success
Despite its R rating, Sausage Party was a commercial success. It grossed over $140 million worldwide on a budget of $19 million. This suggests that there is a market for adult-oriented animated films. The R rating, while potentially limiting its audience, also served as a marketing tool, attracting viewers intrigued by its unconventional and boundary-pushing nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Sausage Party rated R and not PG-13?
The level and frequency of crude humor, sexual content, and language in Sausage Party far exceed the PG-13 threshold. The MPAA considers the intensity of these elements when determining a rating, and in this case, they deemed it too strong for a younger audience.
Is there an unrated version of Sausage Party?
No, there isn’t an officially released unrated version of Sausage Party. The film was theatrically released with an R rating and that rating has been consistent across all home video releases.
What specific scenes contributed most to the R rating?
Several scenes were particularly impactful in securing the R rating. These include the graphic depictions of food being prepared and eaten, the explicit sexual scene between a sausage and a bun, and the pervasive use of offensive language.
Are there any edits made to Sausage Party for television broadcast?
Yes, any television broadcast of Sausage Party would likely require substantial editing to comply with broadcast standards. This would involve censoring profanity, blurring sexually suggestive scenes, and potentially removing or altering violent content. The resulting version would be significantly different from the R-rated theatrical release.
Is Sausage Party suitable for teenagers with parental permission?
While parental permission might allow a teenager to view Sausage Party, it’s important for parents to understand the film’s content before making that decision. The film contains mature themes, explicit content, and potentially offensive material that may not be suitable for all teenagers, even with parental supervision.
How does Sausage Party’s humor compare to other R-rated comedies?
Sausage Party’s humor is often compared to that of other Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg films, such as Superbad and This is the End. However, the animated format allows for even more outlandish and visually explicit jokes, pushing the boundaries of R-rated comedy.
What are some alternative animated films for adults that aren’t R-rated?
While Sausage Party is uniquely raunchy, there are other animated films geared towards adults that are rated PG-13 or lower. Examples include Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Iron Giant, and some Studio Ghibli films like Princess Mononoke (though it contains mature themes). These films offer more sophisticated narratives and visual styles without the explicit content.
Did the R rating affect Sausage Party’s box office performance?
While the R rating potentially limited the audience size, it also generated buzz and intrigue, ultimately contributing to the film’s box office success. Many viewers were drawn to the film precisely because of its controversial and unconventional nature.
What are some of the underlying themes explored in Sausage Party?
Beyond the raunchy humor, Sausage Party explores themes of religion, faith, consumerism, and the search for truth. It challenges viewers to question their beliefs and assumptions about the world around them, albeit in a very irreverent way.
Was there any controversy surrounding the R rating of Sausage Party?
Yes, there was some controversy surrounding the R rating, with some arguing that it was overly restrictive. However, the MPAA defended its decision, citing the film’s explicit content and pervasive use of strong language.
Are there any sequels or spin-offs to Sausage Party?
As of now, there aren’t any sequels or spin-offs to Sausage Party in development. However, the creators have expressed interest in exploring the world of the film further in the future. A TV series titled Sausage Party: Foodtopia has been ordered for Amazon Prime Video.
Where can I watch Sausage Party?
Sausage Party is available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV. It is also available on Blu-ray and DVD. Be sure to check the rating before allowing younger viewers to watch.