What Is Sausage Party Rated?
Sausage Party is rated R by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for strong crude sexual content, pervasive language, and drug use. This rating indicates that the film contains material that is generally unsuitable for children under 17.
The Hilarious and Horrifying World of Sausage Party
Sausage Party, released in 2016, isn’t your typical animated film. It’s a raunchy, adult-oriented comedy that takes place in a supermarket. The story centers around a sausage named Frank and his hot dog bun girlfriend, Brenda, who dream of being chosen by the “gods” (humans) and transported to the “Great Beyond” (the human home). However, they soon discover the horrifying truth about what happens to groceries once they leave the store.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Ratings
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is responsible for assigning ratings to movies in the United States. These ratings are designed to give parents guidance about the age-appropriateness of a film’s content. The MPA considers various factors, including:
- Violence: The level and intensity of violent scenes.
- Sexuality: The presence of sexual content, nudity, and suggestive themes.
- Language: The frequency and severity of strong language and profanity.
- Drug Use: The depiction of drug use and its potential consequences.
- Thematic Elements: The overall themes and messages of the film and their potential impact on viewers.
The MPA rating system includes:
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| G | Suitable for general audiences. |
| PG | Some material may not be suitable for young children. |
| PG-13 | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. |
| R | Contains adult material. Children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. |
| NC-17 | No one under 17 admitted. |
Sausage Party: Earning Its ‘R’ Rating
Sausage Party pushed the boundaries of animated films, landing itself squarely in the ‘R’ rated category. The film’s combination of crude humor, graphic scenes, and explicit content made it unsuitable for younger audiences. The specific elements contributing to the ‘R’ rating include:
- Strong Crude Sexual Content: The film contains numerous scenes with explicit sexual references and acts, including animated depictions of sexual encounters between food items.
- Pervasive Language: The characters use profanity frequently and in various contexts. The sheer volume of swear words contributes significantly to the film’s adult tone.
- Drug Use: The film depicts the use of marijuana and other substances, sometimes in comedic contexts.
Beyond the Rating: Understanding the Impact
It’s crucial to remember that movie ratings are guidelines, not absolute rules. Parents should always consider their own children’s maturity levels and sensitivities when deciding whether a film is appropriate. Reviews and other sources can provide additional information to help parents make informed decisions. While Sausage Party is undeniably funny to many adults, its content can be shocking and disturbing to younger viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specifically makes the sexual content in Sausage Party “crude”?
The sexual content is considered crude because it involves explicit depictions of intercourse between animated food items, often presented in a humorous and over-the-top manner. It’s not simply suggestive; it is quite literal in its animation.
Is the language in Sausage Party just occasional swearing, or is it more intense?
The language is intense and pervasive. It is not just occasional swearing; profanity is used frequently throughout the film, contributing significantly to its adult tone and humor.
Are there any scenes of violence in Sausage Party?
Yes, there are scenes of violence, often depicted in a gruesome and comedic way. These scenes frequently involve the dismemberment and consumption of food items, which can be disturbing to some viewers.
Is Sausage Party a family-friendly movie?
Absolutely not. Sausage Party is explicitly designed for adult audiences and is not suitable for children of any age.
Does the R rating mean no one under 17 can see it?
The R rating means that children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. However, many theaters may not enforce this rule strictly, so parental discretion is still advised.
How does Sausage Party‘s rating compare to other animated movies?
Most animated movies are rated G, PG, or PG-13. Sausage Party stands out significantly as one of the few animated films to receive an R rating due to its mature content.
Besides the MPA rating, is there anything else parents should be aware of?
Parents should also be aware of the film’s thematic elements, which include discussions of religion, existentialism, and the meaning of life, often presented in a satirical and provocative way.
Is Sausage Party banned in any countries?
While the film may not be outright banned in many countries, its distribution and exhibition may be restricted in certain regions due to its controversial content.
Does the director of Sausage Party have other similar films?
The directors, Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, have worked on other animated films, but none as overtly adult-oriented as Sausage Party. Their other works are generally more family-friendly.
Where can I find more detailed information about the reasons for the Sausage Party rating?
You can often find more detailed information on the MPA’s website or through online movie review sites that discuss the specific content that led to the R rating.
Is there an unrated version of Sausage Party available?
No, there is no officially released unrated version of Sausage Party. The theatrical and home video releases are all the same R-rated cut.
What should I tell my child if they ask to watch Sausage Party?
Explain that Sausage Party is a movie made for adults and contains content that is not appropriate for children. Emphasize the importance of watching age-appropriate movies and offer alternative, family-friendly options.