Chloe Adams
The 1984 film Sixteen Candles has been criticised for its lighthearted treatment of adolescent sexuality and insensitive racial stereotyping, which would not be acceptable under modern criteria. The film's PG rating is surprising given its explicit sexual content, including references to oral sex, nudity, and conversations about sex and virginity. The film also features offensive stereotypes of its only non-white character, Long Duk Dong, who is referred to as a Chinaman and is accompanied by a gong sound every time he appears on screen. Despite positive reviews from critics, Sixteen Candles has been deemed inappropriate for children by modern standards, demonstrating a shift in the boundaries of what is considered family-friendly entertainment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 4, 1984 |
| MPAA Rating | PG |
| Running Time | 93 minutes |
| Director | John Hughes |
| Main Characters | Samantha "Sam" Baker, Jake Ryan, Ted "The Geek" Farmer, Ginny Baker |
| Themes | Adolescent sexuality, coming-of-age, high school, family, friendship, crushes, insecurity, body image |
| Inappropriate Content | Sexual references, sexual assault, nudity, alcohol consumption, racial stereotyping |
| Modern Rating | Likely PG-13 or higher |
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What You'll Learn
Sixteen Candles was released before the PG-13 rating existed
Sixteen Candles is a 1984 American coming-of-age teen comedy film written and directed by John Hughes. The film Sixteen Candles was initially given an R rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). However, Hughes successfully lobbied for the film to be released with a PG rating. The MPAA likely felt that the content in the film was not extreme enough for an R rating. The film includes several scenes that would be considered inappropriate for children today, such as sexual themes, casual sexism, and racist portrayals of the film's only non-white character, a Chinese exchange student.
The film Sixteen Candles was released in May 1984, and the PG-13 rating did not exist until July 1984. If the film had been released just two months later, it likely would have received a PG-13 rating instead of PG. The boundaries of what is considered family-friendly entertainment have shifted over time, and many movies that were once deemed appropriate for all audiences would now receive a higher rating. For example, the horror film Jaws received a PG rating upon its release but would likely be rated PG-13 today due to its violent and frightening scenes.
In the film Sixteen Candles, the main character, Samantha, is turning 16 and dealing with her family forgetting her birthday, a crush on a senior boy, and being pursued by a freshman boy. The film includes several sexual themes, including a teen couple riding an exercise machine in a sexual way, implications of oral sex, and conversations involving sex and virginity. There is also a scene where a pyramid of beer cans implies that a group of football players drank all the beer.
The film has been praised for its relatable portrayal of adolescent slang and the nuances of teen life. However, it has also been criticised for its painful and outdated racial and gender stereotypes. The treatment of women and Asian characters in the film has been described as "cringeworthy" and "problematic." The film's only non-white character, Long Duk Dong, is portrayed with offensive stereotypes, such as a gong sounding every time he appears, and is referred to as a "'Chinaman'" and "dirty."
In conclusion, the film Sixteen Candles received a PG rating upon its release in 1984, likely because the MPAA felt the content was not extreme enough for an R rating and the PG-13 rating did not yet exist. However, by today's standards, the film would likely receive a higher rating due to its sexual themes, racist portrayals, and other inappropriate content. The shifting boundaries of family-friendly entertainment over time have resulted in higher ratings for similar films released in the past.
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The film contains sexual references and innuendos
The film Sixteen Candles, released in 1984, contains several sexual references and innuendos. The film's protagonist, Sam, is a high school sophomore who is dealing with her first crush and insecurities about her body. The film includes a scene where Sam fills out a friend's sex quiz, revealing her crush on a senior classmate. Boys in the film crudely talk about women's bodies and arrange the sexual assault of a popular girl. There is also a scene where a teen couple is shown straddling each other on an exercise machine in a sexual way. The film also includes implications of oral sex, with a woman lowering her head to a man's crotch, and a close-up of a woman's breasts is shown.
The film also contains several vulgar terms for breasts and conversations involving sex and virginity. For example, a boy says he has never "bagged a babe," and another boy bets he can have sex with a girl. A note is passed in class asking sex questions, such as "Have you ever touched it?" and "Have you gone all the way?" The film also includes a scene where a girl is felt up by her grandmother (off-screen).
The film's treatment of sexuality and gender dynamics is problematic and has been criticised for its portrayal of women. The male characters in the film talk about women's bodies and aggressively hit on them. The film also includes a side plot about orchestrating the sexual assault of a popular girl, which is portrayed as humorous.
At the time of its release, the film received a PG rating, which was likely due to the absence of a PG-13 rating, which was introduced shortly after the film's release. The MPAA likely felt that the content was not extreme enough for an R rating. However, by today's standards, the film would likely receive a higher rating due to its sexual content and inappropriate treatment of women.
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There is casual objectification of women and sexual assault
The 1984 romantic comedy film Sixteen Candles, written and directed by John Hughes, carries a PG rating due to several factors, one of which is the casual objectification of women and themes of sexual assault. The film includes scenes and dialogue that contribute to a narrative that normalizes the objectification of women and presents a dismissive attitude towards sexual assault. For example, the film's male characters frequently make derogatory comments about women, referring to them as "chicks" and evaluating them based on their physical appearance. This type of language contributes to a culture that reduces women to objects of male desire and reinforces gender stereotypes.
In one particularly notable scene, the character of Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) attempts to buy the protagonist, Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald), from her geek date, Ted (Anthony Michael Hall), offering "$5 and a case of beer." While this scene is meant to be humorous, it carries disturbing undertones, suggesting that women can be bought and sold like commodities. This type of transaction not only objectifies women but also implies a sense of male entitlement over women's bodies and choices. The scene also sets a problematic precedent, especially for younger audiences, by normalizing a mentality where women are viewed as objects to be acquired or bargained for.
The film also includes a scene where a drunk geek attempts to assault a girl passed out at a party. Although the assault is prevented, the scene is still disturbing and contributes to the film's overall theme of objectification and sexual assault. The inclusion of this scene, despite the absence of a completed assault, still presents a troubling message, particularly to impressionable teenage audiences. It suggests that sexual assault is a potential outcome of partying or drinking, and the prevention of the assault could be seen as a mitigating factor, minimizing the severity of the issue.
The rating reflects the presence of sexual content and innuendo throughout the film. While the film does not include explicit sexual scenes, there are numerous references and jokes that contribute to the sexualization of the characters, particularly the female characters. This includes scenes where the male characters discuss women in a sexualized manner and make comments about their bodies. The sexual innuendo and suggestive dialogue contribute to the overall tone of the film, which objectifies women and presents a narrow, male-gaze-oriented perspective on teenage relationships and interactions.
The MPAA's decision to rate Sixteen Candles as PG reflects the standards and sensitivities of the time. In the 1980s, there was a different societal attitude towards gender dynamics and sexual content in films. What may have been considered harmless humor or casual objectification then is now viewed through a more critical lens. Today, the film's treatment of women and its normalization of sexual assault and objectification would likely be considered problematic and deserving of a more restrictive rating.
It is important to view Sixteen Candles through a critical lens, acknowledging the problematic elements while also recognizing its place in cinematic history. While the film may have contributed to the romantic comedy genre and the careers of its talented cast, it also serves as a reminder of the need for more thoughtful and responsible representations of gender dynamics and consent in media.
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The film features racist and offensive stereotypes of a Chinese exchange student
The film Sixteen Candles has been criticised for its portrayal of Long Duk Dong, a Chinese exchange student, as a racist and offensive stereotype. Long Duk Dong is the only non-white character in the film and has been described as a caricature and a basest caricature of Asian people. The character has a thick accent, attempts to use American catchphrases, and is mystified by American food. He is referred to as a “Chinaman," called dirty and weird, and is made fun of for his English. A gong sounds every time he appears, which has been described as insensitive and hugely insensitive.
The character has been called a “stain" on Hollywood's history of representing Asian characters. The portrayal of Long Duk Dong has been criticised for perpetuating stereotypes of Asian men as either socially inept or lecherous but sexually inept losers. The actor who played Long Duk Dong, Gedde Watanabe, has stated that in retrospect, he was "a bit naive" about the role and that he has since been accosted by people who were angry about his portrayal of the character. Watanabe has also stated that he laughs at the character, calling him an "odd animal".
Some critics have noted that while the character of Long Duk Dong is offensive, he is also hilarious and elevated by Watanabe's performance from a "potentially offensive stereotype to high comedy". Watanabe's portrayal of Long Duk Dong has been described as "pure comedy," and his performance has been praised as "effective". However, other critics have acknowledged that the film is “painfully dated by its racial stereotypes" and that the treatment of women and Asian people in the film is "cringeworthy".
The film Sixteen Candles was released in 1984, before the days of multiculturalism and when racial sensitivity was not as prevalent in mainstream media. The film was released just before the introduction of the PG-13 rating, and it is likely that it would have received a higher rating if it had been released just a few months later. The MPAA likely felt that the content of the film was not extreme enough to warrant an R rating, and it was instead given a PG rating.
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Characters are shown drinking and passing out
The PG rating of Sixteen Candles, a 1984 American coming-of-age teen comedy film, has been a topic of discussion due to its content involving alcohol consumption and its potential influence on younger audiences. The film features scenes of characters drinking and even passing out from excessive alcohol consumption. While the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) initially rated the film R, director John Hughes successfully lobbied for a PG rating. This decision was made in the context of the rating system at the time, which did not yet include the PG-13 category.
In the film, there is a scene where a pyramid of beer cans is made by a group of large football player types, implying heavy drinking. Additionally, the character Samantha, also known as Sam, and her friends are shown drinking to the point of passing out. The portrayal of alcohol consumption in Sixteen Candles reflects the social norms and attitudes of the time, as drinking was often depicted casually in media without the same level of scrutiny as it receives today.
It is important to note that the rating systems and societal perspectives on alcohol consumption have evolved since the release of Sixteen Candles in 1984. Today, there is a greater awareness of the potential influence of media on youth behaviours and a heightened sensitivity to the portrayal of substance use. The inclusion of drinking and passing out in Sixteen Candles contributes to the film's rating and is a reflection of the standards and norms of the time.
While the PG rating of Sixteen Candles may seem surprising today, it is essential to understand the context of the rating system and societal attitudes during the time of its release. The film's portrayal of alcohol consumption and its impact on the characters' lives was likely a contributing factor to the rating decision. However, with changing societal norms and a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of media on youth, similar depictions of alcohol consumption in films targeted at younger audiences would likely result in a higher rating.
In conclusion, the characters' drinking and passing out in Sixteen Candles is a notable aspect of the film that influenced its PG rating. While societal norms and rating systems have evolved, this film serves as a reminder of the shifting boundaries between acceptable and inappropriate content for younger audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Sixteen Candles was released in May 1984, before the PG-13 rating was introduced. The MPAA likely felt that the content wasn't extreme enough to warrant an R rating.
The film contains sexually explicit content, including conversations about sex and virginity, a joke about oral sex, and a scene where a boy shows his friends a pair of panties. There is also casual use of the word "f--got", and the racist portrayal of a Chinese exchange student.
The boundaries of what is considered family-friendly entertainment have shifted over time. Many older movies that were rated PG would now be considered inappropriate for children due to graphic content and mature themes.
Jaws and Poltergeist are two examples of films that were originally rated PG but contain violent and frightening scenes that are unsuitable for young viewers.
