If the Bible Were a Full-Length Movie: What Would the Rating Be?

The rating of a full-length movie adaptation of the Bible would depend on several factors including the specific stories chosen, the themes portrayed, and the overall tone of the film. Let's explore these factors to determine potential ratings for different parts of the Bible.

Content and Themes

Many biblical stories contain elements that could lead to more mature ratings. For example, the Crucifixion, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and other violent scenes might push a film towards an R or NC-17 rating. Similarly, scenes of extreme violence, gore, and explicit sexual content would likely earn such a rating.

Interpretation and Presentation

The way the stories are interpreted and presented would also influence the rating. A realistic depiction of these events would be more likely to earn a higher rating, while an allegorical or family-friendly approach could result in a lower rating.

Target Audience

Considering the target audience, a family-oriented adaptation might aim for a PG or PG-13 rating. However, a more adult-oriented interpretation could receive an R rating. If the adaptation aimed at families, it might strive for a PG or PG-13 rating to be accessible to a wider audience.

Logistical Considerations

Given the extensive content of the Bible, a single film adaptation would likely be too long. A miniseries format would be more practical, allowing for different parts to be given different ratings. For instance:

The Song of Solomon: This section is rich in poetic imagery and sexual content, earning an X rating. Old Testament Violence: Violence throughout the Old Testament, particularly scenes such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, would likely receive an X rating due to extreme violence and gore. New Testament: The movie on the trial and death of Christ would also be rated X. Other Sections: Some parts, such as sections with moral or ethical teachings, might receive R or PG ratings, while sections on the love of God or other uplifting topics could earn a G rating. Brief Biblical Accounts: Short, more focused accounts, such as the begats, might be rated Pg-13 for being somewhat dry, but interesting and educational.

Financial and Critical Challenges

Even with these considerations, financing such an ambitious project would be challenging. Critics might find much of the content tedious, especially the sections focusing on family lineage or more poetic passages. The massive scope of the Bible and the diverse themes within it would make it difficult to satisfy all audiences.

Still, if the project were to be undertaken, it might find some success along the lines of the critically acclaimed miniseries Atlas Shrugged. However, unlike in that case, there would be no change in cast members for the same roles, a factor that could negatively impact reception.

In conclusion, a well-produced, faithful adaptation of the Bible that balances serious themes with appropriate content for a wider audience might likely aim for a PG-13 rating, but the final rating could vary significantly based on the choices made in interpretation and presentation.