Smoke in MPAA's eyes: ratings criteria affected

May 11, 2007 The MPAA said Thursday that for the first time film depictions of cigarette smoking will number among criteria used by its ratings board to determine how a movie is rated. "The MPAA film rating system has existed for nearly 40 years as an educational tool for parents to assist them in making decisions about what movies are appropriate for their children," MPAA chairman-CEO Dan Glickman said in a statement. "With that in mind, the rating board chaired by Joan Graves will now consider smoking as a factor -- among many other factors, including violence, sexual situations and language -- in the rating of films," he continued.

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