Thematic elements

"Thematic elements", or "thematic material", is a term used by the Motion Picture Association of America and other film ratings boards to highlight elements of a film that do not fit into the traditional categories such as violence, sex, drug use and language, but may involve some degree of objectionable content. This rating reason raises a warning to parents and guardians to learn more about a film before they allow their children to view it. These thematic elements may include death, disease, discrimination, self-harm, defiance, child abuse, dysfunctional families, STDs, hate, coming-of-age issues, corruption, verbal abuse, addiction, disability, hazing, infidelity, politics, social issues, abortion, religion, and other serious subjects or mature discussions that some parents and guardians feel may not be appropriate for their young children. Films with strong thematic elements include The Cider House Rules, Zootopia, Juno, The Aviator, The Color Purple, In Her Shoes, I Love You Phillip Morris, My Girl, Hey Arnold: The Movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Hunger Games, Warrior, A Beautiful Mind, White Oleander, 42, and Only Yesterday. Mild thematic elements appear in many other PG and PG-13-rated drama and, primarily, documentary films.

Thematic material may also contain 'different' violent sequences. These may consist of brief shots of strong violence, a muted background while the scene is taking place to add drama, or quick, fast-paced violence.