Rated X

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"The true story of the Mitchell Brothers: America's original porn kings."
  • R
  • 2000
  • 5.8  (3,605)

Rated X is a 2000 biographical film that tells the story of the Mitchell Brothers, Jim and Artie, who were pioneers in the pornography industry during the 1970s and 80s. Jim and Artie were played by brothers Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen respectively, with Rafer Weigel playing the part of third brother, and early collaborator, Alvin.

The film traces the brothers' journey from their upbringing in a conservative Catholic family in San Francisco, through to their rise to prominence in the porn industry with their legendary theater The O'Farrell Theatre. The brothers started out in the industry making striptease films, but eventually moved into more explicit material, which would eventually land them in legal trouble.

The plot of Rated X centers around the conflict between Jim and Artie, who have different visions for the future of their business. Artie dreams of making high quality erotic films that will be taken seriously as works of art, while Jim sees the pornography industry as a purely commercial venture. This leads to a falling out between the brothers that threatens to tear their business, and their family, apart.

The film is a dark and gritty portrayal of the pornography industry, and does not shy away from the more unsavory aspects of the business. The Mitchell Brothers are depicted as complex individuals who have been shaped by their upbringing and their experiences in the industry. The film explores themes of sibling rivalry, creative conflict, and the corrupting influence of money.

One of the strengths of the movie is the performances of its lead actors. Sheen and Estevez both give powerful performances as Jim and Artie Mitchell, respectively. Sheen brings a manic energy to the role of Jim, who is often portrayed as a frenzied and unpredictable figure. Estevez, on the other hand, gives a restrained and understated performance as Artie, who is often the voice of reason amidst the chaos.

The film also benefits from its strong supporting cast, which includes veterans of the industry such as pornographic actress Ginger Lynn and producer Lou Perocino. These actors lend a sense of authenticity to the film, and their performances add depth to the characters they portray.

Rated X was directed by Emilio Estevez, who also co-wrote the script with journalist Shane Stanley. The film was produced by Stanley and Donald Kushner, who is best known for his work on the film Tron. Estevez's direction is assured and confident, and he is able to deftly navigate the tricky balance between the film's darker themes and its moments of humor and levity.

Overall, Rated X is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores a topic that is often sensationalized and misunderstood. The film uses the story of the Mitchell Brothers to shed light on the broader issues of freedom of expression and artistic integrity. The movie reveals the complex interplay between art and commerce in the pornography industry, and forces the audience to question their own attitudes towards pornography and censorship. The movie is a must-see for fans of Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez, as well as those interested in the history of the pornography industry.

Rated X
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Description
  • Release Date
    2000
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.8  (3,605)