<P> The film was promoted through an ad campaign that asked people whether they were "curious". Nick Carpou, Universal's president of domestic distribution, said: "Our campaign gave people permission to see the film ." "Valentines is a big deal for couples and a great relationship event, and the date with the long Presidents Day weekend created a perfect storm for us . This date positioned us to take full advantage of the romance angle, which is how we sold the film in our marketing campaign," he said . </P> <P> There was initial speculation that the film could receive an NC - 17 rating in the United States . Studios typically steer away from the adults - only rating due to the impact the classification has on a film's commercial viability, with some theater chains refusing to exhibit NC - 17 - rated films . While screenwriter Marcel said she expected the film to be NC - 17 - rated, producer De Luca anticipated the less restrictive R rating . On January 5, 2015, the MPAA did give the film an R rating, basing its decision on "strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity, and language ." </P> <P> On January 30, in Australia, the film was rated MA15+ by the ACB for "strong sex scenes, sexual themes and nudity". On February 2, 2015, the British BBFC classified the film an 18 certificate, mentioning "strong sex". In Canada, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, the film was rated at 18A by the OFRB, MFCB, AFR, and BCFCO, respectively, due to its "occasional upsetting or disturbing scenes, and partial or full nudity in a brief sexual situation ." In Quebec, the Régie du cinéma rated the movie under the 16 + category for its eroticism . In France, the film earned a 12 rating . In Lebanon, the film earned an NC - 21 rating . In Argentina, the Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition (the rating arm of the INCAA) rated the film SAM16 / R . </P> <P> Anti-pornography watchdog group Morality in Media argued that the film's R rating "severely undermines the violent themes in the film and does not adequately inform parents and patrons of the film's content", and that the MPAA was encouraging sexual violence by letting the film by without an NC - 17 rating . </P>

Where is the fifty shades of grey filmed