The Classification and Rating Appeals Board today overturned the NC-17 rating given to the movie Blue Valentine. The Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) had assigned the movie the NC-17 rating for "a scene of explicit sexual content." The film is now rated R, on appeal, for "strong graphic sexual content, language, and a beating."

In the appeal brought by The Weinstein Company, the Appeals Board heard statements on behalf of Blue Valentine from Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company, and Alan Friedman, Counsel to The Weinstein Company. The Classification and Rating Administration was represented by Chairman Joan Graves.

Blue Valentine stars Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, John Doman and Maryann Plunkett. The movie was directed by Blue Valentine and is scheduled for a December 31 release.