'Blue Valentine' NC-17 rating overturned

The Motion Picture Association of America has announced its decision to overturn the NC-17 rating previously given to Blue Valentine.

The forthcoming release - which stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams - was originally deemed an adult film based on its inclusion of "scenes of explicit sexual content".

However, MPAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Kaltman revealed that the drama will now revert to an R rating when it hits theatres later this month, due to appeals from Harvey Weinstein on behalf of the Weinstein & Co production company, who are responsible for releasing the film.

The appeals board also listened to testimony from ratings board chairman Joan Graves, reports The AP.

Blue Valentine will be released in the US on December 31.