entertainment

Netflix's ‘Cuties’ becomes target of politicized backlash

55 Comments
By LINDSEY BAHR

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

55 Comments
Login to comment

If a docu shows evil acts it doesn't necessarily condone evil acts.

Of course it condones them; if it didn't, it wouldn't engage in them. You can't criticize something by actually doing that thing, that's ridiculous and only makes you a hypocrite.

There are many docu films out there that address serious or taboo social topics that need to be addressed.

Right, but they don't engage in the very activity they're supposedly criticizing. If you make a documentary about mafiosi executing people, the people playing them aren't actual mafiosi and no one actually gets executed. In this case however, you can't separate the characters from the actors - the characters are sexualized preteen girls, and so are the actresses playing them.

Porn on the other hand is just that. Porn is expoitative, disgusting and it glorifies the wrongs of society and its attitudes. Rated 'X' or 'NC-17' films generally have no plot or storyline, they glorify and applaud the awful things you see and they are just garbage.

Not that porn has anything to do with the subject, but I'll bite. You'll need to clarify how sex, a basic reproductive function, is a "wrong of society" and is an "awful things". It doesn't matter how disgusting you think it is or how "quality" it is, because at the end of the day all the actors in it are adults capable of making their own decisions, and they decided to make porn - which isn't illegal, unlike sexualizing minors.

And just to clarify here... you have an issue with adult porn, but you don't have an issue with sexualized minors as long as someone claims it's for criticism? Seriously?

I haven't seen the film [...] they (and their sheep) probably never seen controversial films like this and until they have, they need to shut up, stop, look and listen before saying anything about it

So maybe take your own advice?

I'm willing to bet that, ironically enough, the people defending this degeneracy are the very same ones who crusade against sexualized anime and manga characters. Lines on a paper - utterly unacceptable, think of the (non-existent) children! Actual real-world children being sexualized and exploited? No problem there, it's stunning and brave "criticism".

Seriously, the last decade or so it's like we've stepped into some twilight zone and everything is upside down. War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Call it art, call it pedo-porn. The real question is, would you be comfortable if it was your prepubescent daughter playing that role.

Even if it is “art” you can be sure some pedo perv is gonna be playing that one scene on repeat like a teenage boy endlessly rewinding and replaying a brief boob flash in a VHS movie.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It's a subject Hollywood wouldn't even touch.

because they supported Harvey Weinstein.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Otacon512Sep. 17  09:59 pm JST

At the heart of the backlash is the idea that “Cuties” is dangerously and irresponsibly sexualizing pre-teen girls, which, ironically, is what the movie itself is criticizing too.

So... I take it it's OK to criticize murder by murdering people?

If a docu shows evil acts it doesn't necessarily condone evil acts.

There are many docu films out there that address serious or taboo social topics that need to be addressed. Has anybody considered that this film while growing some sickening behavior may be condemning it? Such films often with a 'Mature' warning or a 'Viewer Discretion Advised' label. Porn on the other hand is just that. Porn is expoitative, disgusting and it glorifies the wrongs of society and its attitudes. Rated 'X' or 'NC-17' films generally have no plot or storyline, they glorify and applaud the awful things you see and they are just garbage.

I haven't seen the film but I have seen a trailer for it and it LOOKS to me that it is a criticism of the way we treat our little girls (and boys). I may be wrong. Yet if this flick stirs up debate and make us take a look at ourselves, is that a bad thing? Of course some politicians (of every party) LOVE to jump on that moral train but they (and their sheep) probably never seen controversial films like this and until they have, they need to shut up, stop, look and listen before saying anything about it.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Most of Hollywood is morally bankrupt and yet they have the nerve to lecture us about morals.......while also being in bed with China?!

Sigh. It's a French film. Hollywood had nothing to do with it. It's a subject Hollywood wouldn't even touch. Your comment is as uninformed as those of the critics.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The "normalization" of pedophilia by Hollywood (and the Left, in the USA) is absolutely disgusting.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Kipling - No, thats not the scene Im talking about. They were being prevented from entering a contest by security guards. Showed off their "moves" to get in.

I guess you were in the bathroom during the scene. It happens....

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Anyway, I've dumped Netflix. Moving on..

3 ( +6 / -3 )

@i@n

Pedophiles know they are pedophiles, there will be no nagging doubts.

So even if the film is indeed pedophilia, the fact they don't see it as such would mean they are not pedophiles.

You on the other hand, is one of the ones who are sure it's pedophilia.

1) Nope. There are closet pedophiles that don't know they have "crossed that line."

2) Your 2nd statement is pure madness.

3) Yeah. I am sure it is pedophilia because it disgusts me.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The preview was all Netflix. Highly misleading and clearly exploitive. Yes, that was disgusting.

Well this alone is enough for anyone not to patronize Netflix.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

So even if the film is indeed pedophilia, the fact they don't see it as such would mean they are not pedophiles.

Er, could you elucidate?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Bob.....

Ive seen some of the scenes in question and can assure you 11 year old girls writhing on the ground in hot pants stroking their genitalia while lustily looking at grown men watching in arousal is completely wrong and you know it.

I know the scene you are mentioning, where the main character is teaching the others her dance moves. There is no “stroking of genitalia” unless you mean the main character slapping her friends rumps as they were useless. Obviously you are one of the many who comment without having seen the movie.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It will be difficult to convince defenders of the film Cuties that the film is pedophilia. Because if they admit they are wrong, and eventually agree that the film is pedophilia, they will have the nagging thought in the back of their minds: "Maybe I am a pedophile..."

Pedophiles know they are pedophiles, there will be no nagging doubts.

So even if the film is indeed pedophilia, the fact they don't see it as such would mean they are not pedophiles.

You on the other hand, is one of the ones who are sure it's pedophilia.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

So here's the thing. You can joke about it, but you object to a movie that looks seriously at the topic?

That's right. I can joke about anything. It's not like I'm making underage girls touch themselves suggestively in front of grown men. Totally different.

Try watching the whole movie instead of just the shocking bits. Or better yet, spend 20 minutes on TikTok to see what the movie is trying to call attention to.

Yes, because the solution to polution is dilution, hmmm? Just water it down with some drama so it's not bad? Gotcha.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Are people judging movies they haven’t seen?

Quite a skill.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

No, but I saw the preview and read about it. I found it to be pretty disgusting.

The preview was all Netflix. Highly misleading and clearly exploitive. Yes, that was disgusting.

I think I recall you making jokes about sex with underage girls.

I have made plenty of jokes. I've even joked about _over_aged girls.

So here's the thing. You can joke about it, but you object to a movie that looks seriously at the topic?

> Ive seen some of the scenes in question 

The mods keep deleting my answers to you, so this my last try. You saw a scene in isolation, out of context. Try watching the whole movie instead of just the shocking bits. Or better yet, spend 20 minutes on TikTok to see what the movie is trying to call attention to.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Yeah, Im good with child porn. But don't sweat it;

Im a feminist....

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Can't I just be disgusted by it? Or do I have to 'appreciate the artistic way in which in represents the evils of society'?

Exactly. Stealth porn hiding under the facade of “art”. We mustnt criticize!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I watched the movie last night. There is NO child porn. There is no pedophilia. There is NO child nudity. There is NOTHING, seriously nothing wrong with this film.

Ive seen some of the scenes in question and can assure you 11 year old girls writhing on the ground in hot pants stroking their genitalia while lustily looking at grown men watching in arousal is completely wrong and you know it.

Child porn. And now everyone knows on which side of the fence you sit.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I can't afford netflix

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Mr kipling:

Glad someone actually watched it to give sound criticism. I did not, but from what I read it sounded no worse than the Law and Order SVU series that feature children in such a manner, yet still is on the air (20+ years). Can you confirm this?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

You actually saw the movie?

No, but I saw the preview and read about it. I found it to be pretty disgusting.

I think I recall you making jokes about sex with underage girls.

I have made plenty of jokes. I've even joked about _over_aged girls.

So if you find this film disgusting, maybe it's the stark reality it presents that calls into question all the glamorized sexualization that people seem to ignore or snicker at. If you watched this movie and weren't repulsed by some of the scenes, you were missing the point.

Can't I just be disgusted by it? Or do I have to 'appreciate the artistic way in which in represents the evils of society'?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

So many comments from people who haven’t even seen the movie. Do you also give restaurant reviews for places you haven’t eaten in?

I watched the movie last night. There is NO child porn. There is no pedophilia. There is NO child nudity. There is NOTHING, seriously nothing wrong with this film.

Its a story of a group of young girls growing up in the real world.

Not a film I would usually watch but it came into my feed so I thought...”Ill watch a few minutes to see what the fuss is about”....

I ended up watching to the end and well.. its an OK movie. I enjoyed it.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

. . I had been subscribed to Netflix, but I canceled my subscription a few days ago in protest of Cuties.

Yes. I have never subscribed to Netflix but I have friends and acquaintances who have cancelled Netflix over this.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Imagine being an adult and voluntarily admitting you not only watched, but enjoyed watching child porn.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The horror is not real (refer to my sarcastic "Bruises" movie). The child abuse and pedophilia in Cuties IS real, not simulated. 

Did you actually see the movie? What child abuse? What pedophilia? In your imagination, just like in the horror movies. While we are on the topic, what about Leon?

Stop stuffing clothes with straw. I can see what you are doing, commenteer.

I really have no idea what you are talking about. The first time I have heard that expression, so I went to Google to see what "stuffing clothes with straw" referred to. Only 9 results, and your comment here was at the top. It has a nice ring to it, though. The other eight were literally about stuffing clothes with straw to make pillows and such. I prefer goose down.

It’s pretty disgusting. And coming from me, that’s saying something.

You actually saw the movie? I think I recall you making jokes about sex with underage girls. So if you find this film disgusting, maybe it's the stark reality it presents that calls into question all the glamorized sexualization that people seem to ignore or snicker at. If you watched this movie and weren't repulsed by some of the scenes, you were missing the point.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@commenteer

It will be difficult to convince defenders of the film Cuties that the film is pedophilia. Because if they admit they are wrong, and eventually agree that the film is pedophilia, they will have the nagging thought in the back of their minds: "Maybe I am a pedophile..." (Distant Fire's comment)

There you go. Why bother with informed discussion when you can just slander people you disagree with?

You haven't been doing much informing, commenteer, except giving your opinion. Look at my FACTS in my comment before the one you commented on.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Goodlucktoyou

It’s better a film makes people wake up than make them sleep.

How about someone beats your child on film to "wake you up" to the horrors of child abuse. Hey, better than sleeping through the abuse, right?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

It’s pretty disgusting. And coming from me, that’s saying something.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Again, someone downvoted all 3 of my comments within 1 minute of me posting them. Seriously? Talk about a knee-jerk reaction.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@Concerned Citizen

In most countries if any of us had personally created such video content we would no doubt be chraged with child abuse.

Exactly.

And unfortunately some of that content can be found on Youtube and TikTok. However, I do not pay for Youtube or TikTok. I had been subscribed to Netflix, but I canceled my subscription a few days ago in protest of Cuties.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Concerned Citizen

Agreed! Well said.

It's unbelievable how so many of the modern day moralists and SWJ's who are so quick to accuse everyone else of everything under the sun can turn around and hamelessly promote or defend such an abuse of minors.

Agreed, and well said to you, too CC.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

CORRECTED

@commenteer

The film is rated as "Mature," meaning that the children who starred in the movie cannot watch the movie they starred in. Right there, that tells you something. (taken from Distant Fire's post)*

This is not unusual for many movies, such as horror movies. There is nothing in the film that you can't find on YouTube or TikTok daily. Why aren't you upset about that?

Regarding movies such as horror movies: The horror is not real (refer to my sarcastic "Bruises" movie). The child abuse and pedophilia in Cuties IS real, not simulated. For example, in the Amazon series "The Boys," some child characters are killed, but not for real. If you don't know the difference between how children are treated in Cuties, and those treated in horror films or a series such as "The Boys," see a therapist.

Regarding some Youtube videos and TikTok: Some things on those platforms are disgusting, as well. Why would you assume I would not be upset about that? Stop stuffing clothes with straw. I can see what you are doing, commenteer.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@commenteer

The film is rated as "Mature," meaning that the children who starred in the movie cannot watch the movie they starred in. Right there, that tells you something.*

This is not unusual for many movies, such as horror movies. There is nothing in the film that you can't find on YouTube or TikTok daily. Why aren't you upset about that?

Regarding movies such as horror movies: The horror is not real (refer to my sarcastic "Bruises" movie). The child abuse and pedophilia in Cuties IS real, not simulated. For example, in the Amazon series "The Boys," some child characters are killed, but not for real. If you don't know the difference between how children are treated in Cuties, and those treated in horror films or a series such as "The Boys," see a therapist.

Regarding some Youtube videos and TikTok: Some things on those platforms are disgusting, as well. Why would you assume I would not be upset about that? Stop stuffing clothes with straw. I can see what you are doing, commenteer.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

It’s better a film makes people wake up than make them sleep.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Most of Hollywood is morally bankrupt and yet they have the nerve to lecture us about morals.......while also being in bed with China?!

Fine. Except this is a French film made by a French-Senegalese woman, not a Hollywood film.

But it is Hollywood who are defending and supporting this film.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I wouldn't take any criticism from Republican lawmakers seriously. They're known to have dirty skeletons in their own closets.

*You mean like Anthony Weiner? Oh, hes a Democrat, isnt he.
3 ( +5 / -2 )

I start watching it last night because of the controversy.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Most of Hollywood is morally bankrupt and yet they have the nerve to lecture us about morals.......while also being in bed with China?!

Fine. Except this is a French film made by a French-Senegalese woman, not a Hollywood film.

> The film is rated as "Mature," meaning that the children who starred in the movie cannot watch the movie they starred in. Right there, that tells you something.

This is not unusual for many movies, such as horror movies. There is nothing in the film that you can't find on YouTube or TikTok daily. Why aren't you upset about that?

It will be difficult to convince defenders of the film Cuties that the film is pedophilia. Because if they admit they are wrong, and eventually agree that the film is pedophilia, they will have the nagging thought in the back of their minds: "Maybe I am a pedophile..." 

There you go. Why bother with informed discussion when you can just slander people you disagree with?

With such a film, the filmmaker’s intent in creating media protesting against animal abuse is good, but abusing an animal in order to make the film is wrong. 

Is it abuse if this is what many kids that age are doing every day? This is the real issue. Millions of children being programmed to have depraved values being promoted on TV, music and the internet. And very few people seem to mind - they don't want to be seen as prudes, or worse, Republicans. Maybe it takes a film like this to get the discussion going. And is it abuse. Then what about Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver or countless other films with children that address difficult themes?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Also, I’m am glad the film didn’t highlight Female Genital Mutilation. It should of, but one point at a time. That was the worser fear that sexualization of girls for oppression, entertainment and profit.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Watched it this morning. Very good movie. 8.5/10

those who feel it is too taboo, open your eyes to the real world.

and I’m a feminist.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

I wouldn't take any criticism from Republican lawmakers seriously. They're known to have dirty skeletons in their own closets. Rent-boys, turning the other cheek when faced with child molestation at their old schools when they're a  ̶J̶i̶m̶ gym teacher, forcing their mistresses to have an abortion, etc.

What next? Ben Shapiro whining about Cardi B while he's looking at his feet and twitching his head?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Tulsi Gabbard:

Netfix child porn "Cuties" will certainly whet the appetite of pedophiles & help fuel the child sex trafficking trade. 1 in 4 victims of trafficking are children. It happened to my friend's 13 year old daughter. Netflix, you are now complicit. 

0 ( +3 / -3 )

In most countries if any of us had personally created such video content we would no doubt be chraged with child abuse.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

@Distant Fire.

Agreed! Well said.

It's unbelievable how so many of the modern day moralists and SWJ's who are so quick to accuse everyone else of everything under the sun can turn around and hamelessly promote or defend such an abuse of minors.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Downvoted quicker than someone could have actually read and thought about what I had typed. Typical. Literally within 1 minute of my posting my comments, I got downvoted by someone. My second post refers to that person. Chris Hansen is at your door, bud.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

It will be difficult to convince defenders of the film Cuties that the film is pedophilia. Because if they admit they are wrong, and eventually agree that the film is pedophilia, they will have the nagging thought in the back of their minds: "Maybe I am a pedophile..." They don't want that, so they go on and on defending the film.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Referring to the Cuties film, the entertainment online database IMDb originally had a parental warning that read: "This is lawfully defined as pedophilia." Lawyers discussing the film have stated that the film IS considered to be pedophilia by some governments (case by case) and needs to be looked into further to determine if Cuties is considered pedophilia across the board, and forced to be removed from Netflix. The film is rated as "Mature," meaning that the children who starred in the movie cannot watch the movie they starred in. Right there, that tells you something. The mature acts were performed by children. According to the law, making children perform mature acts is child abuse. So, the film Cuties is at least child abuse. Think of the hundreds of auditions that many many children had to partake in. FACT: "The filmmakers of the Netflix film Cuties spent six months having 650 little girls twerk for them in auditions." Disgusting. The film is described as a coming-of-age film. Wikipedia: "In genre studies, a coming-of-age story is a genre of literature, film, and video that focuses on the growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. The subjects of coming-of-age stories are typically teenagers." The subjects in Cuties are 11 years old. They are still far from adulthood. It is not a coming-of-age film. Now, in the film itself, that camera lingers on the crotches and bottoms of the little girls, often zooming in. This is not necessary to get the film director/writer's point across. It is painfully obvious that the Cuties film sexualizes children. Perhaps Netflix should have a film that points out the problem of child abuse by having adult actors really hit child actors, causing real bruising. The name of the film can be "Bruises."

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The child pageant crowd is horrified.

The film is not the problem. The issue is the world that we have created.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Most of Hollywood is morally bankrupt and yet they have the nerve to lecture us about morals.......while also being in bed with China?!

Hypocrites who ought to be mostly ignored.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Starpunk:

Could be worse. Thin (but not starving) is healthy. Half of Americans are obese. Exercise is not evil. People are too afraid of hurting feelings, but I'd rather someone help me rather than let me die of diabetes or heart disease. I know this wasn't the key point you were driving home, but I wanted to point that out. Cheers

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Apparently, the americans complaining have never seen law and order SVU. That's displaying much more...and yes, often they feature kids. Very over sxualised

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Sexuality of young girls is more rampant than many people want to admit. In America there are these 'pageants' where little girls are exploited in order for their parents to win cash prizes. There are 'chastisy balls', 'father-daughter dances' and 'take mom to the prom' in the name of religion in America. It's exploitative, incestuous and sickening.

commenteer  Look at the typical pouty selfies taken by young girls in the west. This stuff is everywhere, and kids are acting on it now.

Yes it is an unconfortable subject but it must be addressed. There's been all these gawdawful overchoriographed pop tarts dominating radio and video, looks over talent. Music doesn't matter for them. It's a disgusting joke. If you can shake your can, that's it. Many of those airhead pop tarts from 20 years ago are gone now but there's other ones to take their place, isn't there?

Am I talking about 'idol groups' too? Oh yeah. And t(w)een girls get told they must be sexy (and marriageable) so they must be thin. That leads to dieting, body shaming, maybe anorexa. It's a horrible social disease passed from generation to generation and it's got to STOP!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

I watched this last night. A good film, a serious film, though it was dark and had some very unsettling scenes. Part of the blame could be with Netflix and their exploitive marketing campaign. There is nothing cute about the movie.

People who criticize it should at least first watch it. Then, before saying the director "sexualized the child actors in a movie that criticizes sexualized media", they should spend a little time on TikTok or watching music videos that are popular among kids of the same age. Look at the typical pouty selfies taken by young girls in the west. This stuff is everywhere, and kids are acting on it now. It's an uncomfortable subject, but people are doing kids any favor by pretending it doesn't exist.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites