Ryan Gosling's latest film Blue Valentine is in the middle of a row between Parents Television Council (PTC) and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The issue started when the latter chose to downgrade its ratings on the movie from "NC-17" to just a rating of "R."

"The inherent flaws of the MPAA ratings system were put on full-frontal display this week with Blue Valentine," said Tim Winter, President of PTC in a statement.

"Ostensibly because the producers of the film would not earn as much money at the box office with an accurate rating, the MPAA buckled under intense pressure and lowered the age rating of the film. "

An "R" rating means that the film is "restricted," requiring children under 17 to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. A film given an "R" rating contains adult material, as in the case of Blue Valentines which shows numerous bed sequences between lead actors Michelle Williams and Gosling.

Accroding to MPAA's Web site, an "R" rating would mean that "parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children"

But what the PTC clamors against is that MPAA ratings system has been compromised by giving in to the lobbying of producers of the film. Blue Valentine was produced by the same team behind the provocative Half Nelson, where Ryan earned a nomination from the Academy of Motion Arts and Pictures.

"The new rating may be correct or it may be incorrect. We don't know because we haven't screened the film. What we do know is this: the entire integrity and legitimacy of the MPAA ratings system has been compromised," said Winter.

"There is no transparency; there is no consistency; and there is no accountability - unless you are a wealthy producer who can afford to hire the biggest legal guns in the nation and wage a massive PR campaign."

In Blue Valentine, Gosling plays Dean while Michelle Williams plays Cindy. Dean's and Cindy's relationship has seen better days as they struggle with the demands and expectations of work and family life. At breaking point, the couple steals away to a hotel as they revisit romantic memories of their courtship. Dean and Cindy have one night to try and rekindle their passion, and save their marriage.

The movie, set to hit the theatres late this year, is the only film of 2010 to have received Official Selection at the Sundance, Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals. The performances of Gosling and Williams have already been singled out for early awards attention, as has the direction by Derek Cianfrance.

Watch the trailer for Blue Valentine, and let us know what you think: