Solution: Rating that's on the cusp of NC-17 - NYT Crossword

The Motion Picture Association of America first installed the letter rating system we use now in 1968 (which makes this its golden anniversary year, so bring it your Oscar if you go to the party). There’s always been an issue with changing mores, and the really racy/scary/violent stuff; initially the “X” rating denoted such, then in 1990 the “NC-17” label came along to try to reduce the stigma that an “X” rating had created. A HARD R rating would seem to be between “R” — which has meant restricted to adults, because of various elements — and “NC-17.” It doesn’t look like the HARD R rating appears on posters and listings for filmgoers; it’s more to do with advertisers who are nervous (in this day and age! imagine) about associating themselves with risqué stuff.