The controversial French film "Blue Is The Warmest Color" has been making headlines since it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Centering on a high school girl on a journey of self discovery, the film features multiple scenes of graphic sex, mostly between two women.

Sporting an NC-17 rating, "Blue Is The Warmest Color" would not ordinarily be seen in theaters by any eyes under the age of 17. But the IFC Center in the West Village has chosen to ignore the MPAA's rating and allow teenage patrons to see the coming-of-age movie. As expected, the IFC Center is incurring lots of criticism for the decision. Tim Winter, President of the Parents Television Council, has written a letter to IFC Center Senior VP and general manager John Vanco expressing his disapproval of the decision, stating they have an obligation to protect children from sex, violence, and profanity in entertainment.

The theater released a statement last week explaining this controversial move: “This is not a movie for young children, but it is our judgment that it is appropriate for mature, inquiring teenagers, who are looking ahead to the emotional challenges and opportunities that adulthood holds.”

Film critic A.O. Scott of the New York Times has allowed his 14-year-old daughter to see the film twice. The true content of the film, which is a high schooler dealing with issues of "peer pressure, first love, homework, and post-graduate plans", is something that he feels teens should have access to. He also claims the sex is no more graphic than any adult novel a teen could buy off a bookshelf. Personally - my issues with the ratings system aside - I'm glad teens are showing an interest in a three-hour long, subtitled film. If it takes graphic lesbian sex to teach teens to be cultured, so be it.

What do you think of the IFC Center's decision? Tweet us @StageBuddy and tweet @IFCCenter letting us know if you'd let your teen see "Blue Is The Warmest Color".