The rating cites "excessive language," to which producer John Battsek responded in a press release: "Of course there is excessive language [...] This is a film that follows a truly exemplary family torn apart by the death of their loved one and the barrage of government deceit they encountered in their pursuit of the honest truth."
Harvey agreed, adding:
"This is one of the most important films I've distributed in my career, and I want my teenage daughter, and the nation's young adults to be able to watch Pat's story. We need to learn from this story, and limiting who can see it is not the answer."
Fair enough, but let's face it: The MPAA is a collection of scumbags whose sole purpose is to work with Washington. A bigger audience for The Tillman Story is not in either of their interests. Doesn't make it right! I'm just saying.
Moreover, for better or worse, it's a documentary, meaning a pretty limited art-house audience in any case. That said, had the Weinsteins just thrown a few slap-happy, naked girls and some over-the-top gore into the the viral campaign a la the very R-rated Piranha 3D, they would have kids sneaking into this one all weekend long.