Q&A: Movies with Problematic Scenes
Movies with Problematic Scenes
Question
Hello Rabbi, is it permitted to watch movies that contain immodest scenes, and even scenes of a sexual nature? Is it enough just to hide or skip past those scenes?
Answer
From the standpoint of strict law, there is room to be lenient, since this is a case of there being no other way available—what is referred to in the Talmud in tractate Pesachim as: unavoidable and not intended. See Chafetz Chaim, Principle 6, paragraph 5, in Be’er Mayim Chayim, where he expands on this. According to his view, it seems one would not even need to cover one’s eyes. However, some distinguish between sexual prohibitions and forbidden erotic thoughts, on the one hand, and malicious speech on the other.
Of course, it is still preferable to avoid it if you know in advance that this movie contains such scenes. Especially if the movie has no real value for you and serves merely as entertainment.
I seem to recall that Rabbi Abraham Stav discussed this at length in an article that stirred controversy. Search online.