Softcore
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Softcore is a form of pornography that is less explicit than hardcore material in depicting or describing sexual behaviour. Generally softcore does not depict explicit sexual contact but may include nudity and/or simulation of intercourse. While both softcore and hardcore feature sexual situations with the intention of arousing the viewer, the key difference is that softcore does not clearly show any of the following hardcore elements: aroused genitalia (including masturbation), ejaculation, or penetration (vaginal, anal and/or oral). Some softcore, especially in recent years however, are more explicit in that male and female genitalia are shown on screen. Also, some portray contact with female genitals. In milder forms of softcore pornography, the nudity is implied such as the handbra technique. Unlike hardcore pornography, softcore is not as stigmatized and many actors and actresses who played in films have become mainstream stars.
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[edit] History
After the formation of the MPAA rating system in the United States and prior to the 1980s, numerous softcore films, ranging from low to high production costs, were released to mainstream movie theatres especially drive-ins. Some, such as Emmanuelle[1] and Alice in Wonderland.[2], received positive reviews from noted critics such as Roger Ebert. Since the rise in popularity of home video in the 1980s, however, softcore films have been restricted to home video releases and production values have dropped as they may now be mass produced. Softcore films are commonly carried by national video stores such as Blockbuster and Rogers Plus, the latter place them in a segregated room, inaccessible to minors while the former attach labels to the display package.
[edit] Examples
Examples of American softcore photography include Playboy and Perfect 10.
[edit] References
- ^ [1] - Emmanuelle review by Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, January 1, 1975
- ^ [2] - Alice in Wonderland review by Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, November 24, 1976.
