'Fifty Shades' gets R rating, misses out on PG-13

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Fifty Shades of Grey was dubbed with an R rating by the MPAA, avoiding an NC-17 rating, but missing out on the desired PG-13 rating.

The movie was given the rating Wednesday with the MPAA citing "the strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity."

The filmmakers aimed for a PG-13 rating to open the film up to a wider audience and said they toned down the sexual content of the film to do so.

The film also avoided the rare and restrictive NC-17 rating.

The film, based on the series about an affair between a billionaire and literature student involving bondage and masochism.

The film is due to hit theaters Feb. 13.