"Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3" - I DO believe it needs a trigger warning.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always been known for its action-packed movies, engaging storylines, and larger-than-life characters and, I have to be honest, the first 2 installments of "Guardians of the Galaxy" have been my favourite in the MCU! However, with the release of "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3" some fans have been caught off guard by the graphic depiction of animal cruelty throughout the film. In this article, we will discuss the implications of such scenes, the potential need for trigger warnings, and how they can affect viewers with a personal connection to the issue.

(spoiler alert!)

Animal Cruelty in "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3"

As a rabbit, I can't help but feel a strong emotional connection to the topic of animal cruelty. It is without a doubt one of the most abhorrent acts imaginable, and it's only right that large media franchises like Marvel take the opportunity to spread awareness about this issue.

In "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3" there is a particularly gory theme involving the fan-favorite character, Rocket, a genetically modified raccoon. In previous movies we have seen Rocket being quite cryptic about his past, now we know why. The scenes depicts Rocket being subjected to a horrifying experiment, along with other animals who are also brutally modified.

The vivid portrayal of animal cruelty throughout the film has left many viewers feeling uneasy, leading to discussions on social media about whether the movie should have included a trigger warning.

Positive Intentions, Negative Impact

The intention behind showing these scenes of animal cruelty is likely to shed light on the horrors that animals can experience at the hands of humans, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting change. However, the graphic nature of these scenes can have a negative impact on viewers who may not be emotionally prepared for such content, particularly if they have a personal connection to the issue.

As someone who values the well-being of animals, I can appreciate the desire to bring attention to the issue of animal cruelty, but it's crucial to consider the impact that these scenes can have on viewers. Some fans have even reported needing to leave the theater before finishing the film due to the distressing nature of the content.

The Need for Trigger Warnings?

In light of the reactions to "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3" it's worth considering whether the movie should have included a trigger warning at the beginning to better prepare viewers for the graphic content. Trigger warnings can provide audiences with the information they need to make an informed decision about whether they are emotionally ready to watch a particular film or show.

By including a trigger warning, Marvel could have potentially avoided the backlash from fans who felt unprepared for the animal cruelty scenes in the film. It would have also allowed viewers who are sensitive to graphic content to approach the movie with caution or potentially avoid it altogether if they felt it would be too distressing for them.

Striking a Balance

While it's essential to raise awareness about important issues like animal cruelty, it's equally important to consider the potential impact on viewers and their emotional well-being. Striking the right balance between raising awareness and protecting viewers from potentially triggering content is a challenge that filmmakers must navigate.

In the case of "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3," perhaps a more subtle approach to depicting animal cruelty could have been employed, allowing for the issue to be addressed without alienating or distressing viewers. Alternatively, providing a trigger warning would have given viewers the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether they felt comfortable watching the film, without detracting from the overall message or intent.

Conclusion

The graphic portrayal of animal cruelty in "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3" has sparked a conversation about the responsibility of filmmakers to protect their viewers from potentially distressing content. While it's crucial to use media platforms to raise awareness about important issues like animal cruelty, it's equally important to consider the emotional well-being of viewers and the potential impact of graphic content on their experience.

In conclusion, the inclusion of trigger warnings in movies like "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3" can serve as a necessary tool to provide audiences with the information they need to make informed decisions about the content they choose to consume. By striking a balance between raising awareness and protecting viewers from potentially triggering content, filmmakers can create a more inclusive and thoughtful movie-going experience for all.

Considering everything said in this post I cant give to this movie more than 3 carrots out of 5 because I feel so sad for other bunnies like me that are less lucky.