I hear the rape secene may have been edited down to make it less graphic. The producers are trying to make the film seem noble by claiming to raise awareness and provide toll free phone numbers for rape victims. This misses the primary point that for millions of kids, Dakota is one of them and a symbol of innocence.
It isn’t merely Dakota’s psyche we are concerned with here.
It is irresponsible to place any child in the position to deal with the emotions of a rape victim, but it is also irresponsible to use the notoriety of the most famous 12 year old of our time to get publicity for a movie and it’s tragic to justify this mindless choice as a way to win an Oscar.
