Movie Poster: Blue Valentine, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams

Unfortunately if you've heard anything about Blue Valentine, it's likely been as part of a negative story. Not about the film itself, which has been the subject of critical raves ever since it premiered at Sundance earlier this year. No, the controversial flick from director Derek Cianfrance has become known for being the latest victim of the MPAA's shoddy system for rating movies, saddling Blue Valentine with the dreaded NC-17 for one particularly intense sex scene between stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.

The Weinstein Company is appealing that decision, shooting for an 'R'. An NC-17 practically guarantees that nobody reading this post today is going to see the movie, which would be a crying shame.

I don't know if the Weinsteins are playing off the recent MPAA decision when they released this brand new poster, but the sexual energy radiating off of it is palpable.

Blue Valentine opens in limited release on December 31st, 2010. Check out the latest trailer for the film below, followed by a brief synopsis.

Blue Valentine is the story of love found and love lost told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this honest portrait of a relationship on the rocks.