The filmmakers should have sought an R rating; the material frequently approached that level, and with slight adjustments, it could have achieved its full potential as a piece of American pop art. It’s surprising that this received a PG rating, especially considering the creators involved. The film possessed a darker atmosphere than *Lord of the Rings*, alongside the same distinctive animation style that avoids Disney aesthetics. However, the content doesn't quite measure up to what is suggested. The story already seemed intended for an adult audience and had elements of darkness and grit. Considering it was released in 1983, when I was a child, R-rated films were still accessible to younger viewers at that time. A bit more exploration of the darker themes would have made it flawless. As it is, I'd describe it as an "imperfect masterpiece." It’s enjoyable for fans of the genre and those who appreciate Bakshi’s work—it’s simply a fun film overall; it just needed that final nudge.

Source on TMDB