Since the earliest film images were created, sex and nudity have been part of cinema - audiences have been both titillated and horrified by what they've seen. But who is to decide what is appropriate to show on screen?

The most controversial sex scenes are the ones that really push the envelope - from Lolita to Secretary to Nine Songs. The films that are explored exemplify how cinema can be used to express the vast range of human sexuality.

Some feel it is the responsibility of independent films to express the less popular images of sexuality, transforming taboos to "to do's" - so to speak. Hollywood sex can often leave out the more realistic and natural aspects of human sexuality, exchanging reality for popularity and acceptability.

Underage sex is one of the most taboo topics on screen. The blockbuster teen films of the 80's and more contemporary teen flicks are all explored as mediums through which teen films have played a central role in adolescent sex education.