(Aug. 13) -- An R-rated letter from Pat Tillman's father to a general and a battle over an R-rating are among the controversies brewing in anticipation of the Aug. 20 release of "The Tillman Story."

The documentary is based on the death of the Arizona Cardinals safety turned Army Ranger, who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.

Last week, Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, wrote a commentary for the Los Angeles Times, speaking out about Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, her son's death, fallen soldiers and President Barack Obama. Among other things, she emphasizes that the government should have looked into McChrystal's record a year ago and that her son is not who everyone thinks or says he is. She wrote:

"Pat is not more important or special than any of the others who have fought in these wars, but the truth of what happened to Pat -- and to every soldier who has died -- is important. The truth shines a light on systematic corruption, incompetence and lack of accountability in the military and in government."

The Weinstein Co., which is releasing the film, also gave The Huffington Post two letters by Tillman's father that hadn't been publicly released. They were written during the investigation into Tillman's death. The letters were addressed to Brig. Gen. Gary M. Jones (who was in charge of the investigation) and the Senate Armed Services Committee. In a nutshell, Tillman's father said, "F--- you ... and yours."

Thursday, The company lost an appeal to lower the R rating the Classification and Rating Administration gave. CARA, an organization under the Motion Picture Association of America, said the R rating still stands due to "language."

Producer John Battsek says the language is necessary to the documentary. It portrays a truthful picture of the Tillman family and the "barrage of government deceit" they experienced as they chased down evidence and witnesses to find the truth behind the death of their son.

Director Amir Bar Lev, who approached the Tillman family about making a documentary at the 2007 congressional hearings, said, "Giving this film an 'R' rating prevents young people from seeing this film -- the very people who should be exposed to a great American like Pat Tillman."

Suspicions that the government, advertently or inadvertently, covered up the way in which Tillman died in Afghanistan have remained since his death in 2004. The military first said he died a hero but subsequently acknowledged that he was killed by friendly fire. The film hopes to end all the questions that have surrounded the alleged cover-up.

And maybe some of the minors who sneak into R-rated films anyway can find their way in to see that.