BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification, and they have classified cinema films since they were set up in 1912 and videos/DVDs since the video recordings act was passed in 1984.
All classification decisions are based on the BBFC published and regularly updated guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive research and the experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.
All classification decisions are based on the BBFC published and regularly updated guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive research and the experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.
The U symbol stands for universal and is suitable for children aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to know what can be upsetting for a particular child. Films aimed at children in particular are always rated U. In the U rated films, only infrequent use of very mild language is allowed (e.g. "Damn" or "Hell"). Potentially dangerous or anti-social behaviour that a child might copy, is avoided in these films. A U film can have a wide range of themes, as long as they are suitable. However, this does not mean that these films are just limited to children.
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The PG symbol stands for parental guidance which means that the film is suitable for general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for small children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older but parents should consider whether the content may upset younger children. A PG film will not contain anything that would be inappropriate for a child and although this rating is based around a specific age group, films with this rating may not necessarily be aimed at children. An example of this would be the film "Saving Mr Banks" which is mostly enjoyed by grown ups but did pass as a PG rating.
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Films classified as 12A or 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children younger than 12 years of age. Nobody younger than 12 may go and see a 12A film in a cinema unless they have an adult with them. The difference between a 12A and a 12 is, the 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 years old to the cinema to see the film. The 12 is administered to DVDs because accompanied viewing can't really be enforced in the home. Some horror films can pass for a 12A rating, moderate physical or psychological harm can be permitted at 12A as long as the horror sequences are not too frequent and the overall tone is not seriously disturbing. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to the cinema to see a rated 12 movie, must consider whether it is suitable for that child. Strong language may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner it is used in and who is using it. Discriminatory language is not allowed in these films and dangerous behaviour may be shown but something that may be copied by a child will not be dwelled on for too long.
BBFC have a link on their website, called BBFCinsight, where you can learn more about the content of the 12 and 12A films. This is aimed at adults that are thinking about taking a child younger than 12 years to a 12A film. You can see that page here. |
No-one under 15 can go and see a 15 at the cinema or buy/rent and 15 rated film. A 15 rating is not suitable for anyone under the age of 15. All themes are allowed to be a 15 rating, as long as the film itself is suitable for 15 year olds. Drugs, strong language, violence, sexual nudity and discriminatory language are all allowed in a rated 15 film. There could be a large amount of swearing and strong violent scenes, obviously depending on the genre of the film. At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no prolonged focus on sadistic or sexualised threat. Dangerous behaviour such as hanging, suicide and self-harming should not be dwelled on as teenagers are impressionable and details could be copied. The accessibility of weapons will depend on the realism of the situation in the movie.
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Films rated 18 are only suitable for adults. No-one under 18 can go to the cinema and see an 18 rated film or buy/rent and 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated films are suitable for children either. At 18, horror films may contain very strong horror, gore or threats. 18 rated films almost always contain very strong violence and frequent strong language, sexual violence, strong horror and gore, real sex (in some cases) and discriminatory language. Uses of bad language can be quite aggressive or accompanied by violence. There is no constraints on nudity in an 18 rated film, whether it be for sexual purposes or not. The strongest gory images are permitted in this rating and though 18 films may cover strong themes, harm is still a consideration so very dangerous or criminal behaviour may be cut.
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