British Board of Film Classification(also known as BBFC)

The British Board of Film Classification, also known as the BBFC, is a non-governmental organisation, funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification for films within the UK. It has a statutory requirement to classify videos, DVDs and some video games.

U certificate is suitable for all ages.A film with a U certificate should be suitable for age.They should include a moral situation with a happy ending and characters that make the audience laugh and smile. 

PG certificate is suitable for most audience members however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

A PG film should be suitable for a child around the age of 8 and over without an adult present however parents are advised to give consent to let their child watch the film without parental guidance.

The same criteria is used to classify the rating of a 12 or 12A

Mild scary elements are traditionally included to unsettle the children's nerves as they enjoy the excitement of scary sequences,

But the difference is whether the film has scenes that may upset or disturb children under the age of 12 such as language and violence. Films that are rated 12, is only used when a child wants to rent the movie, as no one under 12 may buy or rent a movie that is rated 12.

12A - The 12A category only exists for cinema as nobody under 12 is allowed to watch the film unless they are accompanied by an adult ·

Although these films are not recommend for anyone under 12 due to the content such as violence and possible swearing.

Classification details include elements like crime, violence if weapons such as knives are easily accessible, anti-social behaviour if anyone is being bullied for their race or age.

If a film contains dangerous aspects which young children are likely to copy, for example hanging themselves or self-harm the film may be restricted to cutting that out if the film is not considered to be a higher rating like a 15.

Films that are rated 15 are suitable for people aged 15 years and over.

No one under the age of 15 should watch the film in cinema, rent or buy this film when it is released.

Classification for a 15 depends on whether there is sexual content such as nudity, the language use is it frequent and how much violence occurs are there gory deaths or mild scenes where someone gets shot.

Horror films are usually rated 15 or 18 as they contain more violent behaviour, scary scenes and possible gore from the deaths, they can be psychological making it unsuitable for a younger audience as it may give them nightmares.
 

18 - No one under the age of 18 can view the film, rent or buy it once released.

Older audiences for 18's are horror fans or people who love violent wars and chases.

The rating certificate is used to protect younger children from seeing things that may cause them distress or make them feel upset and vulnerable.

R18 - Films that are rated R18 can only be shown in specific cinema's that are licensed for the content that will be shown.

 

They can only be supplied in licensed sex shops and to nobody under the age of 18.

 

This rating is a special and legally restricted classification. This rating is mainly used to show adult sex or fetish material between adults.

 

Natural nudity with no sexual content can be shown at lower rating levels however this is because it is of low key, not frequent and is barely shown.

 

R18 versions show a lot more nudity at a frequent and strong level with the sexual content visible this is why films with this content are of this rating.



Examples of different certificate…

U = Hugo, Puss in boots...

PG = Brave, Madagascar 1, 2 & 3...

12 = Sherlock Holmes, The Hunger Games...

12A = Just go with it, The Bourne trilogy...

15 = Apocalypse Now, Gangster Squad...

18 = Taken, The Day