British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)





BBFC is the guidelines that producers need to follow to make a classified film to be sold in the UK.  The British Board of Film Classifcation (BBFC) set age limits so that there are no ethical issues and so it doesn't corrupt the youth of today, and their attitudes towards sex and violence. They view all films and decide which age is suitable to view this film.

This U symbol stands for Universal. The certified 'U' films are aimed at a audience aged 4 years or over. However, it is hard to tell what the audience will find upsetting. A minimal, mild amount of bad language is included in these films, such as 'bugger' 'bloody' or 'damn'. There may be scenes in which the audience could find scary as the characters are put in danger. But it ends reassuringly and is quickly resolved. The sexual content involved is very mild - kissing or cuddling will be the extent of the sexual behaviour. The same with gay sexual relations, it is kept to a minimal.

A certified 'U' film will oftenly be a family film, meaning the message would be positive and something to do with loyalty, love or friendship. The intention is for the young children to not be influenced by any negative issues that can be created through drugs, horror, language, nudity, sex and violence.

PG films may endure issues of domestic violence, racism or bereavement. Illegal and anti-social behaviour (smoking, drugs, bullying) can be included in PG films. However, they need to educate them by emphasising that these things are bad and harmful. There may be mild language included like 'shit' or 'son of a bitch' - the context and delivery are important factors. The sexual and violent content are allowed however, it will need to lack in detail. The blood can be seen but not how the injury was inflicted. Some scary moments may occur but they should not show realistic horror, violence or weapons such as knives. This will not be glamorised within PG work. Potential copying from the children will only occur if the actions are seen as fun or safe e.g. climbing onto dangerous things. 

PG stands for parental guidance meaning the parents need to think if the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. The films are aimed at audiences of 8 years or older as is for general viewing but could include some scenes that are unsuitable for a younger child.

The difference between 12A and 12 is that the 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. Whereas, 12A is for films at the cinema only. 12A is suitable for anyone over the age of 12. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory' therefore, anyone under the age of 12 must be with someone aged 18 or over to watch the film with them. It is not recommended for a young child to see this as it may be seen as unsuitable.

The language involved in both of these certificates may be very strong, but it is only acceptable if it is infrequent. The context of the language is important. There may be moderate language included however, any discriminatory language will not be endorsed at all. The sex scenes may be brief and portrayed discreetly in 12 and 12A films. The verbal sex language should only be suitable for a young teenage to hear. Frequent crude sex references are accepted very rarely. Nudity may be in these films but sexual nudity should be briefly and discreetly shown. There should be no emphasises on injuries as moderate violence is only allowed. Action scenes may be viewed however weapons that are easily accesible for people aged 12 will not be glamorised. Also, moderate physical and pyschological threat is permitted as long as they are not too frequent. Dangerous behaviour may be shown but not dwelled on however, discriminatory behaviour should not be endorsed. Drug abuse may be shown as long as they are not glamorised or are portaying details.  

15 rated films are suitable for those aged 15 years or over. No one under that age can buy/rent or see a 15 certified film. The strong language involved is not really limited - it can potentially be a huge amount. There may be discriminatory behaviour, however as a 15, the work must not endorse this kind of behaviour. Sexual activity is allowed, it is normally shown for a long time with nudity and movement. Nudity has no contraints on non-sexual or educationational context.  However, there can not be strong, graphic detail or crude references. Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised and strong sadistic or sexualised violence is unlikely to be accepted. However, the violence may be strong without dwelling on the pain or injury. Gory images especially are less likely to be accepted for a 15 certificate film. Sexual violence can be shown if it is discreet and if it shows a strong justice of context.  However, verbal references to sex is allowed. The extent of horror can go up to strong threat and menace, as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised. Most horror films are rated 15, but if it will include gory images it is likely to not be accepted. The promotion and encouragment of drug use should be clear if shown. Easily accessible drugs and highly dangerous substances is not suitable for a 15 film.

18 rated films are strickly only for adult viewers. This age guidence prevents under eighteens from viewing this content in the cinema and on DVDs. Films like this are expected to have strong scenes of sex, violence and will contain strong language. Other language that should be expected is racist, homophobic or any other discriminatory language. Sex is aloud in strong detailed portrales in eighteen rated films, however there are not any constraints on nudity in an educational or in a non sexual manor.

R18 is the highest rating a film can be given without it being deemed unfit for viewing. Expected to contain heavy strong content of sexual scenes including fetishes and sexual acts containing adults. They are so explicit they cannot be supplied by mail order incase minors can access it. The puppose of a flim with such a high rating is sexual arousel and stimulation, they can only be viewed in specially licensed cinemas, and sold to adults in licenced sex shops.