Classification of Films

U-Rated Films

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and above. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range. At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience. U films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of. ‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings. Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour. However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.

PG Rated Films

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means that a film is suitable for general viewing, but the content may include scenes of unsettling nature for the child, and therefore must be viewed with a parent or guardian. A child around the age of eight and above must not experience anything in a film that has the possibility of upsetting them. Parents decide whether or not what occurs in a movie is appropriate for their child as they could be sensitive or emotional to certain footage. Although some films are given a PG certificate, they have not always been made with a younger audience in mind. A PG film may include mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’), undetailed and infrequent sex reference and violence will usually be mild. While there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail as PG films do not want children to inherit bad behaviour.

12A and 12 Rated Film

Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12.  No one younger than 12 years old may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. The BBFC's Guidelines state that strong language (e.g. 'f***') may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification. Strong language being used aggressively may result in a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at a 12A or 12. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example a brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama). Some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12A or 12A as long as horror sequences are not too frequent or sustained and the overall tone is not disturbing.

15 Rated Films

 

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. Any of the following can be expected to be found in a 15 rated film: strong violence, frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***'), portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language (e.g. ‘f***’). Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms (e.g. 'c***'). There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and the work could explore themes relating to this. At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category. At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.

18 Rated Films

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. 18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as very strong violence, frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’) strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour. There is no limit on the number of uses of strong (e.g. 'f***') or even very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’) which can be passed at 18. Uses could be aggressive, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language at 18, and the work could explore themes relating to discrimination. There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality or safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted. At 18, horror films may contain very strong horror, gore or sustained threat.