Film classification - the BBFC
04:08The BBFC, or the British Board of Film Classification, is a non-profit organisation based around the regulation and classification of films. Their aim is to protect audiences and children from content potentially dangerous to their age.
They Classify films into 5 categories:
U: The U symbol stands for universal and is suitable for ages 4 and up. In a U film, the language should be mild at the worst. Also, there would be no focus on sexual behaviour, but there may be obscure references to sexual behaviour.
PG: The PG symbol stands for Parental guidance, and this means that It is suitable for general viewing, bu younger people must be accompanied by an adult. There may be occasional swearing, such as "shit". And sexual references must be infrequent, unless they are in comedy to lessen the impact.
12: The 12, is simply for ages 12 and over. In the cinema releases, it is released as a 12a, so that means people under 12 can see it if there is a adult accompaniment. Strong language may be used, as long as it is justifiable by context etc. Sex can be seen in a 12, as long as it is brief and portrayed discreetly. Sexual references can be moderate at this point, but frequent crude ones are unlikely to be in this category. Moderate violence is also allowed but injury and ore must not be its main focus, only to build drama. Occasional gory moments can be seen depending on context. Physical and psychological horrors can be classified at 12, as long as horror sequences are not frequent, and the overall tone of the film is not too disturbing or horrifying. Dangerous behaviour such as suicide can be seen in 12 films, but must not go into too much detail which younger people could imitate. Drugs misuse can be seen infrequently as long as it has a clear showing that it is not glamorous to abuse drugs.
15 films are only suitable for the ages 15 and over.
You may see any of this in a 15 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
- drug taking
There is no limit on the amount of strong language that can be used, however the strongest language shall be used infrequently dependent on the context. Sex can be shown in an artistic manner, but without a large amount of detail, and it could be brief. Strong violence is permitted and will probably be commonplace in a 15. Dangerous behaviour shall not go into detail which could be copied, These films must also not encourage drug abuse. In horror terms, there can be strong horror, and threat can be strong, but no sexualised threats can be used.
Films rated 18 can only be seen at the cinema or bought/ rented by adults.
In 18 films no theme is prohibited, even if it may offend some adult viewers, as long as the material is not illegal or potentially harmful.
There is also no limit to the amount, strength, or context of language used; it can be direct or aggressive. Discriminatory language or ideas can also be used as long as they don't breach any legislation.
In terms of nudity there is also no limit in a non-sexual context and some sexual depictions are also allowed as long as the material is not a sex work ( a work whose primary purpose is to arouse viewers). Explicit images of sex may be used in the context of an educational work.
Violence can be strong and portrayed in detail with strong gore; including in a sadistic or otherwise sexual manner.
Drug use is allowed but the promotion of drug misuse is not.
Films rated 18 can only be seen at the cinema or bought/ rented by adults.
In 18 films no theme is prohibited, even if it may offend some adult viewers, as long as the material is not illegal or potentially harmful.
There is also no limit to the amount, strength, or context of language used; it can be direct or aggressive. Discriminatory language or ideas can also be used as long as they don't breach any legislation.
In terms of nudity there is also no limit in a non-sexual context and some sexual depictions are also allowed as long as the material is not a sex work ( a work whose primary purpose is to arouse viewers). Explicit images of sex may be used in the context of an educational work.
Violence can be strong and portrayed in detail with strong gore; including in a sadistic or otherwise sexual manner.
Drug use is allowed but the promotion of drug misuse is not.
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