Research into BBFC

The BBFC is a company that has been classifying cinema films since 1912. There are 7 classifications that films can be given and this is all depends on the contents of the film.

The first film rating is 'U' and this symbol stands for Universal.
It does usual aim for children 4 years and over to be the target audience as sometimes they may contain bad language such as 'damn' or 'hell'. These words could be offensive but can be justified if a parent allows their children to watch programmes/films rated a U. The only sexual content that can be seen is mild kissing or cuddling and references to sex such as 'love making' may be heard. Violence and horror is not permitted but small fight scenes that contain a small danger threat. These scenes are not long and end in a resolution. Some 'bad' characters may carry weapons but these weapons are usually related to some historical story so the audience are learning too.

Next is 'PG'. This stands for parental guidance and is most suitable for children 8 years and older. Although parents need to consider weather the content would upset their children. Not all PG films are made with children in mind as some are given the PG certificate because they don't contain things that would be given to a 15 but still are not children films. PG films usually deal with themes such as bereavement, domestic violence and racism. The films may contain content such as smoking, drinking and drugs but these issues will not be glorified. There can be blood but the injury wont be seen in shot and these kind of 'horror' scenes will not be prolonged.


Next there is 12 and 12A. The difference between the two is that the 12A is usually for cinema viewings. The A stands for 'accompanied' and if they the child is under 12 they have to accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. The decision of taking the child is to the adults discretion- if they believe that content is acceptable then that is the decision. If a film has a very dark or unsettling tone then it is unlikely that it will be passed as a 12A. Some language is allowed at 12/12A such as 'twat' or 'bitch' but no racial language is allowed. Language used in an angry tone or used to insult someone directly isn't allowed. Sex is featured in these films and any scenes of nudity will be brief. Homosexual relationships are treated exactly the same. Any verbal sex references do not go beyond what is accepted for young adults/teenagers. Horror films can be passed in this category as long as the scenes are not long or substantial. Physical and psychological threat is permitted. For this certificate moderate violence is allowed such as fight scenes, weapons shouldn't be glamorised.

15 rated films are purely for people 15 years old and over. These films feature themes such as strong language e.g. f**k, strong violence, prolonged scenes of sex, strong reference to sex and drug taking. Discriminatory language can be quite frequent such as racist and homophobic insults although the whole film should not be focussed on one of theses themes. Sexual activity is usually shown although it should be very graphic at a 15. At 15 violence can be very strong but there should be no scenes focusing on the injury itself but sexual violence probably wont be acceptable. Any easily acceptable weapons should not be glamorised. Any horror films rated 15 usually contain strong threat and menace. Situations that teenagers may copy such as suicide, hanging
and self harming are not permitted.

 Finally the last certificate for films is 18. 18 films contain most themes
strong sexual content, strong blood and gore, strong violence, strong horror and real sex in some circumstances. Any circumstances using bad language are permitted. There can be racial and homophobic themes at an 18 and discriminatory behaviour is allowed towards characters. Violence can be strong and portrayed in strong detail. There can be dwelling on scenes of injury blood and gore. Sustained threat that is stronger than an 15 will be certified a 15. Drug taking is accepted but it should not be promoted. Dangerous and criminal behaviour may be cut.
Any sexual scenes that bare too explicit would probably be rated R18. These films usually are too explicit and will only be available in licensed sex shops.