FILM CLASSIFICATION!

BBFC

The BBFC stands for the British board of film classification. It is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organisation which have classified films since 1912 when it was set up and DVDs in 1984 when the video recording act was passed. The BBFC also have the power to ban films if they believe is necessary.

The BBFC give age ratings for each classification...

'U' stands for universal. Meaning that it is suitable for all ages from the age of 4. No signs of discrimination, drugs, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex, threat or violence. violence is always very mild in a film of this rating if there is any and these film will generally contain positive messages about things like loyalty and kindness, etc.

'PG' stands for parental guidance. Meaning that is is suitable for general viewing, however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. In these films, nothing should upset a child 8 years or over. can explore challenging issues such as bullying or racism. There may be mild bad language such as 'shit' or 'bitch' and mild violence if there is any. Sex is unlikely unless it is infrequent and not in detail. Smoking, drink and drugs would not be promoted or focused on and neither would certain objects or easily accessible weapons such as kitchen knives

'12' and '12A' rated films may contain material that is not generally suitable for children under the age of 12, But '12A' is a cinema release rating that allows children under the age of 12 to watch a film of this rating if they are accompanied by an adult. If not accompanied by and adult, a child under 12 years of age cannot be permitted to watch this film. The '12' certificate stands for the DVD/Blue ray. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12 but no detailed scenes. Moderate violence is displayed in films of this age rating but with no real detail and strong language such as the 'f' word can be passed depending on the way it is used.

'15' rated films are not suitable for children under the age of 15. In films of this rating you can expect to find the following;

• Strong violence
• Frequent strong language (Not all words)
• Portrayals of sexual activity
• Strong verbal references to sex
• Sexual nudity
• Brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• Discriminatory behavior or language
• Drug taking

'18' rated films are suitable for ages 18 and over. In films of this rating you can expect to find the following; 

•   Very strong violence
•   Frequent strong language (Any/all words)
•   Strong portrayals of sexual activity
•   Scenes of sexual violence
•   Strong horror
•   Strong blood and gore
•   Real sex (in some circumstances)
•   Discriminatory behavior and language

'R18' rated films are also suitable for ages 18 and over but these films are legally-restricted due to their explicit and/or offensive content. Films of this rating generally contain frequent scenes involving sex or strong fetish material involving adults. These films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas and are only sold or rented from specially licensed shops. These films are also not supplied by mail order.