British Board of Film Classification!

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is a independent company that classifys the rating in the films we watch in the Cinema and on DVD. the way in which they rate our movies is by setting up guidellines they have to follow. They renew these guidelines every 4 years, the way in which they do this is by asking the public what they think is acceptable/appropriate to be seen in a U, PG, 12a, 12, 15, 18 and 18R. Below are the different guildlines in which they follow for each rating.


U- Universal (Suitable for all)
‘U’ movies should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ movies should be of a positive manner and uplifting for the viewer.

• There is no discrimnative Language or Gestures.
• Images of Drugs, Nudity and Sex are not prohibited unless mild (Example, Kissing).
• Horror and violence is mild and kept to a minimum.

 PG- Parental Guidance (General Viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children)
A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older.

• Discrimnative Language or Gestures are unlikey to be in a PG movie.
• Images of drugs are not likely. Nudity and Sex is Mild and infrequent with only natural references like innuendos.
• Horror and violence is not tense and can only last a short amount of time, it is also not in detail.

12a/12- Suitable for 12 years and over.
The same criteria are used to classify movies at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. This meaning material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. '12a' films only apply to cinema not DVD.

• Discriminative Language or Behavior is not endorsed and should not be in 12 films.
• Use of drugs should not be frequent and should not be glamorised. Nudity and Sex is allowed but it must be descreet and in no detail.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat is allowed if it is infrequent and mild, which is also the same voilence. There should be no detail, especially not blood/gore.

15- Suitable for 15 years or older.

• The movie must not endorse discriminative behaviour or language. Bad language however, for example swearing, is allowed.
• The use of drugs can be shown in a 15 but must not ivolve the misuse of the product. Nudity and Sex is allowed but must not be detailed.
• Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. Violence can be strong but must not focus on pain or injury

18- Suitable for Adults only.

• In movies with a rating of 18, the guildlines are pushed much further than of a 15. Discrimnative behavior, Drug use, Nudity, Sex, Violence and Horror can all be shown in some detail. Not extremely detailed but fairly. An exception for this is if the movie is in "breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence".

R18- To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops to adults of 18.

• These particular rating of movie is usually in the themes of sex and nudity- which is shown in great detail of these movies. However being on the breach of criminal law, using material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity and any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse (Strong physical or verbal abuse)is not acceptable.

"The British Board of Film Classification is an independant, non-governmental body, which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912, and videos since the passing of the video recording act 1984"