BBFC - British

U or Universal:

This BBFC certificate is given to a film if it is suitable for ages 4 and above. The grading of a ‘U’ should be set within the positive area of framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

U films are normally seen to be suitable for any age so if a child was left to watch alone they could do so without the child getting scared of what they are watching.

If with a U grading the film shouldn’t have any discrimination of any sort unless it is clearly disagreed with after being stated in the film. It should also not refer to any use or names of illegal drugs, unless of the circumstance of being educational. The most a U graded film can contain sex wise is kissing and the term making love this is to make the film a lot more child friendly and help put parents at ease with leaving it on the television or when viewing in a cinema. So this also means that no strong language will be allowed to be used in the film any swear words will not be used though out the showing apart from the very mild argument between the characters.

PG or Parent Guidance:

This BBFC certificate is given to a film if it is suitable for ages 8 or older unless a child younger than this guideline is accompanied with an adult. This is due to that they need to consider if the film will in any way upset there child.

If with a PG grading the film shouldn’t really contain any sort of discrimination however if it is used in an educational or historical content then it is seen to be ok. Any use of illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message. This is clearly so that non of the children watching this can think that it is a good idea to do this sort of thing. Language used is mild with no reference the main offenders, as well as that the sexual content will be minimum with at most it being getting close as kissing or together for long periods of time. The PG rating should also only contain small amount of horror as to only argument and a mild build up scene. This also cross with violence as it can only be used if it is then justified after it being used.

12A/12:

This BBFC certificate is more or less the same however it depends where the film in general is suited. Films classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category is only used for cinema films. No one younger than 12 can see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult can choose to take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. Which means the category ‘12’ is only used for a video once the film is released.

If with a 12A/12 grading the film can contain some sort of discrimination, in the language if said aggressively or not in both situations in has to have some reason for it or strongly considered against by another character. Drugs in this rated can be used but must not in any way suggest that it is ‘cool’ or a good thing to be doing this. Any horror used in this rated will be mild for example a threat and not much more than this should be permitted. Any sex or nudity used is allowed but must be discreet and to a minimum. Moderate violence is allowed but mustn’t dwell on content. There can’t be any gory parts or blood being shown with a fight or other similar situations.

15:

This BBFC certificate cannot be seen by anyone under the age of 15 in a cinema, as well as they cant buy or rent it.

The ‘15’ category cannot endorse discriminatory language or behaviour in any way. Also the film can use drugs but not in anyway advertise them or shown the ways in which you choose to use/misuse them. If horror is used strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. Strong language can be used as up to the main offenders however must be justified if it is used in the context at that time. Sexual context can be used to a lot but without any strong detail, however there can be referred to with character talking about the subject. Violence can be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable; however any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

18:

This BBFC certificate cannot be seen by anyone under the age of 18 in the cinema, as well as they can’t buy or rent it.

The certificate of ‘18’ is met with the human rights act 1998 there for it is up to the view on the personal taste of entertainment weather or not to view the film. The exceptions are most likely to follow these areas:

- Where the material is in breach of the criminal law

- Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault

- Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ would normally be confined to that category.

R18:

This BBFC certificate is a special and legally restricted classification. This is may due to the content of sex or strong fetish material involving adults. These types of films can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas and can supply to only a licence sex shop.

Some things which are not allowed in the videos of this rated would be, anything which is a criminal act or any content which is likely to encourage sexual abuse. Any sort of infliction of pain set to a person which can be seen as torture. Also any threats are not allowed in the film as is can be seen wrongly by others.