Bbfc age classifications

2. The age rating for my film would be classified a 15 because
several scenes would not be suitable for an audience younger
than 15.
 It has a young aged character playing the role of a serial
killer. This could influence younger children to copy this, this
is why it is aged 15. (E.G – ‘Orphan’ is a film that has a child
as the serial killer- it has an age rating of 15)
 It has a dark tone which shows the murder’s intentions. Ivy
Blue, who is the serial killer in my film has a journal that has
words such as ‘Kill’ and a checklist of who she has murdered.
 There are some scenes that show blood which can appear
frightening to an audience younger than 15.

3. U - Violence will generally be very mild. Mild violence may be acceptable if it is justified
by context (for example, comedic, animated, wholly unrealistic)
PG - Violence will usually be mild. However there may be moderate violence, without
detail, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).
12/ 12A - There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail. There
should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be
permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and
discreetly indicated, and its depiction must be justified by context.
15- Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The
strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic violence is also
unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence
but the depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context.
18 – There are not too many limitations to 18 rated films however if the violence is too
strong for the audience, it is banned. This could be because it degrades human beings
ect. Movies are used to entertain the audience, not to horrify them. An example of a
banned film is Shogun Assassin. This film was banned for 17 years due to extreme
violence.

4. U References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be infrequent and innocuous, or
have a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.
PG References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable
anti-drug message.
12/12A Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give
instructional detail.
15 Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or
encourage drug misuse (for example, through instructional detail). The misuse of
easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents)
is unlikely to be acceptable.
18 There are not too many limitations to 18 rated films however if the drug use is too
extreme, it is not suitable to be viewed by the audience.
For example : In 1967, a minor American film portraying the effects of LSD was
banned on the advice of psychiatrists who concluded the film was 'inaccurate and
meretricious'. The BBFC rejected the film again on video in 1988, and continues to
look very carefully at works that may appear to portray drug use as a 'free ride'.

5. U Only very mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and
references to such behaviour.
PG Mild sex references
12/12A Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.
Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude
references are unlikely to be acceptable.
15 Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail.
There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the
strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by
context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or
stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
18 The limitations to sex scenes is that it can’t be too explicit
otherwise it would be too disturbing for the audience.