2. Introduction
The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, nongovernmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in
1912 and videos/ DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984.
For a film to be shown in Britain it has to pass through the BBFC’s film
classification methods.
They hold full responsibility for who can buy and watch films, DVD’s and
to some extent, video games.
4. U-Universal
U stands for universal which means this is suitable for all.
U rated films do not contain any strong language but allow
for mild language.
There is no horror or sexual activity in U films but scary
moments or kissing and cuddling but there will be no focus
on sexual behaviour.
5. PG-Parental Guidance
A PG film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger
children
There may be mild bad language (‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and
delivery are always important. For example if it is used aggressively it will be passed to the
next category
References to sex are allowed as long as it lacks in detail
Horror should be no more than a few “jump” or scary moments
There should be no detail of violence and the viewer should not see how the injury was
inflicted.
6. 12A & 12
12A(for cinema only)Cinemas are only permitted to supply tickets to
see a 12A-rated film to children under the age of 12 years if they are
accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years.
12A and 12 films may contain strong language(such as f**k) as long
as it is infrequent and not used in an aggressive tone.
12 films may have some sexual references but shouldn't go beyond
what is unsuitable for young teenagers. Nudity should be kept brief.
7. 12A & 12
(Continued)
Violence should be kept moderate and not go into any detail,
like blood or injuries. Gory moments may be allowed if they
can be justified(Medical drama)
Discrimination should not be a theme for a 12 or 12A film.
Drug use should be minimal and not include detail
8. 15
No one under the age of 15 is permitted to view or buy a film classified 15.
The difference between a 12 and 15 is stronger violence, frequent strong
language, sexual activity and references, nudity, brief sexual violence,
discrimination and drug taking.
There is no limit on the amount of strong language is used although the
strongest terms(c**t) can be used as long as not in an aggressive way.
A 15 should can have discrimination language but the whole film must
endorse this.
Sexual activity can be portrayed as long as there is no great detail
9. 15(Continued)
A 15 may involve nudity and movement but not in great detail, there can be
strong sexual references and behaviour and heterosexual and homosexual sex
and sex references are treated the same.
Strong violence is allowed as long as it does not detail infliction of pain or gory
images. Sadistic violence will not be passed as 15.
Portrayal of sexual violence will have to be kept discreet but references to it are
fine.
Many horror films are 15 but the most goriest images are unlikely to be
acceptable
10. 18
An 18 rated film should not be viewed or brought by anyone under the age of
18
No theme is prohibited as people 18 and over pick what entertainment they
watch within law.
18’s contain very strong violence, frequent strong language, strong portrayals
of sexual activity, strong horror and discriminatory behaviour.
There is no restrictions on how much violence, language and sexual scenes for
an 18 film.
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or
encourage drug misuse.
11. 18(Continued)
There is a point where the BBFC will not pass certain material if it breaches
criminal law or has been created through the commission of a criminal
offence, risks harm to individuals through their behaviour.
These reasons can lead to cuts from the film for it to be given a certificate or
the film could be banned as a whole, a good example being “The human
centipede part 2” however this film was later given an 18 certificate after
cuts were made.
12. R18
R18 is a special category primarily for explicit works of
consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
Adult licensed cinemas are only allowed to show R18 films
while videos are only found in licensed sex shops.
This category requires more cuts than any other BBFC
category.
13. Apocalypse
Our film “Apocalypse” will have the film classification of 15.
Reasons for this include threat, violence and some strong
language.
This film just borderlines a 15 classification but due to
including images of violence it has been given a 15 rather
than a 12.
