The BBCF classifies and rates films in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1912 as the British Board of Film Censors and changed its name to the British Board of Film Classification in 1985. The BBCF provides ratings for films on a scale of Universal to R18. The Universal rating means no age restrictions, while R18 films contain explicit pornography and are only shown in licensed adult venues. The BBCF is funded through fees paid by film producers to have their movies rated.

1. BBCF
The BBCF is the British Board of Film Classification, before 1985 when they
where known as British Board of Film Censors. They are a non-governmental
organization, founded by the film industry in 1912; they are responsible for the
national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom.
They have a statutory requirement to classify videos, DVDs and, to a lesser
extent, some video games under the video recording act 2010. The BBFC get
their money from film producers who want to publish their product. The producers
have to pay to get their film to be analysed and given a certificate, they also get
money when a member from their company is called over by a film producers to
analyse a section of their rehearsal.
Certificates
There are 7 certificates issued to films.
(Universal) This means all ages admitted allowed. Children aged 4 and over
are able to view because there is almost nothing unsuitable.
(Parental guidance) All ages admitted, but some certain scenes can be unsuitable for
young children. The scenes should not disturb children aged 8 or older. The film may
contain mild language or sex/drug references and some moderate violence if justified by
context parent may wish to check the content before they let their children watch
12,12A, 12PG this category applies to cinema only releases since 2002. Films
under this category are considered to be unsuitable for young children under 12.
12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless
extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. Films under this
category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong
language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may be
briefly and discreetly portrayed.
These films are only suitable for people aged 15 and older. It is illegal to supply a VHS, DVD,
Blu-ray Disc, UMD, video game, or film tickets with a 15 certificate to anyone under that age,
you will get charged and arrested. In the film there’s hard drugs, adult themes, regular use of
foul language and limited use of strong language, strong violence and nudity without graphic
detail. There is sex but without any detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and
justified by context.
A film with the certificate 18 is like a 15 but to the full extent, they have no limitation
so in nothing is censored and no cuts are made all swear words are allowed, all
sexually graphic scenes are shown nothing is restricted. Suitable for people aged 18 or
older, which means adults only. It’s illegal to provide these types of films to a younger
audience.
This is mostly pornography films that can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at
licensed sex shop. It is illegal to sell a film with this rating to anyone under the age of 18, and
it is also illegal to supply a film with this rating by mail order. These films are defined as
material intended for sexual stimulation and containing clear images of real sexual activity,
strong fetish material, explicit animated images, or sight of certain acts such as triple
simultaneous penetration and snowballing.