2. WHAT IS THE BBFC?
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is most commonly
known as the British film ratings meaning the age certificate a
film is given.
The range of age ratings include U, PG, 12A, 12, 15 and 18 These
correspond to what is deemed to be an appropriate age to view
that specific film.
3. UNIVERSAL
• U stands for universal meaning it’s suitable for all audiences aged four years
and over. The reasoning for the minimum age 4 is that it is not certain what
may upset a child of such a young age, for example a three year old could
misperceive a friendly scrap for a violent fight not knowing otherwise.
• Bad language can be used on an infrequent basis however only bad
language as far as ‘hell’ and ‘damn’ and is not often adjectively used e.g. to
describe someone and is more often used in scenarios of a reaction such as
“what the hell”
• As far as sexual themes go, U films will allow for kissing and cuddling with
references to sexual behaviours however no overt sexual themes along with
no innuendos.
• When it comes to violence in U films, violent scenes are often of a non-gore
vague nature with reassuring outcomes. No emphasis will be put on
weapons of any kind as well.
4. PARENTAL GUIDANCE
• Parental guidance films are more colloquially known as “family friendly” films
meaning they're suitable for all ages however can contain more content that
appeals to older audiences. The BBFC recommends these films for children over
eight years old as some scenes may not be suitable for any younger and that it is
for the parents consideration whether the content may upset their children.
• Not all PG rated films are made for younger audiences however will have a PG
rating due the amount of non harmful content they contain.
• Mild swearing is permitted in PG rated films however is not used in an aggressive
manner and there is no great deal of bad language. The mild language only uses
words as bad as ‘shit’ and ‘son of a bitch’ as stated on the BBFC website, any bad
language worse than prior mentioned may budge the film to a higher ratings.
• Violence is may be used with blood and mild gore but mainly in fantasy, fiction
and sci-fi settings. The details of injuries may not be shown such as internals etc.
5. 12-12A
• The difference between these two ratings are that a 12 film may not be watched
by a child under the age of 12 in any circumstance where as a 12A film may be
watched by children under 12 as long as they're accompanied by an adult. BBFC
recommends parents decide whether their child should watch the following film
as it does involve more potentially harmful content than prior mentioned ratings.
• With bad language, 12 and 12A films can contain strong language such as ‘f*ck’
however if it is placed in an aggressive or frequent context then the film may be
placed into the 15 certificate.
• Violence – physical and psychological threat is permitted which often means that
horror films may be 12 or 12A rated. Violence should not dwell into detail and gory
moments can be justified if they're in context based scenarios such as the medical
field. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.
6. 15
• With the 15 certificate, no theme is now prohibited from use in film and video.
• Sexual themes are also included, allowing for long period sex scenes however
they’re not allowed to go into graphic detail which would pass from a 15 to an 18.
There may be verbal references to sexual violence however no graphic depictions
are acceptable.
• Drug use is also now acceptable however the use of drugs must not convey a
positive image/result of drug misuse.
• A great deal of bad language can be used in 15 rated films along with the
aggressive use of them. Words deemed the worse of the worse can also be used
(such as c*nt) however not excessively at risk of pushing the film’s certificate to an
18.
7. 18
• Finally is 18, this is where pretty much anything can go by. As long as the
material is not illegal or potentially harmful then adults have the full right to
chose their entertainment
• Strong language can be used both offensively and frequently with no
boundaries, with the pragmatic ‘worse of the worst’ swear words also
included. This includes discriminatory words of a racist, homophobic or
other discriminatory origin.
• Strong and detailed portrayals of sex are permitted as long as the film’s
purpose isn’t sourly for arousal and/or stimulation. There are also no
constraints of nudity if it is used in a non-sexual or educational context.
