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1. BBFC
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) are an independent
organisation who where founded by the film industry in 1912. They are in
control of national film classification and censorship in the UK. This role
includes classifying videos and DVDs. In order to give films certificates they
must be neutral and unbiased and must under go observations to make sure
they are still unaffected.
The BBFC rate films with a certificate, which are U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, and 18,
R18.
The rating U signifies the movie being Universal and appropriate for all ages.
Very mild bad language is permitted in these films such as ‘damn’ and the
violence in this film would also be very mild and limited. A movie rated U is
Chuggington, which is a child friendly film.
PG is Parental Guidance, which is suitable for all ages although some scenes
may be inappropriate for younger children. Parents may choose to watch this
film before allowing their children to view it as swearing and violence may
appear but it should not disturb children aged 8 and over. PG movies include
Home Alone and Minions.
The next rating is 12A, this category is not fit for young children and is
relevant to cinemas as cinemas are not legally allowed to sell tickets to
children below this age unless they are with an adult. A film with this
certificate rating is likely to have more mature themes highlighted and
swearing and violence. Spectre is an example of a 12A film.
There is also a 12 rating, which relates to cinema releases like DVDS. It is
only suitable for 12 year olds and above making it illegal to sell a film of this
rating to someone under the age of 12.
The next rating is for 15 year olds and older. Supplying someone under 15
year olds with tickets to a film or DVD with a rating of 15 is illegal. These films
tend to contain adult themes like strong swearing and discriminative and
offensive language may be used and nudity is permitted. Team America and
The last Exorcism are 15-certificate movie.
18-certificate movie is only for adults only meaning tickets and DVDS can only
be sold to those of age. There are no restrictions on these films meaning
discriminatory terms, sex and nudity and violence is allowed in the films.
Criminal activity may be cut from these films. Films that have been rated 18
are Jackass and Sin City.

2. The last rating is R18 which can only be shown at adult cinemas or sold at
sex shops but both must be licensed, it is illegal to sell these rated movies to
under aged people or non licensed places. This films are pornographic that
are intended for sexual stimulation. This type of film may be cut before
viewers can watch it.
Obscene Publication Act
This acts prohibits the publication of obscene work, this includes morally bad
scenes that are likely to corrupt those that watch it. Any film that has scenes
that are considered offensive such as violent sexual acts can be cut. This act
works to protect the public from such scenes.
Video recordings act
The video recordings act was enforced to prevent viewers from watching
videos out of context, which can make the film appear inappropriate. It also
ensures that films have the correct certificate rating on them and that they are
not supplied to those under age.
Protection of children act
This prohibits children being exploited in films meaning they cannot be shown
inappropriately in a film. Children cannot work for more than 4 hours when
filming due to this act. This act also prevents children from watching films that
are not suitable for their age.
Video Nasties
This is a term used to describe films that were criticised for their content in the
media; this became popular in the 1980s. A moral campaign, led by Mary
Whitehouse started to prosecute video releases for obscenity.
BBFC have the power to ban or cut films that they feel fit into the video nasty
category. An example is The Trip that was banned 1968-2002 because of its
glorification of LSD. The film by Roger Cormans was rejected by the BBFC
four times during 1968- 1988; it was not released in the UK until 2002.
Another film, Straw Dogs was banned Video Recordings Acts and removed
from video shops. The film contains violent sexual acts leading to it being
deemed inappropriate for public viewing.