By Dilini Gorsia
The British Board of Film Classification is an independent body that 
was set up by the film industry to categorise cinema films as age 
appropriate. There are seven classifications to class the films into, 
these are: U, PG, 12A, 12, 18 and R18. Cinema releases are 
classified by at least two examiners who follow specific guidelines 
which include, whether the film is in breach of the law; whether the 
film suggests immoral and desensitising views; whether the film 
conducts, in any way, cruelty to animals and whether the film 
condones drug taking/violence etc. 
Our film would be rated a 15 certification as it shows scenes of strong 
violence, language and threat; portraying scenes with dark, 
unsettling tones which would disturb younger viewers. However, our 
film will not be rated an 18 certification as the film does not include 
frequent strong language, strong use of blood and gore nor 
extremely strong violence that is portrayed in great detail.
 The darkness includes a level of activity that may leave the 
audience feeling anxious and scared. Therefore as a group we have 
evaluated the film and given it a certification of 15. we have decided 
that it is likely that children under the age of 15 wont be able to 
handle the surroundings or understand the concept of the film. 
 Even though our film doesn’t contain any sexual activity in any 
scenes viewed, it still contains action which young children may find 
distressing, especially if they’re being viewed alone. So, in order to 
prevent any issues we decided to use the age 15 certification.
In order to be classified as a 15 certificate, the work must not support 
language or behaviour that conveys ideas of discrimination. Also, 
drugs shown within the film cannot encourage drug use or misuse. 
Sexualised threats are not allowed however, strong threat or danger 
can be shown within a 15 rated film. The amount of threat and what 
it consists of is constricted for this age classification as imitable 
behaviour such as, hanging, suicide or self-harming could influence 
younger viewers if demonstrated in detail. Violence induced may be 
strong as well although strong gory images are likely to be 
unaccepted. The language within the film may have regular use of 
strong language though; stronger expressions need to be justified 
by the context. Sexual activity may be indicated without strong detail 
and references to sexual behaviour may be permitted whereas 
nudity can be shown but not in great detail.

BBFC Certification

  • 1.
  • 2.
    The British Boardof Film Classification is an independent body that was set up by the film industry to categorise cinema films as age appropriate. There are seven classifications to class the films into, these are: U, PG, 12A, 12, 18 and R18. Cinema releases are classified by at least two examiners who follow specific guidelines which include, whether the film is in breach of the law; whether the film suggests immoral and desensitising views; whether the film conducts, in any way, cruelty to animals and whether the film condones drug taking/violence etc. Our film would be rated a 15 certification as it shows scenes of strong violence, language and threat; portraying scenes with dark, unsettling tones which would disturb younger viewers. However, our film will not be rated an 18 certification as the film does not include frequent strong language, strong use of blood and gore nor extremely strong violence that is portrayed in great detail.
  • 3.
     The darknessincludes a level of activity that may leave the audience feeling anxious and scared. Therefore as a group we have evaluated the film and given it a certification of 15. we have decided that it is likely that children under the age of 15 wont be able to handle the surroundings or understand the concept of the film.  Even though our film doesn’t contain any sexual activity in any scenes viewed, it still contains action which young children may find distressing, especially if they’re being viewed alone. So, in order to prevent any issues we decided to use the age 15 certification.
  • 4.
    In order tobe classified as a 15 certificate, the work must not support language or behaviour that conveys ideas of discrimination. Also, drugs shown within the film cannot encourage drug use or misuse. Sexualised threats are not allowed however, strong threat or danger can be shown within a 15 rated film. The amount of threat and what it consists of is constricted for this age classification as imitable behaviour such as, hanging, suicide or self-harming could influence younger viewers if demonstrated in detail. Violence induced may be strong as well although strong gory images are likely to be unaccepted. The language within the film may have regular use of strong language though; stronger expressions need to be justified by the context. Sexual activity may be indicated without strong detail and references to sexual behaviour may be permitted whereas nudity can be shown but not in great detail.