The document discusses the BBFC film rating categories of 12A, 12, and 15 in the UK. Films rated 12A can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, and implied sexual violence. A 12 rating applies to films suitable for ages 12 and up. A 15 rating is only for those age 15 and older and can contain strong violence, language, drug use and sex references without graphic detail. Examples are given of films such as The Dark Knight Rises, Taken 3, Iron Man 2, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire being rated at the 12A level due to moderate fantasy violence with little detail. Kick Ass 2 and Kingsman: The Secret Service received a 15 rating for strong bloody violence and a

1. BBFC Certification
Research
By Max Elmore

2. 12A
Applies to cinema releases only since 2002. Anyone under
the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult over the
age of 18; not likely to be suitable for anyone under the age
of 12.
Films under this category can contain mature themes,
discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language, very
strong language and moderate violence, sex references and
nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly
portrayed. Sexual violence may be implied or briefly
indicated.

3. The Dark Knight Rises
Contains overly fantastical fight scenes involving moderate
violence with heavy blows and impacts, but little injury
detail is shown. The sense of threat throughout the
narrative is not as personalised as The Dark Knight, so it
fulfils the 12A requirements.

4. Taken 3
Originally going to be a 15 due to its extreme use of
violence, however was cut to a 12A but released as a 15 for
home release. Its use of strong violence and a torture scene
was modified for the 12A launch, but it remained for the
home release.

5. 12
Applies to cinema releases from August 1989 to 2002, and
home media since 1994. Only suitable for people aged 12 or
older, illegal to possess any home media by anyone under the
age of 12.
12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the
home version unless extra material has been added that
requires a higher rating. Identical to 12A cinema releases

6. Iron Man 2
Featured a range of violence, however it is far fetched and
fantastical, meaning that it achieved the 12 rating. It also
has a lack of detail and realism in these actions scenes, so it
met the 12 requirements.

7. The Hunger Games:
Catching Fire
Violence and threat and injury detail are key features
throughout the film, however they are presented in a
fictitious context. Furthermore, it is also less bloody and
the combatants are older than the first Hunger Games,
making it fit the 12 rating for home release.

8. 15
Only suitable for people aged 15 and older. Illegal to
possess any home media by anyone under the age of 15.
Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard
drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of
very strong language, strong violence and strong sex
references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual
activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail.
Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by
context.

9. Kick Ass 2
Features strong bloody violence with the use of weapons but
does not focus on the infliction of pain. Fight scenes are in a
cartoonish manner and are highly choreographed, focusing
on the skills of the characters and how Hit Girl has been
trained to be an assassin from a young age. Also features
very strong language and sex references making it a 15.

10. Kingsman: The Secret
Service
Despite the action being in a cartoonish manner while
being fast paced and rapidly edited, there is a high focus
on blood and the infliction of injury, especially in the church
fight scene, which resulted in the film achieving a 15
rating.